First Blood of the French and Indian War
The French and Indian War, which would later expand into what is known as the Seven Years’ War globally, began with its first exchange of fire on May 28, 1754, near present-day Uniontown in Pennsylvania. A young George Washington led the Virginian colonial forces in a skirmish against the French, marking the outset of the […]
Signing of the SALT I Agreements
The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreements were signed by the United States and the Soviet Union on May 27, 1972. These agreements marked a significant effort to curb the arms race during the Cold War, addressing limitations and guidelines for ballistic missiles. The SALT I treaties were an important step in reducing the threat […]
The Tragedy of the SS St. Louis
On May 27, 1939, the SS St. Louis, a ship carrying 937 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany, was denied entry to Cuba despite the passengers holding valid visas. This rejection was followed by further denials from the United States and Canada due to strict immigration policies and widespread anti-Semitism. The ship was forced to return […]
The Golden Gate Bridge Opens
The Golden Gate Bridge officially opened to the public on May 27, 1937. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, the bridge connected San Francisco to Marin County, California, and was the longest suspension bridge main span in the world at the time. Celebrated as a marvel of modern engineering and a stunning aesthetic achievement, the Golden […]
Publication of “Dracula”
“Dracula,” a novel by Irish author Bram Stoker, went on sale in London on May 26, 1897. This gothic horror story introduced the character of Count Dracula and established many conventions of subsequent vampire fantasy. The novel has had a profound impact on the genre of horror literature and has inspired countless adaptations in film, […]
President Andrew Johnson’s Impeachment Trial
President Andrew Johnson was acquitted in his Senate impeachment trial on May 26, 1868, narrowly escaping removal from office by one vote. Johnson’s presidency had been marked by contentious relations with Congress, particularly regarding policies of Reconstruction and the treatment of the defeated Southern states after the Civil War. His trial, the first impeachment of […]
The Pequot Massacres Begin
On May 26, 1637, the Pequot massacres began with the Mystic Massacre during the Pequot War, one of the first major conflicts between colonists and Native Americans in New England. In a pre-dawn raid, English settlers and their Native American allies set fire to a Pequot village near the Mystic River in Connecticut, killing hundreds […]
The Killing of George Floyd
George Floyd, an African American man, was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25, 2020. Captured on video, Floyd’s death showed the officer kneeling on his neck for over nine minutes, leading to widespread outrage. This event ignited historic protests across the United States and around the world, calling for an […]
“Star Wars” Revolutionizes Cinema
On May 25, 1977, “Star Wars” opened in theaters and fundamentally changed the landscape of motion pictures. Created by George Lucas, this groundbreaking film introduced audiences worldwide to its epic storytelling, special effects, and complex mythology, spawning a massive franchise. Its release marked a watershed moment in film history, influencing countless filmmakers and captivating generations […]
The Beginning of the Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention began on May 25, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with the aim of addressing the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation. This gathering of delegates, including George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin, led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution would become a foundational document of the United States, establishing […]