Cash Machines, Solo Sailors, and Digital Music!
What a day for inventions and adventures! June 27th has seen everything from getting your cash without a bank teller to being the very first taste of music downloaded over the internet. We also celebrate a history-making trip around the globe completed by one brave sailor. Get ready to explore some seriously cool moments from history!
Imagine being so brave you sail around the entire planet alone in a tiny boat—that happened on this day! Later, the future of music changed forever when a rock band tried something wild with early internet tech. It shows that sometimes the biggest changes start with a single, daring idea!
What Happened on This Day
The World's First ATM is Unveiled!
Picture this: you need money, but the bank is closed. Not anymore! On June 27, 1967, the world’s very first Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) was installed outside a Barclays bank in London. It didn't use plastic cards like today; instead, you used special checks. This machine changed how people accessed their money forever, paving the way for instant banking! It’s like magic, but it’s technology!
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Solo Sailor Finishes Epic Trip Around Earth
Talk about an adventure! On June 27, 1898, Captain Joshua Slocum sailed his little sloop, the *Spray*, back into Newport, Rhode Island, completing the first-ever solo circumnavigation of the world. Imagine sailing for over three years in a small boat with only the wind and stars to guide you—no GPS, no radio help! Slocum traveled about 46,000 miles, proving that a determined person in a well-built boat could conquer the vast oceans.
Rock Band Releases First Major Digital Song
Get ready to feel ancient! On June 27, 1994, the band Aerosmith let fans download their song 'Head First' for free over an early internet service called CompuServe. This was a *huge* deal because it was the first time a major record label had released a full song digitally! Downloading the 4.3MB file could take almost 90 minutes—much slower than your instant streaming today—but it was a peek into the future of music!
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Joseph Smith and Brother Killed by Mob
This is a very serious and sad event. On June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum were killed by an angry mob while being held in a jail in Carthage, Illinois. They had been imprisoned after a dispute over a newspaper that criticized their leadership. This violent act deeply affected the group and led to major changes in the movement's history, including the famous trek west that many of their followers later made.
The US Marine Corps Adopts the Bulldog Mascot
Meet the Marines' best friend! On June 27, 1927, the United States Marine Corps officially adopted the English Bulldog as its mascot. This was in honor of a famous bulldog named Jiggs, who was an actual enlisted Marine and a Sergeant Major! The Marines were nicknamed 'Devil Dogs' by German soldiers in WWI, and the tough, loyal bulldog perfectly matched their reputation for tenacity and courage. Now, their mascot is always a Chesty!
Fun Facts About June 27
- The first color television demo happened on June 27, 1929!
- Route 66, the famous 'Main Street of America,' was officially taken off the US highway system on this day in 1985.
- In 1950, the UN asked for member countries to send troops to help South Korea during the start of the Korean War.
- The movie *Moby Dick* premiered on June 27, 1956.
A Look Back in Time
June 27th often falls right at the beginning of summer vacation, a time for adventure, just like Captain Slocum’s! Historically, this date has been a turning point for everything from finance to entertainment. In the mid-1800s, there were serious religious and political tensions in the US leading to the tragic killing of Joseph Smith. Fast-forward a century, and the world was leaping into the electronic age with the first ATM, while the late 20th century saw the first steps toward the digital music you stream today. It’s a day where old traditions meet bold, new ideas!
Born on This Day
Helen Keller
An incredible author and activist who was deaf and blind! With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she learned to read, write, and speak, becoming the first deaf-blind person to earn a college degree. She used her voice to fight for rights for everyone.
Bob Keeshan (Captain Kangaroo)
This friendly face was the original Captain Kangaroo! For 30 years, he hosted one of the most famous children's TV shows, teaching millions of kids important lessons while wearing his big-pocketed coat. Before that, he was the original, silent Clarabell the Clown on *The Howdy Doody Show*!
Vera Wang
She’s a fashion superstar! Vera Wang first dreamed of being a champion figure skater, but she ended up becoming one of the world’s most famous fashion designers, especially known for stunning wedding gowns. She proves that you can change careers and still become a huge success!
J.J. Abrams
This guy is a master storyteller in Hollywood! J.J. Abrams has created and directed huge movies and TV shows like *Lost* and new *Star Wars* films. He loves mystery and big adventures, keeping fans guessing until the very last minute.