Birth of Al Jolson
Asa “Al” Jolson said he didn’t know when he was born, but later in life claimed his birth date was May 26, 1886.
This Day in History
Siege of Vicksburg
On May 18, 1863, the key Siege of Vicksburg Began.
Birth of Florence Nightingale
Nurse and social reformer Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Tuscany, Italy.
Winfield Scott’s “Anaconda Plan”
On May 3, 1861, General-in-Chief Winfield Scott presented a plan to end the Civil War without a great loss of life – it was later dubbed the “Anaconda Plan.”
First US Aerogram
On April 29, 1947, the US issued its first aerogram, then called an air letter sheet.
Soviet-Canadian Polar Bridge Expedition
On April 25, 1988, the Soviet-Canadian Polar Bridge Expedition reached the North Pole.
Red Baron’s Final Victory
On April 20, 1918, the Red Baron shot down his 80th plane, a record for World War I.
Birth of Leonardo da Vinci
Renaissance Man Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Republic of Florence, Italy.
First Man in Space
On April 12, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person to travel into space.