23 March in history.

1857

The first safe passenger elevator. An elevator by Elisha Otis was put in a store at 488 Broadway in New York. His safety brake made tall buildings practical.

Wikipedia: Elisha Otis

Photo: Unknown / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

More from 23 March

1. 

   1868

   The University of California is founded

   A new state university was created by law in California. It grew into one of the leading public universities in the world.

   Wikipedia: University of California

   Photo: Original University of California seal: probably Tiffany & Co,; This SVG file: User… / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

2. 

   1888

   Football clubs agree on a league

   William McGregor brought English football clubs together in London to plan a regular league. The Football League began that autumn.

   Wikipedia: English Football LeagueWikipedia: William McGregor (football)

   Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

3. 

   1965

   Gemini 3 flies two astronauts

   Gus Grissom and John Young flew Gemini 3, America's first two-person space flight, and the first crewed craft to change its own orbit.

   Wikipedia: Gemini 3

   Photo: NASA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

4. 

   2001

   Goodbye, Mir

   The Russian space station Mir was brought down safely into the Pacific Ocean after 15 years in orbit.

   Wikipedia: MirWikipedia: Deorbit of Mir

   Photo: NASA / 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.