April 06

The Dutch East India Company commissioned Jan van Riebeeck and his crew to establish a way-station for ships en route to the East Indies. Arriving at Table Bay, van Riebeeck negotiated with indigenous Khoikhoi communities and began constructing simple fortifications and vegetable gardens. This outpost provided fresh water, fruit, and vegetables to passing VOC ships, significantly improving crew health and voyage efficiency. Over time, the camp grew into a permanent settlement with European settlers, soldiers, and local laborers. It became the first European foothold in South Africa, laying the groundwork for colonial expansion and cultural exchange in the Cape region. The settlement’s strategic location at the convergence of Atlantic and Indian Ocean trade routes transformed it into a vital maritime hub. Today, Cape Town stands as a vibrant city with a diverse heritage that traces back to van Riebeeck’s humble supply station.

On April 6, 1926, Varney Air Lines, founded by aviation pioneer Walter Varney, launched its inaugural contract air mail service between Pasco, Washington and Elko, Nevada. This flight marked one of the earliest regular scheduled air services under a U.S. Post Office contract. Varney Air Lines would merge and evolve into United Airlines in 1931, becoming one of the world’s leading carriers. The successful operation demonstrated the viability of commercial air transport and laid the groundwork for modern passenger aviation. This humble beginning played a key role in shaping the airline industry.