Day in history for July 4, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

A report from the troops and trains en route to Mexico and Santa Fe states that the troops under Major Stein had arrived at Fort Atkinson, about halfway to Santa Fe. Up to that point 20 men out of the 183 with him had died of cholera.

1877 -- 125 years ago

At Moline's Fourth of July celebration the battle of Yorktown was reproduced in fireworks. Rock Island Methodists held a picnic at Offerman's (Credit) Island. St. Patrick's Benevolent Society assembled at St. Joseph's Catholic Church and held a street parade.

1902 -- 100 years ago

The Fourth of July was very quietly observed. There were no public ceremonies in Rock Island.

1927 -- 75 years ago

East Moline celebrated the Fourth of July and the changing of the name of the Watertown State Hospital to the East Moline State Hospital with the largest parade in its history.

1952 -- 50 years ago

An Ozark Airlines plane circled the Quad-City Airport for more than an hour while the pilot and co-pilot worked on what they believed was an unlocked landing gear and then came in on a perfect landing.

1977 -- 25 years ago

Anyone can do it, says the gentleman who plays chess with 24 opponents at once, and wins. International Chess Master Bill Martz plays all challengers, moving rapidly from one game to another, making his moves in five to ten seconds. Martz is exhibiting his skills and challenging all comers at SouthPark Mall.

Back: Available days in July 2002