1908

Facts and Events That Happened in This Year

Dec 26

Jack Johnson became the first African American to win the world heavyweight boxing title.

Dec 2

The Chinese child Emperor Pu Yi ascended the Chinese throne at the age of two.

Nov 28

The Marianna Coal Mine in Pennsylvania exploded and killed 154 men.

Oct 13

Margaret Symons became the first woman to speak in British Parliament.

Oct 1

The Ford Motor Company shipped the first Ford Model T to a customer.

Sep 27

The first Ford Model T car was assembled.

Sep 16

The General Motors Corporation was founded.

Aug 17

The Bank of Italy opened in San Francisco, California, and would later become Bank of America.

Aug 12

Ford completed their first Model T vehicle at a Ford plant in Detroit, Michigan.

Jul 7

The famous Great White Fleet left San Francisco to continue its around-the-world journey.

Jul 1

The Morse code distress signal 'SOS,' originating from Germany, became the world's official message for help.

May 12

After encountering many difficulties, Nathan Stubblefield was finally granted a US patent for his new version of a wireless telephone.

May 10

Mother's Day was officially celebrated for the first time in Grafton, West Virginia.

May 2

Take Me Out to the Ball Game was copyrighted.

Apr 3

Frank Gotch won the World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship after a 2-hour match.

Mar 17

The quickest boxing match in history took place.

Mar 9

The Inter Milan soccer club was formed.

Feb 29

A Dutch scientist named Heike Kamerlingh Onnes announced he was able to create solid helium.

Feb 1

King Carlos I of Portugal and his heir were assassinated in Lisbon.

Jan 24

Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell published his manual ''Scouting for Boys."

Jan 21

New York City passed a law prohibiting women from smoking in public places.

Jan 11

The Grand Canyon National Monument was created.