April 8th

  • Apr 8, 1513

    Florida

    Ponce de Leon claim Florida for Spain
  • Meetings

    The U.S. House of Representatives holds its first meeting.
  • Black Hawk War

    Some 300 American troops of the 6th Infantry leave Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, to confront the Sauk Indians in what would become known as the Black Hawk War.
  • 17th Amendment

    The 17th Amendment was ratified, requiring the direct election of U.S. senators by popular vote rather than by the state legislators.
  • Great Depression

    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was approved by Congress to help alleviate joblessness during the Great Depression.
  • League of Nations

    The League of Nations assembled for the last time
  • Death

    Artist Pablo Picasso died
  • Baseball

    Henry "Hank" Aaron hit the 715th home run of his career, breaking Babe Ruth's record.
  • Mayor

    Actor Clint Eastwood was elected mayor of Carmel, California.
  • Sickness

    Tennis ace Arthur Ashe announced that he had AIDS.