Birth of Naval Aviation
On May 8, 1911, the US Navy purchased its first airplane. This date is celebrated as the birth of US naval aviation.
Government
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Postmaster Lincoln
On May 7, 1833, future President Abraham Lincoln took a job as postmaster for New Salem, Illinois. Holding that position for three years, he was well-liked and respected for his commitment to his postal customers.
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First Older Americans Month
On May 1, 1963, the US observed its first Senior Citizens Months, later renamed Older Americans Month. Since its inception, it has been a time to raise awareness of issues facing older Americans as well as honor their contributions to our nation.
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Birth of James Monroe
James Monroe was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on April 28, 1758, to successful plantation owners. America’s fifth president, Monroe presided over the “Era of Good Feelings” and issued the Monroe Doctrine, a policy that was invoked by presidents well into the 20th century.
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Lincoln Suspends Writ of Habeas Corpus
On April 27, 1861, Abraham Lincoln became the first US president to suspend the writ of habeas corpus – the right to be released from unlawful detention. He took this controversial move in the hopes it would prevent Maryland from joining the Confederacy.
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Library of Congress Founded
On April 24, 1800, President John Adams officially established the Library of Congress. It’s America’s oldest federal cultural institution, and one of the largest libraries in the world, with more than 171 million items.
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Boston Latin School
On April 23, 1635, the Boston Latin School opened its doors. It’s America’s oldest school and first public school.
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Spanish-American War Begins
On April 21, 1898, Spain ended diplomatic relations with America and the US Navy established a blockade of Cuba, marking the official start of the Spanish-American War. The war would last less than four months, but saw the downfall of the Spanish Empire and the rise of America as a major world power with several new possessions.
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American Samoa Ceded to the U.S.
On April 17, 1900, chiefs on the island of Tutuila signed the Treaty of Cession of Tutuila, transferring control of American Samoa to the United States. The US Navy governed the island for half a century before it became self-governing, but remains an unincorporated US territory.
