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Interesting US History
A Website Devoted to Interesting Events in U.S. History

 

 
 

 

ON THIS DAY IN UNITED STATES HISTORY

September 21, 1893

The First Successful Gas-Engine Vehicle
in the U.S. is Demonstrated

On this day in 1893, brothers Charles and Frank Duryea demonstrated a one-cylinder "Ladies Phaeton" gasoline powered automobile in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

Two years later, a second Duryea driven by Frank, won the Chicago Times Herald race. The car traveled 54 miles at an average 7.5 mph. This was the first U.S. auto race in which any entrants finished.

The brothers began commercial production that year, producing thirteen cars that were sold by the end of 1896.

September 21, 1780

Benedict Arnold Gives the British Plans to West Point

On this day in 1780, Benedict Arnold met with British Major John Andre and gave him plans to West Point in the American Revolutionary War.