Anniversaries and commemorations come and go daily. Most of us, even the best historians, miss most occasions. If we think of history as events then we are faced with a continually showering in the grains of sand. Nevertheless, we do pick out certain patterns in the remembrance of historical dates. The blog here reminds us of some dates where the local, state, national, and global perspectives entwine.
On 10, Monday May 1869, The First Transcontinental Railroad in North America is completed at Promontory, Utah, by the driving of the “golden spike”.
On 10, Monday May 1869, The First Transcontinental Railroad in North America is completed
On 10, Saturday May 1919, Atmasthananda, Indian Hindu leader, born (d. 2017)
On 10, Wednesday May 1944, Digby Denham, died (born 1859), Premier of Queensland (1911–1915)
On 10, Wednesday May 1944, Jim Abrahams, American film director, born
On 10, Sunday May 1959, Victoria Rowell, American actress, born
On 10, Saturday May 1969, The 1969 Tasmanian election is held, resulting in a hung parliament with the ALP and Liberals winning 17 seats each. The deadlock is broken when Kevin Lyons of the Centre Party forms a coalition government with the Liberals and becomes Deputy Premier under Angus Bethune.
On 10, Saturday May 1969, Zip to Zap, a gathering of more than 2,000 people students and young adults at the remote town of at Zap, North Dakota, ends with the dispersal and eviction of the revelers by the North Dakota National Guard.
On 10, Saturday May 1969, The Battle of Dong Ap Bia, also known as Hamburger Hill, begins during the Vietnam War.
On 10, Saturday May 1969, Dennis Bergkamp, Dutch soccer player, born
On 10, Thursday May 1979, The Federated States of Micronesia becomes self-governing.
On 10, Thursday May 1979, Lee Hyori, South Korean entertainer, born
On 10, Wednesday May 1989, The government of President of Panama Manuel Noriega declares void the result of the May 7 presidential election, which Noriega had lost to Guillermo Endara.
On 10, Wednesday May 1989, Lindsey Shaw, American actress, born
On 10, Wednesday May 1989, Woody Shaw, American jazz trumpeter, died (b. 1944)
On 10, Tuesday May 1994, Federal Treasurer Ralph Willis delivers his Budget speech early to facilitate necessary consultation and discussions with minor parties in the Senate. The promised $6.5 billion social justice package includes a $1.46 billion land fund to finance native title claims.
On 10, Tuesday May 1994, Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as South Africa’s first black president.
On 10, Tuesday May 1994, John Wayne Gacy, American serial killer, died (b. 1942)
On 10, Monday May 1999, Eric Willis, 77, Premier of New South Wales, died
On 10, Monday May 1999, Eric Willis, Australian politician, died (b. 1922)
On 10, Monday May 1999, Shel Silverstein, American author and poet, died (b. 1930)
Other On This Day days in history
Neville Buch