Here’s a brief look back in time on this day, February 16th.
In 1923, British archaeologist Howard Carter opens the burial tomb of Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut. He was found in the Valley of the Kings, an ancient Egyptian burial site containing pharaohs and royalty in Thebes. The opening caused international media outlets to promote the idea of a ‘curse’ following the early deaths of some of the witnesses, including George Herbert, who helped finance the excavation. He died from a severe mosquito bite that later became infected in April of that year. Superstitions surrounding the excavation continue today.
In 1959, Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro is sworn in as the prime minister of Cuba following years of revolting against former dictator Fulgencio Batista. This comes following Batista’s resignation and exile to Portugal. Castro would grow into a figurehead of Cold War politics after providing financial and military support to the USSR, a pro-communist territory. This catches the attention of 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy later in 1961, which prompted the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.
In 1968, the first 911 call is placed in Alabama, marking the number as the official nationwide emergency service line in the United States. This follows decades of debate in Congress as the telephone becomes more accessible to law enforcement and medical personnel. Complications with telephone monopoly AT&T also served as roadblocks to the concept. The United Kingdom beat the U.S. decades earlier in 1936 as they designate 999 for their emergency service number. Even so, 911 wouldn’t reach a 50% efficacy rate until 1987.