1940

February 21 - Federal Hall in New York City becomes a national monument.

February 29 - Hattie McDaniel, who starred in Gone with the Wind, is the first African American actress to win an Oscar.

May 15 - The first nylon stockings go on sale in the U.S.

August 25 - The first parachute wedding takes place between Arno Rudolphi and Ann Hayward at the World's Fair amusement area in New York City.

September 2 - The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is formally dedicated.

September 3 - The U.S. sends destroyers to Great Britain on return for leasing bases in Newfoundland and the Caribbean.

October 16 - The first day of registration under the Selective Service Law takes place.
 
October 24 - The 40-hour work week goes into effect.

November 5 - President Franklin Roosevelt wins re-election to a third Presidential term.