This Day In History
Today, April 21st
Birth of Clara Ward
Gospel singer Clara Mae Ward was born on April 21, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was a talented singer who helped push gospel out of churches into nightclubs, which earned her both praise and criticism.
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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.
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Happy Birthday, Samuel Barber
Composer and pianist Samuel Osmond Barber II was born on March 9, 1910, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was one of America’s most celebrated composers, enjoying early success that lasted throughout his long career.
Happy Birthday, Bob Wills
Western swing musician James Robert Wills was born on March 6, 1905, in Kosse, Texas. Wills developed his own brand of country music and was known as the “King of Western Swing.”
“Happy Birthday to You”
On March 4, 1924, the song and melody of “Happy Birthday to You” were printed in a songbook. One of the world’s most famous songs, it has been the center of controversy over ownership and copyright status for years.
American Arts Series
On February 28, 1973, the USPS issued the first of seven stamps in its new American Arts Series. The stamps in the series honored artists from several different genres, including painting, music writing, and filmmaking.
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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.
