What Happened on May 14?

May 14 is Dance Like a Chicken Day — on the same date Israel declared independence in 1948, Lewis and Clark departed in 1804, and Edward Jenner tested the first smallpox vaccine in 1796.

• 1796 — Edward Jenner administers the first smallpox vaccine

  On May 14, 1796, Jenner inoculated James Phipps with cowpox to prevent smallpox. Read the full story →

• 1804 — The Lewis and Clark Expedition departs

  On May 14, 1804, Lewis and Clark left Camp Dubois to explore the Louisiana Purchase. Read the full story →

• 1878 — The last public execution in Tokyo is held

  Japan held its last public execution in Tokyo on May 14, 1878, before modernizing penal practices. Read the full story →

• 1948 — David Ben-Gurion declares the State of Israel

  On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed Israel's independence as British rule ended. Read the full story →

• 1998 — The Seinfeld series finale airs on NBC

  On May 14, 1998, Seinfeld ended after nine seasons with one of TV's most watched finales. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Mark Zuckerberg (1984) · George Lucas (1944) · Miranda Cosgrove (1993) · Cate Blanchett (1969)

Days & observances

Dance Like a Chicken Day · National Buttermilk Biscuit Day · National Underground America Day · National Decency Day