1. The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln:
April 14, 1865, is perhaps the most tragic day in Washington's history. At Ford's Theatre in downtown Washington, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated while watching a performance of "Our American Cousin." John Wilkes Booth, a well-known actor and Confederate sympathizer, shot Lincoln in the back of the head before fleeing the scene. Lincoln died the following morning, setting off a nationwide outpouring of grief.
2. Titanic Survivors Arrive in DC:
On April 14, 1912, the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic, resulting in the deaths of over 1,500 passengers and crew members. A few days later, survivors of the disaster began arriving in Washington, D.C., seeking aid and comfort. The city became a hub for relief efforts, as local organizations distributed food and clothing to survivors.
3. First Flight from National Airport:
On April 14, 1941, the first airplane took off from what was then called Washington National Airport (now Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport). The airport, located in Arlington, Virginia, became an important hub for travel and transportation in the nation's capital, connecting Washington with other cities across the country.
4. Martin Luther King Jr. Imprisoned:
In 1963, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was imprisoned in Birmingham, Alabama, for his role in organizing a series of protests and sit-ins. On April 14 of that year, he wrote his famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail," in which he defended his tactics of nonviolent protest and urged his followers to continue fighting for civil rights.
5. Snowstorm Brings Record Snowfall:
On April 14, 1912, Washington D.C. experienced a massive snowstorm that dumped over two feet of snow on the city, setting a record for the heaviest snowfall in April. The storm caused widespread disruption, closing schools and businesses and interrupting transportation. Despite the inconvenience, the snow provided a picturesque backdrop for the city's monuments and landmarks.
5 Fun Facts About April 14 In Washington History
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