As spring blooms across America, April 2025 commemorates a remarkable collection of historical anniversaries that span from the nation’s founding through modern times. These events highlight America’s journey through revolution, civil conflict, technological advancement, and social transformation.

Revolution and Early Republic

250th Anniversary: The Shot Heard ‘Round the World (April 1775)

April 19, 1775 marked the beginning of the American Revolution when the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord. British troops marching to seize colonial weapons caches encountered militia forces, igniting the conflict that would lead to American independence. Ralph Waldo Emerson later immortalized this moment as “the shot heard ’round the world” in his “Concord Hymn.” This pivotal confrontation transformed political disagreement into armed rebellion and set thirteen colonies on the path to becoming a new nation.

235th Anniversary: Death of Benjamin Franklin (April 1790)

The passing of Benjamin Franklin on April 17, 1790, represented the loss of America’s first international celebrity and renaissance man. Inventor, diplomat, writer, and Founding Father, Franklin embodied the Enlightenment principles that informed the new republic. His funeral in Philadelphia drew over 20,000 mourners, demonstrating his profound impact on American society. Franklin’s legacy lives on through his scientific discoveries, political institutions, and practical wisdom that continues to influence American identity.

Civil War and Reconstruction

160th Anniversary: End of the Civil War (April 1865)

April 1865 witnessed the dramatic conclusion of the American Civil War. General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, effectively ending the bloodiest conflict in American history. Just five days later, on April 14, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre, transforming national jubilation into mourning. This tumultuous month marked both the preservation of the Union and the martyrdom of the president who guided the nation through its greatest trial.

140th Anniversary: Washington Monument Completed (April 1885)

After nearly four decades of intermittent construction, the Washington Monument was finally completed and dedicated in April 1885. At 555 feet, it stood as the world’s tallest structure at the time, symbolizing the nation’s admiration for its first president and its growing confidence on the world stage. The monument’s completion came during a period of national reconciliation following the Civil War and represented America’s renewed sense of unity and purpose.

World Wars and International Engagement

110th Anniversary: U.S. Preparation for World War I (April 1915)

April 1915 saw growing American concern over the European conflict as the sinking of the RMS Lusitania approached. President Woodrow Wilson faced mounting pressure to abandon neutrality as German submarine warfare threatened American lives and commerce. This period of diplomatic tension foreshadowed America’s eventual entry into World War I and marked the beginning of the nation’s emergence as a global power in the 20th century.

80th Anniversary: Death of Franklin D. Roosevelt (April 1945)

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s sudden death on April 12, 1945, shocked a nation that had known no other president for more than a decade. FDR’s passing came just weeks before Allied victory in Europe and left Vice President Harry Truman to oversee the final stages of World War II and shape the postwar world order. Roosevelt’s death marked the end of an era defined by the Great Depression and world war, during which his leadership fundamentally transformed American government and society.

Civil Rights and Social Movements

60th Anniversary: First Black Student at Ole Miss Graduates (April 1965)

James Meredith’s graduation from the University of Mississippi in April 1965 represented a milestone in the civil rights movement. Three years after his enrollment sparked deadly riots requiring federal intervention, Meredith’s achievement symbolized the gradual dismantling of educational segregation in the Deep South. His perseverance in the face of intense hostility demonstrated the progress being made toward educational equality, even as the broader struggle for civil rights continued across America.

30th Anniversary: Oklahoma City Bombing (April 1995)

The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995, shattered America’s sense of domestic security. The deadliest act of homegrown terrorism in American history claimed 168 lives and injured hundreds more. This tragic event forced a national reckoning with the threat of domestic extremism and led to significant changes in federal building security and anti-terrorism efforts. The Oklahoma City National Memorial now stands as a solemn reminder of the victims and the resilience of the American spirit.

Technological and Space Exploration

50th Anniversary: Apollo 13 Returns Safely (April 1970)

The safe return of Apollo 13 on April 17, 1970, following a catastrophic oxygen tank explosion, represented one of NASA’s most remarkable achievements. The mission, intended to be the third lunar landing, became a dramatic rescue operation that captivated the world. The ingenuity and courage displayed by astronauts and mission controllers transformed potential tragedy into triumph, demonstrating American technological prowess and determination at the height of the Space Age.

25th Anniversary: Completion of Human Genome Project Draft (April 2000)

April 2000 saw the announcement that a working draft of the human genome had been completed, marking a watershed moment in scientific history. This extraordinary achievement, representing the culmination of a decade-long international research effort, unlocked the genetic blueprint of human life and revolutionized medicine, biotechnology, and our understanding of human biology. The Human Genome Project stands as one of humanity’s greatest scientific accomplishments and continues to yield insights that transform healthcare and scientific research.

For further reading and classroom resources, consider exploring the Library of Congress digital archives, National Archives’ teaching materials, and your state’s historical society collections. To see my other posts view here. (Link)