February 26 in American history is marked by significant environmental preservation acts, pivotal constitutional developments, and tragic modern events. Key highlights include the establishment of major National Parks, the passing of the 15th Amendment by Congress, and the first terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
National Parks and Infrastructure: Tthe Grand Canyon
President Woodrow Wilson signed a congressional act establishing this iconic Arizona landmark as a U.S. National Park.
Grand Teton National Park
President Calvin Coolidge signed legislation creating the 96,000-acre park in Wyoming.
New York Pneumatic Subway
The Beach Pneumatic Transit, the first attempt at a subway in New York City, opened as a demonstration of pneumatic-powered transit.
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, CA
Ground was officially broken for the construction of the famous bridge in San Francisco.
Constitutional and Legal Milestones
15th Amendment (1869): The U.S. Congress passed the 15th Amendment, which guarantees the right to vote regardless of race, and sent it to the states for ratification.
22nd Amendment (1951): This amendment was added to the Constitution, officially limiting U.S. presidents to two terms in office.
Public Transportation Desegregation (1962): The U.S. Supreme Court disallowed race-based separation on public transportation.
Conflict and Domestic Security
Zimmermann Telegram (1917): President Wilson learned the contents of a secret message from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the U.S., a crucial step toward American entry into World War I.
World Trade Center Bombing (1993): A truck bomb detonated in the parking garage below the North Tower in New York City, killing six people and injuring more than 1,000 others.
Withdrawal from Beirut (1984): The last U.S. Marines, serving as part of a multinational peacekeeping force, left Lebanon after an 18-month mission that saw roughly 250 Marines lose their lives.
Trayvon Martin Shooting (2012): Seventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin was fatally shot in Sanford, Florida, by a neighborhood watch volunteer, an event that later catalyzed the Black Lives Matter movement.
Notable Births and Deaths
Name RoleDateType
Levi StraussFounder of Levi Strauss & Co.1829Birth
Johnny CashIconic Country Musician1932Birth
Buffalo Bill CodyShowman and Old West figure1846Birth
Robert R. LivingstonFounding Father and Signer of Declaration1813Death
Richard Jordan GatlingInventor of the Gatling gun1903Death
Fats DominoRock and Roll Pioneer1928Birth
Science and Culture
Apollo Program (1966): NASA launched AS-201, the first flight of the Saturn IB rocket.
First Jazz Record (1917): The "Original Dixieland Jass Band" recorded "Livery Stable Blues" in New York City, creating the world's first jazz record.
Nike Waffle Sole (1974): Nike received a U.S. patent for its now-iconic waffle-soled trainer running shoes, invented by co-founder Bill Bowerman using a literal waffle iron.
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