May 2023 – Page 3 – History of the Day

Archive: May 2023

3 astronauts simultaneously walked in space for the 1st time

May 13, 1992: This significant event occurred when three astronauts ventured outside the spacecraft into space, marking the longest spacewalk ever carried out by American astronauts. Their successful completion of this mission helped to pave the way for future spacewalks and advancements in space exploration.

U.S. Senate votes for war against Mexico

May 12, 1846: After President James K. Polk accused Mexican forces of attacking Americans on U.S. soil. The Senate voted 40-2 to go to war against Mexico. The result of the Mexican-American war led to the U.S. annexation of land stretching from present-day California to New Mexico.

Amerigo Vespucci sets sail

May 10, 1497: Amerigo Vespucci set sail on his first exploratory voyage in search of the New World. Although most people think of Christopher Columbus from this period of discovery, America was named after Amerigo Vespucci in 1507.

President Wilson issues Mother’s Day declaration

May 9, 1914: President Woodrow Wilson asked all Americans to join him in celebrating Mother’s Day as a way to honor motherhood. To make it extra special, they started giving out carnations at the first-ever celebration, and now it’s become a tradition. Celebrating Mothers President Woodrow Wilson issued a…

Battle of Palo Alto

May 8, 1846: The Battle of Palo Alto occurred during the Mexican-American War, near the Rio Grande in Texas. The battle was fought between the United States Army (under Zachary Taylor) and the Mexican Army, resulting in a victory for the US, despite being outnumbered. The battle was significant in…

First US Presidential Inaugural Ball

May 7, 1789: George Washington’s first inaugural address, spanning 1,419 words, was delivered in the Senate chamber. Notably, there were no inaugural balls on the day of the ceremony; however, a ball was held in New York City a week later, on May 7, in honor of the first President. …

Steve Jobs introduced Apple’s first iMac

May 6, 1998: Steve Jobs proved his critics wrong and restored Apple’s status as a tech icon when he introduced the iMac on May 6, 1998. The iMac’s innovative, translucent design was a stark departure from the black or beige boxes that dominated the PC industry, and its popularity helped…

Carnegie Hall opens

May 5, 1891: Carnegie Hall, originally named Music Hall, opened to the public in New York City. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky led the first performance as a guest conductor. Five Facts About Opening Night How much do you know about Carnegie Hall’s original Opening Night in 1891? Here are five…

Al Capone begins prison sentence

May 4, 1932: Al Capone, a.k.a. Scarface, began his prison sentence as an inmate of Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. Capone was sentenced to 11 years for tax evasion and was later transferred to Alcatraz. The Al Capone Trial: A Chronology by Daniel M. Porazzo January 17, 1899Alphone Capone is born…

Pulitzer Prize for Gone with the Wind

May 3, 1937: Margaret Mitchell wins a Pulitzer Prize for her novel Gone with the Wind, two years before it was adapted into the world-famous movie. On this day in history, May 3, 1937, Margaret Mitchell’s Civil War saga ‘Gone with the Wind’ wins Pulitzer Bestselling epic of love…