Alan Shepard becomes First American in Space
On this day in US history, Navy Commander Alan Shepard Jr. was launched into space aboard the Freedom 7 space capsule, becoming the first American to travel to space on May…
National Guard Murders Four Students at Kent State
On this day in US history, National Guardsmen who were called in to keep the peace at an anti-war protest on Kent State’s campus killed four students and wounded nine…
The Battle of the Coral Sea Begins
On this day in US history, the first modern naval engagement in history began on May 3, 1942. After having broken Japan’s secret war code, the US intercepted a transmission…
Allied Forces resolve argument over whether to deploy US troops on the Western Front
On this day in US history, a conference of Allied military leaders argued over whether or not to deploy US troops on the Western Front in World War I on…
Empire State Building Dedicated
On this day in US history, President Herbert Hoover officially dedicated New York City’s Empire State Building on May 1st, 1931. In a symbolic show, President Hoover hit a button…
George Washington gives first Presidential Inaugural Address
On this day in US history, George Washington was sworn in as the first American president and delivered his first inaugural speech on April 30, 1789. The address was held…
World War II monument opens in Washington, DC
On this day in US history, the World War II Memorial opened in Washington, DC, on April 29, 2004. The memorial welcomed thousands of visitors on the inaugural day, and…
Union Captures New Orleans
On this day in US history, Union troops officially took possession of New Orleans on April 28, 1862. The capture of the major southern city was a massive blow to…
Remembering the Sultana Steamship Explosion
On this day in US history, a steamboat named Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee, killing 1,700 passengers on April 17, 1865. Over 2,300 total passengers boarded the…
Luis Castro becomes first Latin American to play in the MLB
On this day in US history, Luis Castro broke the mold as the first known Latin American athlete to play for a Major League Baseball team on April 23, 1902.…