Apr 2, 1513: Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed in Florida. One interesting thing here, I guess he was with Columbus on his second voyage. I didnt know he had been associated with Columbus.
You know I cant believe I missed it but a belated 'today in history' must be posted. April ninth came and went-the surrender of Robert E. Lee and his army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox courthouse in 1865.
June 9th, 1863 – In Virginia, the Battle of Brandy Station occurred. It was the largest cavalry battle of the war. Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry held the field after being attacked by Union troops under General Alfred Pleasonton.
July 301864 - The Union's attempt to break the Confederate lines at Petersburg by blowing up a tunnel that had been dug under the Rebel trenches failed. The crater that was created was 170 feet long, 60-80 feet wide and 30 feet deep. (Battle of the Crater)
7-Oct-1763: Geo. III assures the security of the colonies in North America when he issues the Proclaimation of 1763; banning the private purchase of land beyond the Appalachian Mountains, it also forbade colonial expansion (private or public) beyond the mountains, with the intent of creating a Royal monoply on the area. Seemingly a good idea at the time as it would allow for an organized expansion under direction of the Crown.Thus begins the upset with the Crown that will lead to the Revolution. Given that there were settlements beyond the mountains already and much land speculation as well, George was trying to close the barn door after the horse had escaped; the 10,000 or so troops that would protect the colonies' boundary weren't such a good idea either.The slippery slide into revolt is begun!
23 Oct 1983 – Beirut, Lebanon. A suicide bomber with the equivalent of 12,000 lbs of TNT detonated his explosives at the Marine barracks killing 241 American servicemen (220 Marines, 18 Navy personnel and 3 Army soldiers). The 4-story building collapsed into rubble crushing many inside. 20 seconds later, another suicide bomber drove his truck into the underground of the French barracks, killing 58 French paratroopers. It has been said Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack.To this day, it is the deadliest single attack on Americans overseas since WWIIAnd thus it began.
A few days lateOct 19, 1864My G- Grandfather was shot at the battle of Cedar Creek Va. Jubal Early's forces attacked Phil Sheridan's forces (In Sheridan's absence) and routed them. Then they messed up and stopped to loot the food that Sheridan's army was cooking. Sheridan made his famous ride, reorganized his army and counterattacked routing Early's army. Mt G-Grandfather was color bearer(Regimental Ensign) for the 51st Ga. When he went down the colors were picked up by a man named W.D. Arrington who was also wounded and captured. My G-Grandfather survived with a crippled arm and owned this farm where I now live
Jan 31, 1971. Apollo 14 lifts off for America's third manned mission to the moon. My father got me a history fact a day calendar for Christmas. Some are pretty good and some make me wonder how they were included.
12 April, 1861, the first shots of the American Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. Today is the 150th Anniversary of the start of the war.
13 April 1598. The Edict of Nantes by Henry IV of France, granting the Calvinist Protestants (aka Huguenots) substantial rights. It marked the end of the religious wars in France.