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7 January 1782: America’s first central bank opens for business
Features On this day in 1782, the Bank of North America, created to help pay for the American war of independence, opened for business.
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6 January 1639: Virginia orders the destruction of its tobacco crop
Features Faced with the plunging price of tobacco, the colonists of Virginia directed that half of the crop should be destroyed to avoid an economic catastrophe, on this day in 1639.
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6 January 1873: Crédit Mobilier of America scandal investigated
Features On this day in 1873, the US House of Representatives launched an investigation into the scandal surrounding the building of the Union Pacific Railroad.
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5 January 1766: Christie’s first auction
Features Venerable auction house Christie's began business on this day in 1766 selling pillow cases, bed-sheets and second-hand chamber pots.
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2 January 1980: National steelworkers' strike
Features For the first time in over 50 years, Britain’s steelmaking industry saw the start of a national strike on this day in 1980, as unions demanded a 20% pay rise.
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24 December 1955: Norad begins tracking Santa
Features On this day in 1955, the North American Aerospace Defense Command began tracking Santa Claus as he sped around the world delivering presents.
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23 December 1913: The US Federal Reserve is created
Features After much debate, Woodrow Wilson finally signed the bill that would create the US Federal Reserve on this day in 1913.
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23 December 1834: Joseph Hansom patents the Hansom cab
Features The 19th-century forerunner of the London black cab, architect Joseph Aloysius Hansom patented his Hansom cab on this day in 1834.
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22 December 1965: 70mph speed limit introduced
Features On this day in 1965, a “temporary” 70mph speed limit was introduced on all unregulated roads in Britain by the Minister of Transport. The limit was soon made permanent.
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