April 14: Abraham Lincoln was fatally shot at Ford’s Theatre.

On Monday, April 14, 2025, the nation marks the 104th day of the year, with 261 days remaining. This date is steeped in historical significance, recalling pivotal events that have shaped American history.

One of the most harrowing events associated with this date is the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. While attending a performance of the play “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth. Following the attack, he was transported across the street to a boarding house, where he succumbed to his injuries the next morning at 7:22 AM. This tragic incident not only altered the trajectory of American politics but also left a profound legacy that continues to resonate in discussions of governance and civil rights.

April 14 is also noteworthy for the first publication of Noah Webster’s “American Dictionary of the English Language” in 1828, which laid the groundwork for standardizing American English, a significant cultural milestone in the United States.

Another key historical event on this date occurred in 1912, when the British ocean liner RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean at 11:40 PM ship’s time. The collision marked the beginning of a catastrophic sinking that would claim the lives of over 1,500 passengers and crew members within two and a half hours, highlighting the vulnerabilities of maritime safety.

In 1910, President William Howard Taft made history as the first sitting U.S. president to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game, leading the Washington Senators to a 3-0 victory against the Philadelphia Athletics. This tradition has become a cherished ritual, celebrated annually by fans and players alike.

On April 14, 1935, a severe dust storm, later termed “Black Sunday,” engulfed the central Plains, turning a sunny day into a profound darkness as colossal amounts of topsoil were swept into the air. This event significantly affected agricultural practices and prompted discussions on environmental conservation in the years that followed.

The year 1981 witnessed the first successful test flight of the Columbia, America’s inaugural operational space shuttle, with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, marking a milestone in space exploration.

In recent history, on April 14, 2021, former police officer Kim Potter was charged with second-degree manslaughter following the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright in suburban Minneapolis. The incident sparked extensive protests and discussions on police reform across the nation.

Today’s date is also the birthday of notable figures, including former NYPD detective Frank Serpico, who turns 89, and acclaimed actress Julie Christie, who celebrates her 85th birthday.

As we reflect on these historical milestones, April 14 serves as a reminder of the complexities and evolution of American society.

Originally published by Media News Source.