The Rural Electrification Administration
On May 11, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed legislation establishing the Rural Electrification Administration (REA). The REA brought power to millions on remote farms.
Government
Death of King Kamehameha I
The first king of the Kingdom Hawaii, King Kamehameha I, is believed to have died on May 8, 1819. Kamehameha was the first chief to unite the Hawaiian islands and remains a revered figure in the state today.
Works Progress Administration
On May 6, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 7034, establishing the Works Progress Administration. The WPA provided jobs for 8.5 million people in the midst of the Great Depression.
Kansas-Nebraska Stamps
On May 1, 1929, the Kansas-Nebraska stamps were officially placed on sale. The stamps were intended to put an end to post office robberies but were heavily criticized and short-lived.
US Savings Bonds
On April 30, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt announced a new series of US Savings Bonds and bought the first one himself the following day. These bonds went on to help raise over $185 billion dollars during WWII.
Happy Birthday Ulysses S. Grant
Hiram Ulysses Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. A hero of the Civil War, he served as America’s 18th president.
Happy Birthday James Buchanan
James Buchanan was born on April 23, 1791, in Cove Gap, Pennsylvania, to Irish immigrants.
First White House Easter Egg Roll
On April 22, 1878, the White House hosted its first official Easter Egg Roll on Easter Monday. It’s a beloved tradition that has continued to this day.
Establishment of the US Mint
On April 2, 1792, Congress passed the Coinage Act (also known as the Mint Act), which, among other things, created the United States Mint. The US Mint building in Philadelphia was the first federal building created under the Constitution.