The Cherokee Phoenix, published on a weekly basis in Georgia, became in 1828 the first Native American newspaper. It stopped publication in 1834, but today an electronic version is still being published.
Sarah G. Bagley became the first female telegraph operator in 1846. A women’s rights advocate, she also worked to make millwork safer for women. Children could read an excellent biography of her at: Sarah G. Bagley.
Lucy B. Hobbs became the first woman dentist when she graduated from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1866. She practiced dentistry for over 20 years. She then turned her attention to politics and women’s rights.
Washington Monument was dedicated in 1885. The first plans for the Washington Monument were quite elaborate, including a likeness of Washington in a chariot. Ultimately the plans were simplified to a plain obelisk. Construction began in 1848, but the Civil War and lack of funds stopped work. After the War, construction began again. Children can learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm.
Last green and yellow Carolina parakeet died in 1918. The only parrot species living in eastern United States, the birds could be found from Wisconsin to the Gulf of Mexico. The birds lived in forests along rivers. Then, for a number of reasons, the number of Carolina parakeets plummeted. The last Carolina parakeet died in the Cincinnati Zoo. Children could learn more at: Parakeet.
Polaroid camera was patented in 1947 in New York, New York, by Edwin H. Land. Older children can read an interesting article about Land and the Polaroid at: Polaroid Camera.