Fact 1: Titanic Tragedy
April 15 is a date that rose to infamy due to the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. The luxury ship collided with an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. Over 1,500 lives were lost, making it one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history.
Fact 2: Tax Day in the United States
For most Americans, April 15 is recognized as Tax Day. It marks the last day to file income taxes without incurring a penalty. The tradition began in 1955, moving from March 15 to give taxpayers an extra month to prepare their returns.
Fact 3: The Birth of Leonardo da Vinci
The renowned Italian polymath, Leonardo da Vinci, was born on April 15, 1452. He was known for his enduring works of art and various scientific and technological advancements. Among his best-known works are "The Last Supper" and "Mona Lisa."
Fact 4: Jackie Robinson Day in Baseball
Every year on April 15, baseball fans around the world celebrate Jackie Robinson Day. This day marks the historical debut of Jackie Robinson in 1947, becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era.
Fact 5: The Boston Marathon Terrorist Attack
April 15, 2013, was a dark day in the United States when two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, leading to the death of 3 people and injuring hundreds of others. The date now serves as a reminder of resilience, unity, and community strength.
Fact 6: North Korea's Celebration Day
Every April 15, North Korea celebrates the 'Day of the Sun.' It's the birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung, the founding leader of North Korea. It’s the most significant public holiday in the country, marked with different festivities, including military parades.
Fact 7: The End of the Rayleigh Jeans Law
In the field of physics, April 15, 1900, marked the end of the Rayleigh Jeans Law era. On this day, physicist Max Planck introduced a new law of black-body radiation, now known as Planck's law, marking the foundation of quantum physics.
Fact 8: The Publication of The Catcher in the Rye
April 15 is also the date when J.D. Salinger's masterpiece "The Catcher in the Rye" was published in 1951. The novel has since become a classic in American literature, often stirring debates due to its themes of adolescence and alienation.
Fact 9: The Launch of Apollo 16
On April 15, 1972, Apollo 16 was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This was NASA's fifth mission to land men on the moon, consisting of astronauts John Young, Thomas Mattingly, and Charles Duke.
Fact 10: The Opening of the McDonald’s Museum
On April 15, 1985, the original McDonald’s site and museum opened its doors. The museum, located in Des Plaines, Illinois, was built as a replica of Ray Kroc’s first restaurant franchise which opened on the same date in 1955.
Fact 11: Evacuation Day in Cambodia
April 15 annually commemorates the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979 in Cambodia. The fall marked the cessation of their brutal reign, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 to 2 million Cambodians.
Fact 12: Hillbilly Day in South Carolina
Every 15th of April, the town of Pickens, South Carolina, celebrates 'Hillbilly Day.' The festival is recognized as one of South Carolina's most unique traditions, featuring themed costumes, music, games, food, and more.
Fact 13: Death of Abraham Lincoln
It was on April 15, 1865, that President Abraham Lincoln succumbed to the gunshot wound inflicted on him by John Wilkes Booth at Ford Theatre. His death sent the nation into mourning, marking the end of the Civil War era.
Fact 14: The Portuguese Revolution of 1974
April 15 is significant in Portugal as the day that the nationally broadcast song "E Depois do Adeus" triggered the Carnation Revolution in 1974, signaling the end of the country's authoritarian Estado Novo regime.
Fact 15: Release of The Beatles' First Album
April 15, 1964, was a milestone for global music fans as it marked the release of The Beatles' "The Beatles’ Second Album." Despite the name, it was actually their first album released in the U.S.
Fact 16: Birthday of Emma Watson
Beloved British actress Emma Watson, famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, was born on April 15, 1990. Since then, she has enjoyed a successful acting career, and is known for her activism particularly around women's rights.
Fact 17: Anniversary of the General Slocum Disaster
One of New York's most terrible maritime disasters, the General Slocum fire, happened on April 15,1904. The steamship, carrying German-American families to a picnic, caught fire, resulting in over 1,000 deaths.
Fact 18: The Boston Celtics' Winning Streak
On April 15, 1957, the Boston Celtics won their first NBA Championship. This marked the beginning of their dominion in the NBA, making them one of the most successful teams in the history of the league.
Fact 19: World Art Day
April 15 also marks the celebration of World Art Day, honouring the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci. This day is dedicated to promoting awareness of creative activity around the globe.
Fact 20: Tragic Fire Incident at the Notre Dame Cathedral
On April 15, 2019, the world watched in shock and horror as French landmark, the Notre-Dame de Paris, was badly damaged by a devastating fire. The incident caused a global outpouring of sorrow and has since prompted significant restoration efforts.