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.
This Day in History
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World’s First Postage Stamp Issued
The world’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black, was issued on May 1, 1840.
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Louisiana Admitted to the Union
On April 30, 1812, Louisiana became America’s 18th State.
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Happy Birthday Washington Irving
Author Washington Irving was born on April 3, 1783, in New York City.
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Sheridan Wins Battle of Five Forks
On April 1, 1865, Philip Sheridan earned a key Union victory at the Battle of Five Forks.
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Commodore Perry Opens Trade with Japan
On March 31, 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry signed a peace and trade agreement with Japan.
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Publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin
On March 20, 1852, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin was first published in America.
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Hattie McDaniel’s Academy Award Win
On February 29, 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Academy Award.
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Death of Apache Warrior Geronimo
After decades of fighting to return to his homeland, Geronimo died on February 17, 1909, never able to realize his wish.
