Birthdays & Historical Events – June 10

1609

1609

The First Dutch settlers arrive from New Jersey to explore Manhattan Island for settlement.

Henry Hudson explored Manhattan Island in 1609 on behalf of the Dutch East India Company. The exploration led to Dutch merchants beginning trade with the Indigenous population and laid the foundation for permanent settlement a few years later.

June 10, 1609

1639

1639

Construction on the first American log cabin begins at Fort Christina in Wilmington, Delaware.

Settlers from Sweden and Finland introduced this building style to the New Sweden colony, creating the first log cabins in America.

June 10, 1639

1692

1692

the first person executed during the Salem witch trials.

Bridget Bishop becomes the first person executed during the Salem witch trials. After being convicted of witchcraft, she was hanged in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

June 10, 1692

1752

1752

Benjamin Franklin tests the lightning conductor with his kite-flying experiment

Benjamin Franklin and his son test the lightning conductor with his kite-flying experiment. They flew a silk kite into an approaching storm, drawing electricity from the clouds down a wet hemp string to a metal key. The result was proving lightning is electrical in nature and inspiring the lightning rod.

June 10, 1752

1809

1809

The first American steamboat successfully navigates the open ocean.

A paddle-wheel steamship becomes the first steamboat to successfully navigate the open ocean. The Phoenix left New York City to Philadelphia.

June 10, 1809

1847

1847

The Chicago Tribune begins publication.

The Chicago Tribune begins publishing. The paper printed a modest 400 copies of the paper daily.

June 10, 1847

1854

1854

The first class of the U.S. Naval Academy students graduate.

The first class of the U.S. Naval Academy students graduate from the four-year curriculum that required midshipmen to study at the academy and train aboard ships.

June 10, 1854

1869

1869

Steamship Agnes arrives in New Orleans with the first delivery of frozen beef.

Steamship Agnes arrives in New Orleans with the first delivery of frozen beef in history. Originating from Texas, this delivery proved that perishable meats could be preserved and transported long-distance without spoiling.

June 10, 1869

1932

1932

The first demonstration of artificial lightning is showcased.

The first demonstration of artificial lightning is showcased in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The display produced 3-million-volt artificially created lightning. The breakthrough helped scientists study atmospheric electricity and design future protective equipment for power grids.

June 10, 1932

1933

1933

President Roosevelt issues an executive order making Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

President Roosevelt issues an executive order making Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, South Dakota. The monument would become a part of the National Park Service.

June 10, 1933

1935

1935

Alcoholics Anonymous is formed.

Dr. Robert Smith takes his last drink and creates the Alcoholics Anonymous organization to support people and their sobriety.

June 10, 1935

1944

1944

Joe Nuxhall (15 years old) becomes the youngest player ever to play in a MLB game.

Joe Nuxhall (15 years old) becomes the youngest player ever to play in a MLB game as a result of WWII player shortage. Nuxhall he pitched two-thirds of an inning in an 18-0 blowout against the St. Louis Cardinals.

June 10, 1944

1963

1963

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 is signed into law.

President John F. Kennedy signs the Equal Pay Act of 1963 in effort to abolish wage disparity based on sex.

June 10, 1963

2003

2003

The Spirit Rover is launched on Mars by NASA.

he Spirit Rover is launched on Mars by NASA and safely lands on Mars on January 4, 2004.

June 10, 2003

2026

2026

Andrew Jackson's parrot is removed from his funeral for swearing.

Andrew Jackson's African Grey parrot "Polly" is removed from his funeral for yelling obscenities at The Hermitage, Tennessee.

June 10, 2026