Whether you’re celebrating columnists or linemen, or you want to learn more about the American author who earned the highest honour in France, April 18th has it all! What else happened on this exciting day? Congratulations if you’re celebrating, and let’s dive into some serious knowledge…
On this day
1The Center of the Catholic Church was established.
On April 18th, 1506, Pope Julius II laid the cornerstone of the current St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. This new basilica took more than a century to build up from scratch, and today, it remains one of the most recognizable and important buildings in the world. In fact, it’s widely regarded as the Center of the Catholic Church – so now you know!
2Edith Wharton received a fantastic accolade!
Ever read any Edith Wharton novels? On this very day in 1916, the American novelist received the Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, the highest honor in France, for her efforts during World War I. Wharton was recognized for her work organizing and running relief efforts for refugees and soldiers. This often included setting up hospitals, distributing supplies, and raising money along the way. A noble effort!
3A San Fran earthquake shook thousands.
On April 18th, 1906, a powerful earthquake struck San Francisco, California, which led to all manner of destruction for several days. Nearly 4,000 people lost their lives, and over 75% of the city was destroyed in a barrage of fires and falling dust. The disaster was a turning point in the city’s history – it led to a whole new series of safety codes getting drawn up!
4The US’ first laundromat opened up.
On this very day in 1934, the first launderette in the world opened in Fort Worth, Texas. It was called a “wash-a-teria”! This all-new service offered coin-operated washing machines for public use – it was a very big deal, too, as it provided people (particularly those without access to washing machines at home) with a convenient and affordable way to keep clean.
5We said goodbye to Einstein.
Who isn’t aware of Albert Einstein? Sadly, the legendary physicist died at the age of 75 in the US on April 18th, 1955. He had fled Nazi Germany in 1933 and settled in America, where he continued to work on his theories of relativity and quantum mechanics. His contributions to science have had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe!
Special Days Falling on April 18th
As it happens, April 18th is a pretty important day for all kinds of reasons. Let’s take a look at a few big days you might want to mark at home.
National Columnists Day
National Columnists Day is celebrated on April 18th every year to recognize the important contributions made by columnists to the world of journalism. Columnists do an awful lot to help share important data, news, and even opinions we can get behind. Honor your favorites today!
World Heritage Day
World Heritage Day, also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites, aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting cultural heritage sites. That’s not just in the US, but around the world, too! Think about all those amazing historical buildings, monuments, and archaeological sites… why not visit a few?
National Lineman Appreciation Day
No, not lineman on a sports field! This holiday recognizes electrical lineworkers who work to ensure reliable power delivery and maintain power grids. Today, we honor their work in hazardous conditions and acknowledge the risks they take to keep the lights on for communities.
This month in history
Swine Flu emerged as a major cause for concern in the US! It was in April 2009 that a national public health emergency first came to light – and while it soon went away, it wouldn’t be the public’s first brush with an epidemic… what could we be referring to?
Famous Birthdays on April 18th
- Lucrezua Borgia, Italian noblewoman, born 1480
- James Woods, American actor, born 1947
- Nate Archibald, American sportsman, born 1948
- Conan O’Brien, American broadcaster, born 1963
- David Tennant, Scottish actor, born 1971
If you were born on April 18th…
You’re a highly competitive, super-fiery Aries! That doesn’t mean people don’t want you around! You’re a fantastic leader, extremely charismatic, and you’ll do anything for those you love.
Take a look at our Aries fact page for more.
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