This Week in Automotive History: Jan. 7-Jan. 13

Jan. 7, 1914

Steamboat charts a new course: The first steam-powered boat passes through the Panama Canal.

Jan. 8, 1909

Brooklyn to Manhattan subway service begins: Subway transit service between Brooklyn and Manhattan is started.

Jan. 9, 1793

First successful U.S. balloon flight: Jean-Pierre Blanchard makes the first successful balloon flight in the U.S. His hydrogen-filled balloon lifts off in Philadelphia and lands 15 miles away in Woodbury, N.J.

Jan. 10, 1901

Texas hits it big: Oil is discovered in Texas.

Jan. 11 1902

Read all about it: Popular Mechanics magazine hits newsstands for the first time.

Jan. 12, 1970

To the skies!: The Boeing 747 makes its maiden voyage.

Jan. 13, 1942

Henry Ford granted patent: Henry Ford patents a method of constructing plastic auto bodies.