Sinking of the Lusitania
On May 7, 1915, a German U-boat torpedoed and sunk the Lusitania.
This Day in History
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.
Battle of the Coral Sea Begins
On May 4, 1942, the World War II Battle of the Coral Sea began. It was the first fight between aircraft carriers; in fact, the ships weren’t even in sight of each other.
World’s First Postage Stamp Issued
The world’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black, was issued on May 1, 1840.
Louisiana Admitted to the Union
On April 30, 1812, Louisiana became America’s 18th State.
Sybil Ludington’s Daring Ride
On April 26, 1777, Sybil Ludington embarked on a nighttime ride twice as long as the one that made Paul Revere famous two years earlier.
Happy Birthday Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, in Shadwell, Colony of Virginia.
International Labour Organization Founded
On April 11, 1919, the International Labour Organization was created.