SOVIETS LAUNCH 1ST WOMAN IN SPACE
The Soviet space program has once again trumped the American space program by launching the 1st woman into outer space.
Valentina Tereshkova made a total of 48 orbits of the earth & spent 71 hours in space.
NASA has no women currently training as astronauts.
June 16, 1961
JFK PLANS TO SEND MILITARY ADVISERS TO VIETNAM
After meeting with South Vietnam envoy Nguyen Dinh Thuan today, President Kennedy has decided to send US military advisers as instructors to South Vietnam.*
*The number of US military advisers will steadily increase from 900 at the end of 1961 to 3200 by the end of 1962 & to 16,000 at the time of JFK's death in November 1963.
Vietnam Map
by GGlassey
June 16, 1962
2 US ARMY OFFICERS KILLED IN VIETNAM
Two United States Army officers were killed in South Vietnam today during an ambush by communist rebels about 30 miles north of Saigon.
Reports indicate that about 20 South Vietnamese were also killed in the ambush.
The communist insurgents are using landmines, rifles, machine guns & even a bazooka.
June 16, 1903
FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS INCORPORATED IN DETROIT
Henry Ford & prospective stockholders in the Ford Motor Company met in Detroit today to sign the official paperwork to create their new corporation.*
*In 1913 the 1st Ford automobile was assembled at the Ford plant on Mack Avenue in Detroit.
1908 Ford Motor Company Ad
June 16. 1884
FIRST ROLLER COASTER IN AMERICA OPENS AT CONEY ISLAND
The Roller Coaster has arrived in America. The first American roller coaster began operation today at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York.
The coaster, known as Lamarcus Thompson's Switchback Railroad, costs 5 cents per ride.
It travels at speeds up to 6 miles per hour.
The Roller Coaster Comes to America
June 16, 1858
LINCOLN SAYS "A HOUSE DIVIDED....CAN NOT STAND"
Senatorial candidate Abraham Lincoln addressed a thousand delegates at the Illinois State Republican Convention today in Springfield.
Mr. Lincoln had strong words about the possibility that the slavery issue could potentially destroy the Union.
Quoting from the Bible, Mr. Lincoln said:
"A house divided against itself cannot stand. This government cannot remain half-slave and half-free."
Even some of Lincoln's friends & supporters expressed concern regarding the "radical" tone of Lincoln's words.
Abraham Lincoln in 1860
Photo by Matthew Brady
