What Happened on April 13?
April 13 is Thomas Jefferson's birthday — the author of the Declaration of Independence — on the same date an oxygen tank exploded aboard Apollo 13 in 1970 and a U.S.–Japan commerce treaty took effect in 1912.
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1598 — King Henry IV of France signs the Edict of Nantes
Henry IV granted French Protestants (Huguenots) freedom of worship — ending decades of religious civil wars that had torn France apart. Read the full story →
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1743 — Thomas Jefferson is born at Shadwell, Virginia
The future author of the Declaration of Independence, third U.S. president, and founder of the University of Virginia was born on April 13, 1743. Read the full story →
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1870 — New York legislators grant a charter for the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The New York State Legislature approved a charter creating the Met — today one of the world's largest and most visited art museums. Read the full story →
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1912 — The U.S.–Japan Commerce and Navigation Treaty takes effect
A trade agreement signed in 1911 went into force on April 13, 1912 — granting reciprocal trading rights and marking improved economic ties between the United States and Japan. Read the full story →
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1943 — The Jefferson Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.
On Thomas Jefferson's 200th birthday, President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated a white marble monument honoring the author of the Declaration of Independence and third U.S. president. Read the full story →
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1970 — An oxygen tank explodes aboard Apollo 13 — 'Houston, we have a problem'
Two days after launch, Apollo 13's crew heard a bang and lost most of their oxygen and power — turning a Moon mission into a desperate fight to get home alive. Read the full story →
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1997 — Tiger Woods wins the Masters at age 21 — shattering records
Woods dominated golf's most prestigious tournament at Augusta National, winning by twelve strokes and becoming the youngest Masters champion — and the first major winner of African or Asian descent. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) · Samuel Beckett (1906–1989) · Al Green (1946) · Guy Fawkes (1570–1606)
Days & observances
Thomas Jefferson's Birthday · National Scrabble Day · National Peach Cobbler Day · International Day of Pink