On This Day in Inventor History: May 31st 🚂 1879: Birth of the Electric Railway On May 31, 1879, visitors at the Berlin Industrial Exposition were amazed as a locomotive glided by without smoke or steam, marking a pivotal moment in transportation history. This was the world's first electric railway, presented by Siemens & Halske. Powered through the rails with 150-volt direct current, this innovation by Werner von Siemens showcased a train pulled by a small electric locomotive around a 300-meter track. This marked the beginning of an era that would see electric trams, subways, and high-speed trains transform public transport. 🕰️ 1859: Big Ben Ticks for the First Time On the same day in 1859, the iconic Big Ben clock started ticking over the Houses of Parliament in London. This tower clock, part of the newly designed Palace of Westminster after a devastating fire, was a marvel of accuracy and engineering. Known for its reliable timekeeping and immense size, the bell within, originally named after either Sir Benjamin Hall or the boxer Benjamin Caunt, began its hourly chimes a few weeks later on July 11. This symbol of London not only survived the Second World War but also continued to keep time with outstanding precision, becoming a beloved landmark. Today, we remember these significant milestones in engineering and architecture that have not only withstood the test of time but have also inspired countless innovations and remain integral parts of our cultural heritage.

Posted by InventorsInHistory at 2024-05-31 13:48:54 UTC