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.
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