50 Years Ago

July 11, 1955 The U.S. Air Force Academy begins classes with 306 cadets at Lowry Air Force Base, near Denver. It will later relocate to its present site in Colorado Springs.

100 YEARS AGO

June 11, 1905 The Pennsylvania Railroad announces a train that will travel between Chicago and New York in the unheard-of time of 18 hours. A week later the New York Central responds with its famous Twentieth Century Limited, which also promises 18-hour service. Both trains suffer wrecks in their first week, costing a total of 19 lives.

July 29, 1905 In a secret agreement with Japan, the United States agrees to let the Japanese occupy Korea in return for Japan’s pledge not to interfere with the U.S. occupation of the Philippines.

150 YEARS AGO

July 2, 1855 The legislature of the Kansas Territory assembles for the first time after an election marked by fraud and violence. It passes a series of proslavery laws and expels its antislavery members, who respond by convening their own legislature.

200 YEARS AGO

June 4, 1805 The United States and Tripoli sign a peace treaty in which the United States makes a one-time payment of $60,000 to ransom the crew of a captured Navy vessel and the ruler of Tripoli agrees to let Americans sail the Mediterranean without harassment.

225 YEARS AGO

July 11, 1780 Five thousand French soldiers arrive in Newport, Rhode Island, to support the rebellious Americans.

250 YEARS AGO

July 9, 1755 English forces led by Gen. Edward Braddock and colonial forces led by George Washington are defeated by the French near Fort Duquesne, the site of present-day Pittsburgh.