Video: 'William T.G. Morton Biography'
(Friday, October 16, 1846, 10:00 a.m. local time) — Dentist William T. G. Morton demonstrated the effectiveness of ether as an anesthetic today by administering it to a patient undergoing jaw surgery before an audience of doctors at the operating theater of the Massachusetts General Hospital, or MGH. Continue reading William T.G. Morton demonstrates surgical anesthesia 180 years ago this hour (Oct 16 1846)
Video: 'Top 10 AMAZING Facts About Neptune'
(Thursday, September 24, 1846, 12:15 a.m. local time) — Neptune, the eighth and farthest known planet from the Sun in the Solar System, was identified as a planet early this morning at the Berlin Observatory by German astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle. Continue reading Neptune identified as planet 180 years ago this hour (Sep 24 1846)
Video: 'September 10 -- TDIPH#4 -- Invention of Sewing Machine'
(Thursday, September 10, 1846) — American inventor Elias Howe today was awarded the first United States patent for a sewing machine using a lockstitch design.
Video: '#OnThisDate August 18, 1846: Santa Fe Secured'
(Thursday, August 18, 1846; during the Mexican-American War) — U.S. forces led by Gen. Stephen W. Kearny occupied Santa Fe today in present-day New Mexico, bringing nearly two and a half centuries of Spanish and Mexican rule to an end without firing a shot.
Video: 'Ben Stiller Gives you Introduction To The Smithsonian'
(Monday, August 10, 1846) — U.S. President James K. Polk signed the legislation today that established the Smithsonian Institution, a group of museums and research centers administered by the government of the United States “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Continue reading President James K. Polk signs measure establishing Smithsonian Institution 180 years ago today (Aug 10 1846)
Video: 'President Polk declares war on Mexico May 13 1846'
(Wednesday, May 13, 1846; during the Mexican-American War) — The U.S. Congress approved a declaration of war on Mexico requested by President James Polk today after a few hours of debate on a vote of 40-2 in the Senate and 174-14 in the House. Continue reading U.S. Congress declares war on Mexico 180 years ago today (May 13 1846)
Video: 'The Battle of PALO ALTO - Part 1 of 3'
(Friday, May 8, 1846, 2:00 p.m. local time; during the Mexican-American War) — The first major battle of the Mexican-American War was fought today at Palo Alto, Texas; U.S. forces led by Gen. Zachary Taylor were able to beat back Mexican forces. Continue reading First major battle of Mexican-American War fought 180 years ago this hour (May 8 1846)
Video: 'The Mexican American War - How Did it Start?'
(Saturday, April 25, 1846, morning local time; during the Mexican-American War) — The Mexican-American War began today when more than 1,000-strong Mexican cavalry detachment attacked a 63-man U.S. patrol under the command of Captain Seth Thornton, which had been sent into the contested territory north of the Rio Grande and south of the Nueces River. Continue reading Thornton Affair triggers Mexican–American War 180 years ago today (Apr 25 1846)
Video: 'The Journey to Texas Statehood | Fun Learning for Kids'
(Monday, December 29, 1845) — Texas today became the 28th state of the United States of America, two months after residents approved the annexation and the new constitution. Continue reading Texas admitted into U.S. as 28th state 180 years ago today (Dec 29 1845)
Video: 'Inside the U.S. Naval Academy | What Makes Annapolis So Elite?'
(Friday, October 10, 1845) — The United States Naval Academy, a four-year coeducational federal service academy, was established today in Annapolis, Maryland, with 50 midshipman students and seven professors.
