On this day: November 13
1940 – Walt Disney’s “Fantasia” is released
On November 13, 1940, Walt Disney’s animated musical film “Fantasia” was released in the United States. The film featured a series of short animated segments set to classical music pieces, including works by composers such as Bach, Tchaikovsky, and Beethoven. “Fantasia” was a groundbreaking film that pushed the boundaries of animation and showcased the potential of combining music and visual art in storytelling.
1982 – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.
On November 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. The memorial, designed by Maya Lin, features a black granite wall inscribed with the names of over 58,000 American soldiers who died or went missing during the Vietnam War. The memorial has become a powerful symbol of remembrance and healing for veterans and their families.
1851 – The Denny Party lands at Alki Point, marking the founding of Seattle, Washington
On November 13, 1851, the Denny Party, a group of American pioneers led by Arthur Denny, landed at Alki Point in present-day Seattle, Washington. The group established a settlement that would later become the city of Seattle. The founding of Seattle marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Pacific Northwest and the development of the United States.
1927 – The Holland Tunnel opens to traffic
On November 13, 1927, the Holland Tunnel, the first underwater vehicular tunnel in the United States, opened to traffic. The tunnel connects New York City with Jersey City, New Jersey, and is a vital transportation link between the two cities. The Holland Tunnel revolutionized transportation in the region and remains an important part of the New York metropolitan area’s infrastructure.
1994 – Sweden votes to join the European Union
On November 13, 1994, Sweden held a referendum in which voters decided to join the European Union. The decision to join the EU marked a significant shift in Sweden’s foreign policy and paved the way for greater economic and political integration with European countries. Sweden officially became a member of the EU on January 1, 1995.
1895 – The first automobile race in the United States is held in Chicago
On November 13, 1895, the first automobile race in the United States took place in Chicago. The race, organized by the Chicago Times-Herald newspaper, featured six cars competing in a 54-mile course from Chicago to Evanston and back. The winning car, a German-made vehicle driven by Charles Duryea, completed the race in just over 10 hours. The race marked the beginning of a new era of transportation and innovation in the United States.
2001 – Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban government agrees to hand over Osama bin Laden
On November 13, 2001, Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban government agreed to hand over Osama bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist group al-Qaeda, to the United States. The decision came in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The Taliban’s agreement to surrender bin Laden was seen as a significant development in the fight against terrorism and marked a turning point in the U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan.
