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19 Facts About April 15th

Owen Fairclough

Written by Owen Fairclough

Modified & Updated: 12 Oct 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Ohmyfacts.com

April 15th might seem like just another day, but it holds a treasure trove of interesting facts and historical events. Did you know that this date marks significant moments in history, from the sinking of the Titanic to the birth of famous personalities? April 15th is also known for being Tax Day in the United States, a deadline that sends many scrambling to file their returns. Beyond taxes and tragedies, this day has witnessed groundbreaking achievements in science, sports, and culture. Curious about what else makes April 15th special? Let's dive into 19 fascinating facts that will make you see this date in a whole new light.

Key Takeaways:

  • April 15th marks significant historical, cultural, and scientific events, from the sinking of the Titanic to the birth of Leonardo da Vinci and the completion of the Human Genome Project.
  • This date also saw the debut of Jackie Robinson in MLB, the opening of the first McDonald's franchise, and the release of The Beatles' first album in the US.
Table of Contents
01Historical Events on April 15th
02Cultural and Artistic Milestones
03Scientific and Technological Advancements
04Notable Birthdays and Deaths
05April 15th: A Day of Many Stories

Historical Events on April 15th

April 15th has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history. Here are some noteworthy occurrences:

  1. Titanic Sinks: On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg, resulting in the loss of over 1,500 lives.
  2. Leonardo da Vinci's Birth: The renowned artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy.
  3. Abraham Lincoln's Assassination: President Abraham Lincoln died on April 15, 1865, after being shot by John Wilkes Booth the previous evening.
  4. Hillsborough Disaster: On April 15, 1989, 96 football fans lost their lives in a crush at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, England.
  5. Boston Marathon Bombing: On April 15, 2013, two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring hundreds.

Cultural and Artistic Milestones

April 15th has also been a significant date in the world of arts and culture. Here are some key moments:

  1. Jackie Robinson's MLB Debut: On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball by playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
  2. First McDonald's Franchise: The first McDonald's franchise opened on April 15, 1955, in Des Plaines, Illinois, by Ray Kroc.
  3. The Beatles' First Album: "Please Please Me," The Beatles' debut album, was released in the United States on April 15, 1963.
  4. The Great Gatsby Published: F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel "The Great Gatsby" was published on April 15, 1925.
  5. The First Modern Olympics: The first modern Olympic Games concluded on April 15, 1896, in Athens, Greece.

Scientific and Technological Advancements

April 15th has been a day of breakthroughs and discoveries in science and technology. Here are some notable achievements:

  1. First Passenger Flight: On April 15, 1926, the first passenger flight took off from Varney Air Lines, which later became United Airlines.
  2. First Weather Satellite: TIROS-1, the first successful weather satellite, was launched on April 15, 1960, providing valuable meteorological data.
  3. Intel's First Microprocessor: Intel introduced its first microprocessor, the 4004, on April 15, 1971, revolutionizing computing.
  4. First Portable Computer: The Osborne 1, the first portable computer, was unveiled on April 15, 1981, weighing 24.5 pounds.
  5. Human Genome Project: The completion of the first draft of the Human Genome Project was announced on April 15, 2003, mapping the entire human DNA sequence.

Notable Birthdays and Deaths

April 15th has seen the birth and death of many influential figures. Here are some of them:

  1. Emma Watson's Birthday: Actress Emma Watson, known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, was born on April 15, 1990.
  2. Kim Il-sung's Birthday: North Korean leader Kim Il-sung was born on April 15, 1912, and is celebrated annually in North Korea as the Day of the Sun.
  3. Tax Day in the United States: April 15th is traditionally the deadline for filing federal income tax returns in the United States.
  4. Death of Greta Garbo: Legendary actress Greta Garbo passed away on April 15, 1990, leaving behind a legacy of classic films.

April 15th: A Day of Many Stories

April 15th isn't just another date on the calendar. From historical events to cultural milestones, this day has seen it all. Tax Day in the U.S. keeps accountants busy, while Titanic's sinking in 1912 remains a somber reminder of maritime history. Leonardo da Vinci's birth in 1452 gave the world a genius whose works still inspire. Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier in 1947 changed sports forever.

Whether it's celebrating art, remembering tragedies, or marking achievements, April 15th holds a unique place in history. Each fact adds a layer to its rich tapestry, making it a day worth noting. So next time April 15th rolls around, take a moment to reflect on its diverse stories. You'll find there's more to this date than meets the eye.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's so special about April 15th?
April 15th is a day packed with historical events, notable birthdays, and significant occurrences across various fields. From being recognized as the day the Titanic sank in 1912 to marking the deadline for filing tax returns in the United States, this date carries a mix of solemn remembrances and practical reminders.
Why do Americans associate April 15th with taxes?
In the United States, April 15th is famously known as Tax Day. It's the official deadline for individuals to file their federal income tax returns for the previous year. This association makes the date a significant one on many Americans' calendars, symbolizing the culmination of a year's worth of financial accounting and obligations.
Has April 15th always been Tax Day in the US?
No, April 15th hasn't always been Tax Day in the US. Initially, when the federal income tax was introduced in 1913, March 1st was the original deadline. However, in 1955, to spread out the workload of processing returns, the date was shifted to April 15th, giving taxpayers a bit more time to get their finances in order.
Are there any major historical events that happened on April 15th?
Absolutely, April 15th has been a witness to several pivotal moments in history. Besides the tragic sinking of the Titanic, it's also the day Abraham Lincoln died in 1865 after being shot the previous evening. Moreover, it marks the day Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947.
Can you tell me about any famous people born on April 15th?
Sure! April 15th is the birthday of several well-known individuals across different domains. Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance genius, was born on this day in 1452. Other notable figures include actress Emma Watson, known for her role in the Harry Potter series, and Seth Rogen, a prominent actor and comedian.
How do other countries view or celebrate April 15th?
Around the world, April 15th might not hold the same tax-related significance as in the US, but it's observed for various reasons. For instance, in South Korea, it's celebrated as National Library Workers' Day. Each country has its unique set of holidays, remembrances, and celebrations that might fall on this date, reflecting their cultural and historical contexts.
Is there anything unusual or lesser-known about April 15th?
Yes, among the lesser-known facts about April 15th is that it's World Art Day, a celebration to promote the development, diffusion, and enjoyment of art. It was chosen specifically to honor Leonardo da Vinci's birthday, symbolizing a tribute to fine arts and the universal values they represent.

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