Herman Hollerith’s 1890 Tabulating Machine
Herman Hollerith patented his tabulating machine in 1889. This machine, instrumental in calculating census data, was a precursor to today’s computers. Children can view his patent at: http://www.google.com/patents/US395782. Idea: Children could make a timeline of inventions important to the development of the computer.
1889 Photo of Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889. It was constructed for the 1889 Paris Exhibition. Alexandre Gustave Eiffel designed the structure. Children can learn some interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower at: Eiffel Tower.
Oklahoma Land Rush
Oklahoma Land Rush began at twelve noon 1889 when the government opened 1,900,000 acres of land bought from the Creek and Seminole Indians. People raced to obtain the best plots of land. By evening 50,000 people had established home sites in the region. Children could learn more at an excellent primary resource: Land Rush. They could also research the differences between a “sooner” and a “boomer.”
North Dakota Flag
North Dakota became the thirty-ninth state of the United States in 1889. The state ranks seventeenth in area and forty-seventh in population. Its nicknames include the Sioux State, the Peace Garden State, and the Flickertail State. Bismarck is the state capital. North Dakota is the nation’s leading producer of wheat, and it has large reserves of lignite coal and natural gas. Children can learn more at: North Dakota.
South Dakota Flag
Mount Rushmore
South Dakota became the fortieth state of the United States in 1889. The two states’ names stem from a Sioux word dakota, meaning allies. People first came to South Dakota in search of gold. Then raising cattle became a means of living. Its nickname is the Coyote State, and Pierre is the state capital. Two important attractions are the Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore National Monument. South Dakota ranks seventeenth in area but is the 5th least populated state. Children can visit the America’s Library site at: South Dakota.
Cheerleading started in 1898. Johnny Campbell, a student at the University of Minnesota, became the college’s first cheerleader when he led the cheer, “Rah! Rah! Rah! Ski-u-mah! Hoo-rah! Hoo-rah! Varsity! Varsity! Varsity, Minn-e-So-Tah!” The idea of cheerleading spread, but women did not cheer until 1923. During World War II, as men were drafted into the military, more women became cheerleaders.
Montana Flag
Montana became the forty-first state of the United States in 1889. Its name comes from the Spanish word montana, meaning mountainous. Its nicknames are the Treasure State and Big Sky Country. Copper mining, lumbering, and tourism are major sources of income. The state’s southeastern section has reserves of low-sulphur coal. Montana ranks fourth in area and forty-fourth in population. Children could learn more about Montana by visiting: Montana.
Washington Apples?
Washington Flag
Washington became the forty-second state of the United States in 1889. Mountains split the state into two distinctive parts. The western portion receives abundant rainfall, while the eastern part is very dry. Its nickname is the Evergreen State, and Olympia is the capital. Washington is the eighteenth largest state, and it is 25th in population. Attractions include Mount St. Helens National Monument and Mount Rainier National Park. Children can learn more at: Washington. Washington is known for its apples. Consider finding various types of apples. Slice them and serve. Children can compare texture, sweetness, and taste.
Nellie Bly and the only luggage she would carry for 72 days
Nellie Bly began her trip in 1889 to go around the world in eighty days. She was trying to copy the trip Jules Verne created for his character Phileas Fogg in the book Around the World in Eighty Days. She completed the 24,899 mile trip in slightly over 72 days, returning to New Jersey on January 25, 1890. During her trip she met Jules Verne in France. She sailed through the Suez Canal and traveled through Hong Kong and Japan. Her record lasted only a few months; in 1890 George Francis Train went around the world in 67 days. Children can visit a website devoted to her at: Nellie Bly.