2024April

April 18: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

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Facts & Historic Events That Happened on April 18

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April 18th is Piñata Day and Animal Crackers Day.

This day marks the 109th day of 2024, and there’s another 257 days remaining until the end of the year.

This day in history was a great day for space exploration, but there is so much more to touch on including, newly appointed prime ministers, scientific breakthroughs, and music releases.

Did you know that on this day in 2013, two Earth-like planets were discovered? Both were found in the same solar system in the star Kepler 62’s habitable zone.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about April 18th in history!

Events

What memorable events happened on April 18 in history? Keep reading to find out!

2020

A gunman named Gabriel Wortman rampaged through Nova Scotia, Canada.

OTD in 2020: A gunman named Gabriel Wortman rampaged through Nova Scotia

He carried out multiple shootings and killed 22 people. He was finally shot and killed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

2013

Two Earth-like planets in one solar system were discovered.

Astronomers found a system with a sun-like star and five orbiting planets.

2011

After hyping the game up for years, Valve finally released Portal 2 for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.

The final part of Portal 2’s hype campaign allowed would-be players to unlock the game early by playing a specific set of thirteen indie games sold in a bundle on Steam on April Fool’s Day. Players worldwide came together for the cause, with their efforts leading to Portal 2 releasing ten hours ahead of schedule.

1975

John Lennon sang “Stand by Me” at his last ever solo live performance.

1966

NBA hired the first African American coach Bill Russell for the Boston Celtics.

1955

Genius Albert Einstein died due to heart failure at age 76.

1946

The inaugural meeting of the International Court of Justice was held in The Hague, Netherlands.

The International Court of Justice is one of the six key organizations under the banner of the United Nations and is used to settle disputes according to international law.

1939

Robert Menzies, Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister, was elected.

Menzies was elected shortly after the death of his Prime Ministerial predecessor, Joseph Lyons, as a member of the United Australia Party. Just over two years later, he lost his party’s support and subsequently resigned. However, in 1949 Menzies was re-elected as Prime Minister, heading up the Liberal-Country Coalition, and was re-elected seven more times in a row. When he finally retired in 1966, he was and most likely will be the longest-serving Prime Minister in Australia’s history.

1912

705 survivors of the Titanic arrived in New York City on board the Cunard Liner Carpathia.

OTD in 1912: 705 survivors of the Titanic arrived in New York City on board the Cunard Liner Carpathia.

1906

A devastating earthquake in San Francisco destroyed over 80% of the city.

OTD in 1906: A devastating earthquake in San Francisco destroyed over 80% of the city.

The 7.9 magnitude shake occurred at 05:12 am, causing a fire to break out in the city. Over 3,000 people lost their lives to the disaster.

1835

William Lamb became the British prime minister for the second time.

Also known as Lord Melbourne, he took the place of Robert Peel, who quit due to frustration.

1738

The Royal Academy of History (Real Academia de la Historia) was founded in Madrid by King Philip V of Spain.

1506

The construction of St Peter’s Basilica began in the Vatican.

OTD in 1506: The construction of St Peter's Basilica began in the Vatican.

The building is the largest church in the world and is known as one of the world’s most holy Catholic shrines.

310 AD

Pope Saint Eusebius became the bishop of Rome.

Famous Births

Is today your birthday? If so, you share this special day with David Tennant! Check out more famous people born on this day below.

1979

Kourtney Kardashian

American

Media Personality

Kourtney Kardashian

Age:

45 years old

Born In:

California, USA

1971

David Tennant

Scottish

Actor

David Tennant

Age:

53 years old

Born In:

Scotland, UK

1963

Conan O’Brien

American

TV Host

Conan O'Brien

Age:

61 years old

Born In:

Massachusetts, USA

1993

Nathan Sykes

English

Singer

Nathan Sykes

Age:

31 years old

Born In:

England, UK

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, April 18th has also been a day where we’ve had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1879

1955

Albert Einstein

German

Physicist

Albert Einstein

1879

1955

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein was a German physicist born on March 14, 1879. He died on this day in 1955, at age 76 in Princeton, New Jersey, USA.

Died On:

Apr 18, 1955 (Age 76)

Died In:

New Jersey, USA

Quotes

Every day brings a new quote – here are the most renowned quotes spoken or written on April 18th in history.

2012

When you write an article about anything, trolls use the comments to attack. They feel frustrated – but haters are losers. It’s not good to feed this aspect. It’s more intelligent to be constructive.

Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho

Brazilian Lyricist

Special Holidays

If you’ve got a few minutes spare today, why not celebrate these special holidays.

April 18: National Piñata Day
Mexico

National Piñata Day

There’s nothing more therapeutic than beating the living daylights out of a piñata and showering the room with candy and fun prizes. There’s really not much more to say about celebrating today, so head to the store, pick up a piñata, and get smashing already!

April 18: National Animal Crackers Day
United States

National Animal Crackers Day

Despite initially being manufactured in Britain, animal crackers only became popular when they were imported into the US in the 19th century. So celebrate the long history of animal crackers by picking up a packet from your local grocery store today!

THe Fact Site’s

Fun Fact Of The Day

Though most think it’s Italian, pepperoni is an American invention. The first use of the word dates back to 1919.

Birthday & Zodiac

Everyone who was born on April 18 shares the star sign of Aries.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and its mascot is the Ram. As a fire sign ruled by the planet Mars, Aries energy is often individualistic, bold, and brave.

People born during April have the Diamond birthstone. The diamond is a prized gemstone that has been a symbol of love for centuries. The Ancient Romans believed Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds.

If you were lucky enough to be born on April 18, you were likely conceived around July 26, the year before.

A baby conceived on April 18, 2024, will likely be due around January 9, 2025.

Fact Check

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