This Day in History: June 27
1. 1954 – The World’s First Nuclear Power Station Opens
On June 27, 1954, the Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet Union became the first nuclear power station to generate electricity for a power grid. Located about 60 miles southwest of Moscow, Obninsk produced 5 megawatts of electricity, proving that nuclear fission could be used to generate commercial power. The station ran for nearly 48 years until it was shut down in 2002. Its opening marked a turning point in the global energy landscape, ushering in an era where atomic energy was seen as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. Today, as the world revisits nuclear energy as a cleaner option to combat climate change, Obninsk’s legacy continues to resonate. An interesting fact: the facility was initially also a research reactor, combining electricity production with scientific study.
2. 1967 – The World’s First ATM Installed in London
On June 27, 1967, Barclays Bank in Enfield, London, unveiled the world’s first automated teller machine (ATM), revolutionizing personal banking. Invented by Scottish engineer John Shepherd-Barron, the ATM gave customers access to cash outside bank hours using a paper voucher and PIN. This breakthrough forever changed how people interact with money, paving the way for today’s global network of over three million ATMs. It was a bold leap toward financial self-service and modern banking. A fun detail: the first person to use the ATM was actor Reg Varney of On the Buses fame, in a publicity stunt.
3. 1985 – Route 66 Removed from the U.S. Highway System
June 27, 1985, marked the official decommissioning of U.S. Route 66, often called “The Mother Road.” Established in 1926, Route 66 stretched from Chicago to Santa Monica and became an icon of American travel, culture, and migration. Its removal from the federal highway system symbolized the rise of modern interstates that replaced its winding, local routes. Yet the nostalgia and cultural symbolism of Route 66 endure through preservation groups, tourism, and pop culture. One fascinating note: many Route 66 road segments are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
4. 1991 – Slovenia and Croatia Declare Independence from Yugoslavia
On June 27, 1991, Slovenia and Croatia officially declared independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, setting off a series of conflicts that reshaped southeastern Europe. Their declarations triggered the Ten-Day War in Slovenia and the brutal Croatian War of Independence. This breakaway marked the unraveling of Yugoslavia, eventually leading to the formation of multiple sovereign nations. The independence movements redefined borders and national identities, impacts still deeply felt today. An interesting detail: Slovenia’s war for independence lasted only 10 days, the shortest of the Yugoslav conflicts.
5. 2007 – Apple Releases the First iPhone
On June 27, 2007, Apple began selling the first iPhone, which would redefine communication and technology for an entire generation. Combining a phone, iPod, and internet communicator in a single sleek device, the iPhone set the standard for smartphones. It introduced a revolutionary multi-touch interface, forever changing how people interact with devices. The original iPhone sold over six million units before being discontinued in 2008, but its influence endures in every smartphone today. A lesser-known fact: Steve Jobs originally thought of partnering with Motorola before developing the iPhone entirely in-house.
