On this day: May 24
1935 – The First Night Game in Major League Baseball
On May 24, 1935, the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies made history by playing the first night game in Major League Baseball. The game took place at Crosley Field in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was made possible by the installation of floodlights. The Reds won the game 2-1 in front of a crowd of over 20,000 fans. This marked the beginning of a new era in baseball, as night games became a regular feature of the sport.
1844 – Samuel Morse Sends the First Telegraph Message
May 24, 1844, is a significant date in the history of communication, as it is the day that Samuel Morse sent the first telegraph message. The message, “What hath God wrought,” was transmitted from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore, Maryland, using Morse code. This event marked the beginning of a new era in long-distance communication and revolutionized the way people communicated over long distances.
1962 – Scott Carpenter Orbits the Earth
On May 24, 1962, American astronaut Scott Carpenter became the second American to orbit the Earth. Carpenter’s mission, known as Aurora 7, lasted just under five hours and orbited the Earth three times. Carpenter’s successful mission further solidified the United States’ space program and paved the way for future space exploration.
1883 – The Brooklyn Bridge Opens
One of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge, officially opened to the public on May 24, 1883. The bridge, which spans the East River and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its completion. The Brooklyn Bridge has since become a symbol of New York City and a popular tourist attraction.
1941 – Bob Dylan is Born
May 24, 1941, marks the birth of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Born Robert Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota, Dylan rose to fame in the 1960s with his unique blend of folk and rock music. Known for his poetic lyrics and distinctive voice, Dylan has had a profound influence on the music industry and is considered one of the greatest musicians of all time.
1976 – Concorde Makes its First Commercial Flight
On May 24, 1976, the Concorde, a supersonic passenger airliner, made its first commercial flight. The flight, operated by British Airways and Air France, traveled from London to Bahrain in just over three hours. The Concorde was known for its speed and luxury, but it was eventually retired in 2003 due to high operating costs and a fatal crash in 2000.
2001 – The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is Opened for Oil Drilling
On May 24, 2001, the United States Senate voted to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska for oil drilling. This decision was met with controversy and protests from environmentalists, who argued that drilling in the refuge would have detrimental effects on the ecosystem and wildlife. Despite opposition, drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge began in 2017.
1968 – The Rolling Stones Release “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
May 24, 1968, saw the release of one of the Rolling Stones’ most iconic songs, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” The song, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, became a worldwide hit and is considered one of the band’s signature songs. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” showcases the Stones’ trademark blues-rock sound and has stood the test of time as a classic rock anthem.
1994 – Four Men Convicted in the World Trade Center Bombing
On May 24, 1994, four men were convicted for their roles in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City. The bombing, which killed six people and injured over 1,000, was the first terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The convictions marked a significant milestone in the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators behind the attack.
