This Day in History

Okay, so I meant to post this yesterday so while you are reading it, imagine that today isn't already halfway over. Holding a degree in History, you'd think I would have gotten around to doing a post like this sooner. However, since yesterday had some interesting historical significance, I thought it would be as good of a time as any to start this series.

I enjoy listening to NPR. Sadly, I don't know too many people that do (other than a coworker, a former roommate, and fellow blogger Kevin Adlesberger). NPR offers quite a wide range of information as well as great classical music. After running a few errands, and while on my way home, I decided to turn on the radio to see what NPR had playing. Thankfully, I turned on my radio at the precise moment that "Writer's Almanac" was coming on. The host began the segment by giving the listeners two interesting "This Day in History" stories. So, now that you know where some of these will come from, I shall tell you two interesting "This Day in History" facts.

April 14, 1865
On this date in 1865, President Abraham Lincoln is assassinated while attending the play "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. Just after 10 p.m., Booth entered Lincoln's private theater box unnoticed and shot the president with a single bullet in the back of his head. Booth then leapt to the stage and shouted "Sic semper tyrannis! [Thus always to tyrants]–the South is avenged!" The president, mortally wounded, was carried to a lodging house opposite Ford's Theater. About 7:22 a.m. the next morning, Lincoln, age 56, died. He was the first U.S. president to be assassinated.

April 14, 1939
On this date in 1939, John Steinbeck's classic The Grapes of Wrath is published.

I just thought these were interesting and that you all might enjoy knowing a little about what happened on THIS DAY IN HISTORY! (imagine old super hero show voice over).

Until next time.