Jamestown Exposition
On April 26, 1907, the Jamestown Exposition opened at Sewell’s Point in Norfolk, Virginia. It celebrated the 300th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in America.
American History
Opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway
On April 25, 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway opened, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. Construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway was nearly as ambitious as the Panama Canal project.
General Federation of Women’s Clubs
On April 24, 1890, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs was founded. It’s one of the world’s oldest and largest women’s volunteer service organizations.
Oklahoma Land Run
On April 22, 1889, the first land rush into the Unassigned Lands of Oklahoma kicked off at high noon. By evening, 50,000 families settled in Oklahoma and two cities were established with populations over 10,000 each.
Battle of San Jacinto
On April 21, 1836, Texan soldiers led a swift attack on an unsuspecting Mexican force at the Battle of San Jacinto. It was the final, decisive battle of the Texas Revolution.
Happy Birthday Tito Puente
American musician and songwriter Tito Puente was born on April 20, 1923, in New York City, New York.
Opening of Original Yankee Stadium
On April 18, 1923, the Yankees played their first game in “The House that Ruth Built.”
Verrazzano Explores New York Harbor
On April 17, 1524, Giovanni da Verrazzano became the first European to see New York harbor.
Emancipation Day in Washington, DC
On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act. The act freed over 3,100 people enslaved in the US capital nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation would free all enslaved people in the US.