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.
American History
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.
Happy Birthday Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, in Shadwell, Colony of Virginia.
Happy Birthday Booker T. Washington
Booker Taliaferro Washington was born into slavery on April 5, 1856, in Hale’s Ford, Virginia.
W.H. Harrison Becomes First President to Die in Office
Author Washington Irving was born on April 3, 1783, in New York City.
Samuel Morse Dies
On April 2, 1872, telegraph inventor Samuel Morse died. President Woodrow Wilson address Congress on April 2, 1917, asking to declare war and join World War I.
Sheridan Wins Battle of Five Forks
On April 1, 1865, Philip Sheridan earned a key Union victory at the Battle of Five Forks. On April 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower created the Air Force Academy to train officers.
Commodore Perry Opens Trade with Japan
On March 31, 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry signed a peace and trade agreement with Japan. On March 31, 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to decrease unemployment in America.
Death of Ida B. Wells
On March 25, 1931, Civil Rights leader, journalist, and suffragette Ida B. Wells died at the age of 68.