American Revolutionary War begins with battles of Lexington and Concord 250 years ago this hour (Apr 19 1775)

1770s, American Revolutionary War


Video: 'The Revolution: Boston Bloody Boston' (first shot fired at 34:50)

(Wednesday, April 19, 1775, approximately 5:00 a.m. local time; during the American Revolutionary War, part of the American Revolution) — The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War began today with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in Middlesex County, Province of Massachusetts Bay, within the towns of Lexington, Concord, Lincoln, Menotomy (present-day Arlington), and Cambridge, near Boston. Continue reading American Revolutionary War begins with battles of Lexington and Concord 250 years ago this hour (Apr 19 1775) →

Paul Revere begins famous midnight ride to warn American colonists that ‘British are coming’ 240 years ago this hour (Apr 18 1775)

1770s


Video: 'History Documentary Films ? The American Revolution - Paul Revere Biography - The Midnight...' (Apr. 18, 1775, 21:49)

(Tuesday, April 18, 1775, shortly after 11:00 p.m. local time; during the American Revolution) — Paul Revere tonight began his famous ride from Charlestown to Lexington, Massachusetts, warning American colonists that the British were coming.

John Lennon performs at Sir Lew Grade tribute show in New York 50 years ago this hour (Apr 18 1975)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s, Television 1970s, The Beatles 1970s


Video: 'Salute To Sir Lew Grade • NYC • April 18, 1975 • Lennon, Andrews, Jones, Sellers'

(Friday, April 18, 1975, 9:30 p.m. EDT) — Former Beatle John Lennon performed today for the ATV/ITC TV special Salute To Sir Lew – The Master Showman, a star-studded cabaret event to celebrate the distinguished career of Sir Lew Grade, in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in New York City for airing on June 13, 1975. Continue reading John Lennon performs at Sir Lew Grade tribute show in New York 50 years ago this hour (Apr 18 1975) →

Ringo Starr performs ‘No No Song’ on ‘The Smothers Brothers Show’ 50 years ago today (Apr 28 1975)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s, Television 1970s, The Beatles 1970s


Video: 'Ringo Starr | No No Song | The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour'

(Friday, April 18, 1975) — Former Beatle Ringo Starr taped an appearance today on NBC-TV’s The Smothers Brothers Show at NBC Studios in Los Angeles. Continue reading Ringo Starr performs ‘No No Song’ on ‘The Smothers Brothers Show’ 50 years ago today (Apr 28 1975) →

Johnston surrenders to Sherman 160 years ago this hour (Apr 18 1865)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'The Largest Confederate Surrender - Bennett Place NC'

(Tuesday, April 18, 1865, noon local time; during the American Civil War) — Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston surrendered to Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman today near Durham Station in North Carolina (Sherman got himself into political hot water by offering terms of surrender to Johnston that encompassed political issues as well as military, without authorization. The confusion on this issue lasted until Apr. 26, 1865).

325,000 Germans surrender at Ruhr Pocket 80 years ago today (Apr 18 1945)

1940s, World War II

Video: 'The World at War: Nemesis: Germany - February-May 1945 (21 of 26)' (Apr. 18, 1945, at 21:31)

(Wednesday, April 18, 1945; on the Western Front of World War II) — The Ruhr Pocket, a battle of encirclement that took place in late March and early April 1945 in the Ruhr Area of Germany, essentially ended today, marking the end of major organized resistance on Nazi Germany’s Western Front as 325,000 troops were taken prisoner.

Physicist Albert Einstein, 76, dies in Princeton, New Jersey 70 years ago this hour (Apr 18 1955)

1950s


Video: 'Albert Einstein: News Report of His Death - April 18, 1955'

(Monday, April 18, 1955, 1:15 a.m. EST) — Dr. Albert Einstein, one of the great thinkers of the ages and Time Person of the Century, died in his sleep early today in Princeton, New Jersey, at age 76. Continue reading Physicist Albert Einstein, 76, dies in Princeton, New Jersey 70 years ago this hour (Apr 18 1955) →

American war correspondent Ernie Pyle, 44, killed by Japanese gunfire 80 years ago this hour (Apr 18 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'Ernie Pyle: The Untold Story of America's Beloved War Correspondent & Journalist | You Asked For It'

(Wednesday, April 18, 1945, 10:15 a.m. Japan Standard Time; during the Battle of Okinawa, part of the Pacific Theatre of World War II) — Famed American war correspondent Ernie Pyle, 44, was killed instantly today by Japanese gunfire on the Pacific island of Ie Shima, off Okinawa.

‘Go Now!’ by The Moody Blues peaks at #10 in USA 60 years ago today (Apr 17 1965)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s

(Saturday, April 17, 1965) — “Go Now!” by The Moody Blues peaked at #10 on today’s Billboard‘s Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Go Now!’ by The Moody Blues peaks at #10 in USA 60 years ago today (Apr 17 1965) →

‘Fibber McGee and Molly’ comedy radio series debuts 90 years ago this hour (Apr 16 1935)

1930s


Video: 'Fibber Mcgee& Molly First Episode 1935'

(Tuesday, April 16, 1935, 10:00 p.m. EST; during the Great Depression) — The long-running radio comedy program Fibber McGee and Molly, starring Jim and Marian Jordan, premiered tonight on the NBC Blue Network.