First Woman to Fly Solo Across the Atlantic
On May 20, 1932, Amelia Earhart completed the first solo flight across the Atlantic by a female, five years to day after Charles Lindbergh first made the same trip.
This Day in History
First Solo Non-Stop Flight Across the Atlantic
On May 20, 1927, Charles Lindbergh began his famous flight across the Atlantic aboard the Spirit of St. Louis.
Tennessee Valley Authority Created
On May 18, 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt created the Tennessee Valley Authority to provide hydroelectric power to rural areas of six states.
Happy Birthday L. Frank Baum
Lyman Frank Baum was born on May 15, 1856, in Chittenango, New York (about 30 miles from Mystic’s home in Camden).
Minnesota Becomes 32nd State
Minnesota was admitted to the Union on May 11, 1858.
Victory in Europe Day
On May 8, 1945, Americans celebrated Germany’s defeat with the first Victory in Europe Day.
Sinking of the Lusitania
On May 7, 1915, a German U-boat torpedoed and sunk the Lusitania.
The Hindenburg Disaster
On May 6, 1937, the Hindenburg zeppelin caught fire and exploded within a minute, killing over a third of the people on board.
Alan Shepard Becomes First American in Space
On May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into space when he successfully took a sub-orbital flight aboard Freedom 7.