Major Historical Events on April 14- Today in History

Each date on the calendar carries its own set of stories and significant events. Join us as we explore Major Historical Events on April 14.

Rise of Septimius Severus – 193 AD

Septimius was proclaimed emperor of Rome by his troops, initiating the establishment of a personal dynasty and transforming the government into a military monarchy.

Edward IV’s Triumph at Barnet – 1471 AD

Deposed and exiled King Edward IV of England achieved victory over King Henry VI’s forces at the Battle of Barnet near London, reclaiming his position on the throne.

Webster’s Linguistic Influence – 1828 AD

Noah Webster released “An American Dictionary of the English Language,” advocating for language evolution from spoken usage. Despite initial criticism for its “Americanism,” the dictionary became profoundly influential.

Poe’s Pioneering Prose: The Birth of Detective Fiction – 1841 AD

In April 1841, Edgar Allan Poe’s “Murders in Rue Morgue” was published, marking the inception of the detective story genre.

Tragedy at Ford’s Theatre – 1865

U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., marking a tragic end to the American Civil War era.

Birth of Anne Sullivan Macy – 1866 AD

Near Springfield, Massachusetts, Anne Sullivan Macy, renowned as Helen Keller’s teacher, was born.

J.C. Penney’s Debut – 1902 AD

American entrepreneur J.C. Penney inaugurated his first dry-goods store in Kemmerer, Wyoming.

Tribute to John Gielgud – 1904 AD

John Gielgud, celebrated as one of the finest actors, producers, and directors of his generation, especially revered for his Shakespearean performances, was born in England.

Tragedy at Sea: RMS Titanic’s Fateful Encounter – 1912 AD

At 11:40 PM off the coast of Newfoundland, the world’s largest ocean liner, RMS Titanic, struck an iceberg. As the hours passed into the early morning of April 15, the mighty vessel succumbed to the icy waters, leaving an indelible mark on history as one of the deadliest maritime disasters.

Legacy of Louis Sullivan – 1924 AD

Louis Sullivan, recognized as the pioneer of modern American architecture, passed away in Chicago, leaving a profound impact on architectural design.

Steinbeck’s Masterpiece – 1939 AD

John Steinbeck’s seminal work, “The Grapes of Wrath,” depicting the struggles of a Dust Bowl family during the Great Depression, was published, solidifying his reputation as a literary giant.

Pete Rose: Baseball Icon – 1941 AD

American professional baseball player Pete Rose, known for his all-around ability and enthusiasm, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man: A Literary Classic – 1952 AD

American author Ralph Ellison published his debut novel, Invisible Man; a bildungsroman that tells of a naive and idealistic young Black man, it is widely regarded as a classic.

U.S. Airstrike on Libya – 1986 AD

U.S. warplanes launched strikes in Libya, targeting Muammar al-Qaddafi’s regime, resulting in casualties, including his children, in a significant military operation.

Completion of the Human Genome Project – 2003 AD

Researchers concluded the monumental Human Genome Project, cataloging and publicly sharing almost all human genetic sequences, marking a historic achievement in genetics.

Reconciliation in Christianity – 2004 AD

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of the Eastern Orthodox Church formally accepted Pope John Paul II’s apology for the sack of Constantinople by Crusader armies, fostering reconciliation between Christian denominations.

Eruption of Eyjafjallajökull – 2010 AD

Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland erupted, spewing ash into the atmosphere and disrupting air travel across northern and central Europe for days.

Boko Haram’s Atrocity – 2014 AD

The extremist group Boko Haram abducted over 275 girls from a boarding school in Chibok, Nigeria, igniting global outrage and condemnation against their actions.

Bernie Madoff’s Demise – 2021 AD

Bernie Madoff, the mastermind behind the world’s largest Ponzi scheme, passed away in federal prison at the age of 82, marking the end of a notorious financial scandal.

Also Read: Major Historical Events on April 13- Today in History