On This Day

May 1875 in History

Events in History

  • May 1 238 members of "Whiskey Ring" accused of anti-US activities
  • May 1 Alexandra Palace, London, reopens after being burnt down in 1873
  • May 7 German SS Schiller sinks near Scilly Islands, 312 killed
  • May 11 George "Charmer" Zettlein pitches the 1st 9 inning shutout
  • May 16 Eathquake in Venezuela & Colombia kills 16,000
  • May 20 International Bureau of Weights & Measures formed by the signing of the Metre Convention treaty by 17 states and prototypes of the meter and the kilogram selected
  • May 31 Reciprocity Treaty between US & Hawaii ratified

Birthdays in History

  • May 4 Ramiro de Maeztu, Spanish writer (Don Quixote & Celestine), born in Alava, Spain (d. 1936)
  • May 6 William D. Leahy, American admiral and chief of staff (1949), born in Hampton, Iowa (d. 1959)

Harriet QuimbyHarriet Quimby (1875-1912)

May 11 American pioneering aviator, 1st woman in the US to receive a pilot certificate and to cross the English Channel, born in Arcadia, Michigan [1]

Harriet Quimby
  • May 23 Alfred P. Sloan, American long-time president and chairman of General Motors (d. 1966)
  • May 30 Giovanni Gentile, Italian philosopher (The Doctrine of Fascism), born in Castelvetrano, Italy (d. 1944)

Deaths in History

  • May 17 John C. Breckinridge, American politician (14th US VP (1857-61 at just 36) and Confederate general, dies at 54
  • May 20 Amalia of Oldenburg, Queen of Greece, German born consort of King Otto of Greece, dies at 58

Historical Figures

Search the largest, most accurate site for today in history.