NEAR-Shoemaker
NEAR-Shoemaker was launched in 1996. Almost five years later, on February 12, 2001, it became the first spacecraft to land on a meteor. NEAR-Shoemaker landed on near-earth asteroid Eros and sent back data until February 28, 2001. The extreme cold on the asteroid probably prevented the return of more data. Older children can learn more at: http://science.nasa.gov/missions/near/.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Network
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was incorporated in 1827. Created to compete with the Erie Canal, the B & O was the first American railroad to transport both people and goods. The railroad continues today as part of CXS Transportation Network. Children can learn more at: Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
Current Colorado State Flag
Colorado Territory was created in 1861. The borders of the Colorado Territory were the same as the current borders of the state of Colorado. Because gold had been found in the Pikes Peak region, the federal government wanted to establish firm boundaries. The Civil War then delayed statehood. The territory was dissolved when Colorado became the thirty-eighth state on August 1, 1876.
Early Television Set
First televised basketball games occurred in 1940. The games took place in Madison Square Garden and showcased four college teams, Fordham University versus University of Pittsburgh, and Georgetown versus NYU.
Color television sets were offered for sale in 1954. However, most broadcasting was in black and white, so the sets did not really sell until about 1965 when broadcasting was in color.