First Transatlantic Flight
On May 16, 1919, Albert Cushing Read departed Newfoundland, beginning the first transatlantic flight. On May 27, he touched down in Portugal, successfully crossing the Atlantic.
American History
Formation of WAAC
On May 15, 1942, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was established. The women of the WAAC filled important noncombatant jobs, freeing up thousands of men for combat.
Discovery of the Inverted Jenny
On May 14, 1918, stamp collector William Robey discovered the rare Inverted Jenny error sheet. One of the most famous US stamp errors, he found the only known sheet to reach public hands.
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.
The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
On May 10, 1775, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold led a small colonial militia to capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British.
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.
First Flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour
On May 7, 1992, the Space Shuttle Endeavour embarked on its first mission, STS-49. America’s fifth and final operational shuttle, it would go on to fly 122,883,151 miles and spend 299 days in space.
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.
Opening of Expo ’74
On May 4, 1974, Expo ’74 opened in Spokane, Washington. “Celebrating Tomorrow’s Fresh New Environment,” it was the first world’s fair to focus on environmental themes.