Union Wins Battle of Shiloh
On April 7, 1862, Ulysses S. Grant won the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee. The bloodiest battle in US history up to that point, one in four soldiers was killed, wounded, or captured.
American History
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The American Chemical Society
On April 6, 1876, the American Chemical Society was founded in New York City. It was the first organization in the country devoted entirely to chemistry.
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Birth of Gregory Peck
Eldred Gregory Peck was born on April 5, 1916, in San Diego, California. Appearing in over 60 films and numerous stage productions, he became one of Hollywood’s most beloved and respected actors, voted the 12th-greatest male star of Classic Hollywood.
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Birth of Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. Poet, actor, author, teacher, and activist, Angelou became an influential voice of the 20th century.
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Ponce de Leon Claims Florida
On April 3, 1513, Juan Ponce de León landed on the Florida coast and claimed the area for Spain. He named it La Florida, or “Feast of Flowers,” a reference to the Easter celebration in Spain.
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Wilson Asks Congress to Declare War
President Woodrow Wilson addressed Congress on April 2, 1917, asking to declare war and join World War I. Despite Wilson’s desire to remain neutral, Germany had attacked several ships carrying US citizens, with no promise of stopping.
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First National Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.
On March 31, 1918, daylight saving time went into effect for the first time in the United States. It was originally instituted as a wartime measure, but was later adopted permanently.
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First Batman Comic Released
On March 30, 1939, Detective Comics #27 was released, introducing the world to the caped crusader – Batman. Appearing in over 11,000 comics, films, and other media, Batman is consistently ranked as one of the greatest superheroes of all time.
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Birth of John Tyler
John Tyler was born on March 29, 1790, in Charles City County, Virginia. He was the first vice president to take the nation’s highest office following the death of a sitting president, setting the standard for Presidential succession.
