Today In History
5 Fun Facts About June 4 In Massachusetts History
1. On June 4, 1783, the first balloon flight in North America took place in Boston. A Frenchman named Jean-Pierre Blanchard flew a hot air balloon from the Boston Commons, marking a significant moment in aviation history. 2. Harvard University was founded on June 4, 1636, making it one of...
5 Fun Facts About June 3 In Massachusetts History
1. In 1781, the Massachusetts General Court, the state legislature, proclaimed June 3 as "Election Day" - a state-wide holiday for the purpose of holding annual elections. This tradition continues to this day, with Massachusetts being the only state in the country to recognize "Election Day" as a public holiday....
5 Fun Facts About June 2 In Massachusetts History
1. In 1924, the first graduating class of the Federal Academy in Massachusetts (now known as the United States Coast Guard Academy) received their diplomas. 2. On June 2, 1953, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) demonstrated the first "reaction control system" for space travel. 3. In 1869, the Brighton...
5 Fun Facts About June 1 In Massachusetts History
1. In 1660, Mary Dyer was hanged on Boston Common for her Quaker religious beliefs. She was one of four Quakers executed in Massachusetts that year. 2. In 1774, the Massachusetts Government Act took effect, which revoked the colony's charter and placed it under direct British control in response to...
5 Fun Facts About May 31 In Massachusetts History
1. In 1857, the Massachusetts State Legislature granted a charter to the Boston Park Commission to establish and maintain a system of public parks and open spaces throughout the city. This led to the creation of iconic parks like Boston Common and the Emerald Necklace. 2. On May 31, 1888,...
5 Fun Facts About May 30 In Massachusetts History
1. In 1632, the Massachusetts Bay Colony granted a land patent to Reverend John White and his associates, establishing the settlement of Saco on the coast of Maine. 2. On May 30, 1903, a severe tornado struck the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, killing 94 people and causing widespread damage. The...
5 Fun Facts About May 29 In Massachusetts History
1. In 1780, Massachusetts became the first state to abolish slavery through its state constitution. Article 1 of the new constitution declared that "all men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights." 2. In 1848, the Boston Public Library opened its doors to the...
5 Fun Facts About May 28 In Massachusetts History
1. In 1830, the first railroad in Massachusetts opened, running from Boston to Newton; it marked a significant milestone in the state's transportation history and sparked the growth of the railway industry in Massachusetts. 2. On May 28, 1892, the Boston Symphony Orchestra gave its first public performance; the orchestra...
5 Fun Facts About May 27 In Massachusetts History
1. On May 27, 1637, the first battle of the Pequot War took place in present-day Mystic, Connecticut, involving English and Mohegan allies against the Pequot tribe. The conflict would last until July 1638, resulting in the virtual extermination of the Pequots and opening up more land for English colonization....
5 Fun Facts About May 26 In Massachusetts History
1. In 1864, the final day of the Battle of North Anna took place in Virginia during the American Civil War. Several regiments and soldiers from Massachusetts fought in the battle. 2. In 1969, an estimated 100,000 people attended a concert by celebrated British rock band The Who at the...
5 Fun Facts About May 25 In Massachusetts History
1. In 1787, the Massachusetts State Convention ratified the United States Constitution. Massachusetts was the sixth state to do so and played a significant role in the formation of the federal government. 2. On May 25, 1810, Louisa Adams became the first woman born outside of the United States to...
5 Fun Facts About May 24 In Massachusetts History
1. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded on May 24, 1629: On this day, a group of English Puritans led by Sir Richard Saltonstall and Rev. George Phillips arrived at Salem, Massachusetts to establish the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which would eventually become one of the original 13 states in the...