A Brief History On July 22, 1962, the US space agency, NASA, launched Mariner 1, the first in a series of probes designed to visit other planets in our solar system.  After several delays in launching the spacecraft, the rocket lifted off and drifted off course, necessitating an “abort” procedure that resulted in blowing up the ill-fated spacecraft. Digging Deeper The Mariner program consisted of 10 un-manned spacecraft to be launched into space to visit other planets and gather information for NASA scientists.  Venus, Mars, and Mercury were flown past by Mariner drones, the first man-made craft to fly by…

A Brief History This article presents a chronological list of notable events that happened on July 21st.  For each date below, please click on the date to be taken to an article covering that date’s event. Digging Deeper On July 21, 1864, Frances Clara Folsom was born in Buffalo, New York. On July 21, 1865, a real life showdown resulting in face to face gunplay happened for the first time, the first of the classic duels we have come to know as a Wild West gunfight. On July 21, 1904, Frenchman Louis Rigolly became the first person to speed past…

A Brief History On July 21, 1864, Frances Clara Folsom was born in Buffalo, New York.  Twenty-two years later, in 1886, she married the President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, becoming the youngest First Lady of the US ever.  But wait!  There is more! Digging Deeper After Cleveland had a “time out” by being out of office for 4 years, he became the only US President to be elected and serve twice in non-consecutive terms in 1893, thus making his wife, Frances, the only First Lady to serve two separate terms as First Lady of the US. Educated at…

A Brief History This article presents a chronological list of notable events that happened on July 20th.  For each date below, please click on the date to be taken to an article covering that date’s event. Digging Deeper On July 20, 1304, the forces of King Edward I of England successfully took Stirling Castle during the First War of Scottish Independence. On July 20, 1304, the forces of King Edward I of England successfully took Stirling Castle during the First War of Scottish Independence.  (NOTE: The link in the date for this entry leads to a different article than the…

A Brief History On July 20, 1997, the famous American warship, the USS Constitution, better known as “Old Ironsides,” celebrated 200 years of service by embarking on a cruise under her own sails for the first time in 116 years! Digging Deeper The now restored heavy frigate was launched in 1797 to serve the fledgling US Navy, enforcing freedom with her armament of 30 24 pounder cannons and 20 32 pounder cannons.  With a crew of 450, the wooden sailing ship counted 30 “boys” among her crew. Highly successful in battle during the War of 1812, Old Ironsides earned her…