This Day in History - Page 21

April 22, 2024

On this day in history, April 22, 1970, first Earth Day is celebrated: 'Rare political alignment'

Earth Day, a demonstration against pollution and for improved environmental policies, was first observed on this day in history, April 22, 1970. Demonstrations occurred nationwide.

April 21, 2024

On this day in history, April 21, 1836, Texans rout Mexican army on San Jacinto River: 'Remember the Alamo!'

In the Texas War for Independence, the battle fought on the banks of the San Jacinto River saw 800 texans battle 1200 Mexican soldiers. General Sam Houston cried, "Remember the Alamo!"

April 20, 2024

On this day in history, April 20, 1898, President William McKinley asks Congress to declare war on Spain

On this day in history, April 20, 1898, the 25th president, William McKinley, went to Congress to ask for declaration of war on Spain in defense of Cuba, which had been battling Spain.

April 19, 2024

On this day in history, April 19, 1951, Gen. MacArthur delivers 'Old soldiers never die' speech to Congress

Gen. Douglas MacArthur delivered his "Old soldiers never die" speech to a joint session of Congress on this day in history, April 19, 1951. Earlier, MacArthur was relieved of his military duties.

April 18, 2024

On this day in history, April 18, 1934, first self-operated 'washateria' opens in Fort Worth, Texas

It was considered a breakthrough for its time when, on this day in history, April 18, 1934, the first laundromat — or "washateria," as it was called then — opened in Fort Worth, Texas.

April 17, 2024

On this day in history, April 17, 1970, Apollo 13 astronauts return alive, defy odds after space explosion

The three astronauts on board the Apollo 13 mission safely returned to Earth after an explosion in space threatened their lives on this day in history, April 17, 1970.

April 16, 2024

On this day in history, April 16, 1889, future Hollywood legend Charlie Chaplin is born in London

Actor and producer Charlie Chaplin was born on this day in history, April 16, 1889, in London. He went on to perfect and refine the character Charlie the Tramp — and was knighted in 1975.

April 15, 2024

On this day in history, April 15, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln passes away

President Abraham Lincoln died on this day, April 15, 1865, about nine hours after he was shot by actor John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln and his wife had been watching a play at Ford's Theatre in D.C.

April 14, 2024

On this day in history, April 14, 1910, President Taft throws out first pitch at MLB game

On this day in history, April 14, 1910, President William Howard Taft became the first U.S.president to throw out the first pitch on baseball's Opening Day. The game was held in Washington, D.C.

April 13, 2024

On this day in history, April 13, 1997, Tiger Woods, 21, dominates Masters with record 12-stroke win

Tiger Woods, 21, and a golf prodigy since he was a toddler, dominated the 1997 Masters Tournament with a 12-stroke win on this day in history, April 13, 1997.