American History
Reopening of Sunshine Skyway Bridge
On April 20, 1987, the second Sunshine Skyway Bridge opened. It was rebuilt following a 1980 accident. Considered a symbol of Florida, it’s also the longest cable-stayed concrete bridge in the world.
First Boston Marathon
The first-ever Boson Marathon was run on April 19, 1897. It’s the world’s oldest annual marathon and is one of the six World Marathon Majors. While the first race included 15 runners, recent races have seen over 30,000 participants.
London Bridge Moves… to Arizona
On April 18, 1968, American entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch purchased Britain’s famed London Bridge and relocated it to Arizona. Though it was dubbed “McCulloch’s Folly,” it turned out to be a successful gamble and became one of Arizona’s most popular attractions.
Bay of Pigs Invasion
On April 17, 1961, a group of Cuban exiles launched an operation in Cuba known as the Bay of Pigs Invasion. It was an important event in the Cold War and led to major changes between the US, Cuba, and the Soviet Union.
Apollo 16 Launches
Apollo 16 launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:54 p.m. on April 16, 1972. It was the 10th crewed Apollo mission and the fifth and second to last to land on the Moon.
Old North Church
On April 15, 1732, the first stone was laid for Boston’s Christ Church, more famously known as the Old North Church. It’s home to the oldest church bells in America. And it was made famous during Paul Revere’s midnight ride with the signal, “one if by land, two if by sea.”
HemisFair ’68
On April 6, 1968, HemisFair ’68 opened in San Antonio, Texas. It was the first official international exposition held in the Southwestern US. The fair also honored the 250th anniversary of the founding of San Antonio.
First Presidential Veto
On April 5, 1792, George Washington used the first presidential veto in our country’s history. It was to turn down a bill that he felt unconstitutionally gave some states more members in the House of Representatives than the Constitution would allow.
Birth of Dorothea Dix
Dorothea Lynde Dix was born on April 4, 1802, in Hampden, Maine. She spent much of her life improving and establishing new mental asylums. Dix also served as the Superintendent of Army Nurses during the Civil War.