Celebrating 150 years in 2026

As the year 2026 approaches, there are a number of important milestones from 1876 that will mark their 150th anniversaries. This year, a diverse range of events, inventions and cultural landmarks from that year will be commemorated, reflecting on their impact on history, technology and society. One of the most significant events of 1876 was the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell. On March 10 of that year, Bell famously spoke the words, “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you,” into the device, marking the first successful telephone call.

Bell’s breakthrough revolutionized communication and paved the way for the global telecommunications industry, making 2026 an important year to reflect on the evolution of modern technology.

For us here in Cass County, we have an upcoming 150-year-old milestone of our own. The Cass County Sun was established in 1876 and is still Cass County’s oldest business.

It hasn’t disappeared but merely joined its sister paper the Citizen’s Journal.

The Journal-side of the paper turns 150 in 2029. Another 150-year milestone in 2026 is the founding of the Colorado Territory and the eventual admission of Colorado as the 38th state in the United States. The Colorado Territory was officially established on February 28, 1861, and after a period of rapid growth, Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876. This anniversary not only highlights a major development in U.S. expansion but also provides an opportunity to reflect on the cultural and economic changes in the Rocky Mountain region over the past century and a half. In the world of sports, 1876 was the year that saw the formation of the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, now known simply as Major League Baseball (MLB). The league was established on February 2, 1876, in the wake of a growing interest in professional baseball across the United States. Today, MLB remains one of the most influential and beloved sports organizations globally. The league’s 150th anniversary will undoubtedly be celebrated by fans and historians alike, recognizing its role in shaping America’s pastime.

The Centennial Exposition, also held in 1876 in Philadelphia, was another defining moment in U.S. history. It was the first official World’s Fair held in the United States, drawing millions of visitors and showcasing technological advancements, including the first display of the telephone and the typewriter. This fair marked a moment of pride for the nation, celebrating its progress as an industrial power.

As these 150-year anniversaries are commemorated in 2026, they serve as a reminder of how far society has come in a century and a half, with innovations and historical milestones that have shaped the modern world.