Orient Express
On June 5, 1883, the Orient Express made its first trip from Paris to Vienna.
This Day in History
Battle of Fair Oaks
On May 31, 1862, the Civil War Battle of Fair Oaks, known in the South as the Battle of Seven Pines, began. The battle could have been one of the last of the war. Instead, it was a turning point in Major General George B. McClellan’s campaign, and the fighting continued for three more years.
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.
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.