July 31

To reduce construction costs and navigate challenging terrain, Queensland chose a 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow gauge for its railways. On July 31, 1865, the line between Ipswich and Grandchester began operations, becoming the first of its kind. The success of this narrow-gauge mainline demonstrated efficiency and affordability for rural rail networks. Its trains carried passengers, agricultural products, and minerals, fostering regional economic growth. Queensland’s gauge choice influenced other railroads worldwide seeking cost-effective solutions. The Grandchester line laid the foundation for over 9,000 km of narrow-gauge track across Australia.

Idlewild Field, New York’s newly expanded airport, was officially dedicated on July 31, 1948, under its original name, New York International Airport. The ceremony, attended by city officials and aviation leaders, celebrated the postwar surge in commercial air travel. Designed to accommodate larger aircraft and international routes, the facility featured modern terminals and runways. Nickname ‘Idlewild’ derived from the surrounding marshland, the airport would later be renamed in honor of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Over subsequent decades, JFK Airport evolved into one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, handling millions of passengers annually. The 1948 dedication marked a turning point in New York’s emergence as a global air transport center. Its opening reflected advances in airport design and the expanding horizon of international connectivity.