Interesting Facts about April
The first day of April is notoriously fun, but there is so much more to look forward to this month! Check these fascinating and lesser-known facts about April.
April Fools’ Day – April 1st is a time of pranks, jest and laughter! April Fools’ Day, otherwise known as All Fools’ Day, has been celebrated for centuries, but most historians agree this fun day dates to 16th century Europe when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar.
Shakespeare’s Birthday – William Shakespeare, world-famous poet, playwright and actor, was born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. During his lifetime, he authored at least 37 plays, 154 sonnets and countless poems. Through the creation of some of the most beloved works of literature, Shakespeare is credited with the invention or introduction of over 1,700 words we still use today.
Beginning of Revolutionary War – Hopping across the pond, tensions between the thirteen colonies and Great Britain reached a boiling point on April 19, 1775, when fighting broke out at a British garrison in Boston, marking the beginning of the American Revolution. This fight for independence would go on to last an astounding 8 years, 4 months and 15 days.
America’s First Inauguration – After demonstrating his leadership and brilliant military strategy during the American Revolution, George Washington won 69 electoral votes unanimously for the first American presidency. For the inauguration, he traveled from his home state of Virginia to New York for the celebration that took place on April 30, 1789. Washington is the only president to be inaugurated in two cities with his first inauguration taking place in New York City and his second taking place in Philadelphia.
Titanic Sinks – On April 10, 1912, the RMS Titanic, at the time the largest and most luxurious ocean liner built, departed for its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean only to sink in the early hours of April 15, 1912, after fatefully hitting an iceberg the night before. This infamous event not only inspired one of the most popular movies of all time, but also changed the laws and safety practices of the seas.
Apollo 13 – Houston, we’ve had a problem! Launching from the Kennedy Space Center on April 11, 1970, this infamous voyage was intended to land on the moon, but instead forced to orbit the moon and return to Earth without landing after an explosion in one of the oxygen tanks crippled the spacecraft. Thankfully, the three-person crew landed safely on April 17, 1970.
This month, as you enjoy sunnier days and warmer temperatures, I hope you’re able to take a few moments and reflect on what an awesome month April is