1903
Set during a time when Theodore Roosevelt was President, 1903 was a year of many firsts. As a side note, the world back then was much smaller. Experts estimate the world population then to have been just over 1.6 billion people. These 365 days laid the foundation for many things we now take for granted: women’s rights, automobiles, modern toys, books, famous races, and t modern airport congestion. It gave birth to people like Bing Crosby and Bob Hope and saw an end to western performer Calamity Jane. This year’s most popular names were classics: Mary and John. In short, like all years, this one is worth remembering.


A lot changed in 1903. Let’s start with the progress made by nearly half of the world’s population: women. In this year, Aida De Acosta, became the first woman to operate a powered-aircraft without assistance; she piloted a dirigible from Paris to the Château De Bagatelle. In addition to the first woman pilot, this year also saw Madame Curie win the Nobel Prize for Physics; she later became the first woman to win two. In addition, this was the year Norway voted unanimously to grant women the right to vote. However, ladies were not the only people to benefit from these 365 days. Children gained a new best friend: the Teddy Bear. On February 15th of this year, Rose and Morris Michtom completed stitching together the first of these cuddly little guys. The classic Call of the Wild and the thought provoking The Soul of Black Folk by W.E.B DuBois were published. People, books, and toys were not the only things that changed. In the world of sports, the first Tour De France was hosted. Henry Ford changed automobiles forever and incorporated his automobile company. The first western, The Great Train Robbery, also saw its debut in 1903. In addition, Australia saw the first sitting and decision of its highest court. Additionally, this year also set the foundations for airports and airplanes worldwide. On December 17th of 1903, the Wright Brothers made their first sustained flight at Kitty Hawk. So, whether you want to cuddle up with your Teddy Ruxpin, watch a Clint Eastwood marathon, or take a two-hour flight to Orlando, you can thank 1903 for that.
Old Newspapers
Have a look at the old newspapers from 1903 and get them!
Books
Which were the most popular books released in 1903 ?
The Virginian
The epic novel of the American West and the heroic cowboyOwen Wister's powerful story of the tall, silent stranger who rides into the uncivilized West and defeats the forces of evil has become an enduring part of American mythology.
More infoGordon Keith
Excerpt from The Novels, Stories, Sketches, and Poems of Thomas Nelson Page, Vol. 2: Gordon Keith Prosperity is like the tide. It comes, each wave higher and higher, until it almost appears that it will never end, and then suddenly ...
More infoLady Rose's Daughter
"The most marvelous work of its wonderful author." --New York World "We touch regions and attain altitudes which it is not given to the ordinary novelist even to approach."
More infoPopular names
Which were the top popular names given to babies born in 1903 in the USA ?
Top #10 male names
- John
- William
- James
- George
- Charles
- Joseph
- Robert
- Frank
- Edward
- Thomas
Top #10 female names
- Mary
- Helen
- Anna
- Margaret
- Ruth
- Elizabeth
- Marie
- Florence
- Ethel
- Mildred
What happened in each day of 1903
Click on the dates below to find out what the world looked like in each day of 1903