On this day

30 June in history.

5 moments from 1859 to 1966: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

Portrait of the tightrope dancer Charles Blondin (1824-1897)

1859

Blondin crosses Niagara. Acrobat Charles Blondin walked across the Niagara Gorge on a tightrope, watched by thousands. He crossed again many times, once carrying his manager.

Wikipedia: Charles Blondin

Photo: unknown photographer, picture taken before 1897 (probably 1860s-1870s) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

More from 30 June

  1. Tower Bridge : pre-dawn light over London's most iconic landmark

    1894

    Tower Bridge opens

    London's Tower Bridge opened, with roads that lift so tall ships can pass.

    Wikipedia: Tower Bridge

    Photo: Fuzzypiggy / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

  2. A sign on a beach in Whitstable, England, instructing readers to dial 999 in the event of an emergency

    1937

    The first emergency number

    Britain introduced 999, the world's first emergency telephone number.

    Wikipedia: 999 (emergency telephone number)

    Photo: xJasonRogersx (Jason Rogers) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

  3. Chevrolet Corvette C8

    1953

    The first Corvette

    The first Chevrolet Corvette, a two-seat sports car, came off the line in Flint, Michigan.

    Wikipedia: Chevrolet Corvette

    Photo: Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

  4. Betty Friedan , American feminist and writer

    1966

    NOW is founded

    Betty Friedan and others founded the National Organization for Women to fight for equal rights.

    Wikipedia: National Organization for Women

    Photo: Fred Palumbo , World Telegram staff photographer. Restored by Adam Cuerden / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Moments chosen for discovery, creativity and courage. Each one links to a source where you can read more; photos are credited to their owners.