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April 1 in History: Apple Founded, First Weather Satellite Launched, and Okinawa Invasion Begins

Scott Winters April 1, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on April 1 in history, along with notable events that shaped technology, science, and global conflict.

What Happened on April 1 in History?

Important events on this day include the founding of Apple, the launch of the first weather satellite, and the U.S. invasion of Okinawa during World War II.

APRIL 1 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1578 – William Harvey of England discovered blood circulation.

1778 – Oliver Pollock, a New Orleans businessman, created the “$” symbol.

1789 – The U.S. House of Representatives held its first full meeting in New York, NY. Frederick Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania was elected the first House Speaker.

1826 – Samuel Morey patented the internal combustion engine.

1853 – Cincinnati became the first U.S. city to pay fire fighters a regular salary.

1864 – The first travel accident policy was issued to James Batterson by the Travelers Insurance Company.

1889 – In Chicago, IL, the first dishwashing machine was introduced.

1891 – The William Wrigley Jr. Company was founded in Chicago, IL. The company is best known for chewing gum.

1906 – The state of Michigan’s first yellow pages directory was issued by the Michigan State Telephone Company.

1916 – The first U.S. national women’s swimming championships were held.

1927 – The first automatic record changer was introduced by His Master’s Voice.

1929 – Louie Marx introduced the Yo-Yo.

1930 – Leo Hartnett of the Chicago Cubs broke the altitude record for a catch by catching a baseball dropped from a blimp 800 feet over Los Angeles, CA.

1931 – Jackie Mitchell became the first female in professional baseball when she signed with the Chattanooga Baseball Club.

1931 – Production began in Grand Rapids, MI on a locally manufactured automobile –- The DeVaux 6-75. It sold for between $600 and $800. The DeVaux-Hall company filed for bankruptcy in February 1932. About 4,800 cars were made. A restored 6-75 is in the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

1935 – The first radio tube to be made of metal was announced.

1938 – The first commercially successful fluorescent lamps were introduced.

1938 – The Baseball Hall of Fame opened in Cooperstown, NY.

1941 – The first contract for advertising on a commercial FM radio station began on W71NY in New York, NY.

1945 – U.S. forces invaded Okinawa during World War II. It was the last campaign of World War II.

1946 – Weight Watchers was formed.

1946 – A tidal wave (tsunami) struck the Hawaiian Islands killing more than 170 people.

1952 – The Big Bang theory was proposed in “Physical Review” by Alpher, Bethe & Gamow.

1953 – Congress created the Department of Health Education and Welfare.

1954 – President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized the creation of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.

1960 – The U.S. launched TIROS-1, the first weather satellite.

1961 – Burglars forced open the safes (8 of them) at the H.R. Terryberry Co. specialty jewelers and stole nearly $200,000 in sheet gold…the biggest single haul in the history of Grand Rapids, MI thievery to that time. No trace of the gold was ever found and no arrests were ever made.

1963 – Workers of the International Typographical Union ended their strike that had closed nine newspapers in New York City, NY. The strike ended 114 days after it began on December 8, 1962.

1963 – Michigan voters said yes to a new version of the State Constitution (one thing it did was start a state income tax).

1963 – The soap operas “General Hospital” and “The Doctors” premiered on television.

1967 – The U.S. Department of Transportation began operation.

1970 – President Richard Nixon signed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act into law which required the Surgeon General’s warnings on tobacco products and banning cigarette advertisements on television and radio in the United States, starting January 1, 1971.

1976 – Conrail took over operations from six bankrupt railroads in the Northeastern U.S.

1976 – Apple Inc. was formed by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.

1978 – The American Museum of Magic in Marshall, MI, was opened to the public.

1983 – New York Islander Mike Bossy became the first National Hockey League (NHL) player to score 60 goals in 3 consecutive seasons.

1985 – David Lee Roth left the band Van Halen to pursue a solo career.

1985 – World oil prices dropped below $10 a barrel.

1986 – The U.S. submarine Nathaniel Green ran aground in the Irish Sea.

1987 – Steve Newman became the first man to walk around the world. The walk was 22,000 miles and took 4 years.

1987 – President Ronald Reagan told doctors in Philadelphia, “We’ve declared AIDS public health enemy No. 1.”

1991 – Iran released British hostage Roger Cooper after 5 years.

1991 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that jurors could not be barred from serving due to their race.

1992 – Players began the first strike in the 75-year history of the National Hockey League.

1997 – David Carradine received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1998 – U.S. District Judge Susan Webber Wright dismissed the Paula Jones’ sexual harassment lawsuit against President Bill Clinton saying that the claims fell “far short” of being worthy of a trial.

2001 – China began holding 24 crew members of a U.S. surveillance plane. The EP-3E U.S. Navy crew had made an emergency landing after an in-flight collision with a Chinese fighter jet. The U.S. crew was released ten days later, on April 11, 2001.

2004 – Gateway Inc. announced that it would be closing all of its 188 stores on April 9.

2004 – Google introduced Gmail to the public.

2010 – Congress cut Medicare reimbursements to physicians by 21%.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON APRIL 1:

Vladimir Posner – 92 years old (1934) – French-American journalist and radio host

Jordan Charney – 89 years old (1937) – Actor

Ali MacGraw – 87 years old (1939) – Model and actress

Samuel R. Delany – 84 years old (1942) – Author and critic

Richard D. Wolff – 84 years old (1942) – Economist and academic

Paul Manafort – 77 years old (1949) – Lobbyist, political consultant, and convicted felon

Samuel Alito – 76 years old (1950) – Lawyer and jurist, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States

John Abizaid – 75 years old (1951) – General

Annette O'Toole – 74 years old (1952) – Actress

Barry Sonnenfeld – 73 years old (1953) – Cinematographer, director, and producer

Don Hasselbeck – 71 years old (1955) – Football player and sportscaster

Mark Shulman – 64 years old (1962) – Author

Aprille Ericsson-Jackson – 63 years old (1963) – Aerospace engineer

Jane Adams – 61 years old (1965) – Film, television, and stage actress

Mark Jackson – 61 years old (1965) – Basketball player and coach

Brad Meltzer – 56 years old (1970) – Author, screenwriter, and producer

Jesse Tobias – 54 years old (1972) – Guitarist and songwriter

Christian Finnegan – 53 years old (1973) – Comedian and actor

Rachel Maddow – 53 years old (1973) – Journalist and author

John Butler – 51 years old (1975) – American-Australian singer-songwriter and producer

David Gilliland – 50 years old (1976) – Race car driver

Vitor Belfort – 49 years old (1977) – Brazilian-American boxer and mixed martial artist

Etan Thomas – 48 years old (1978) – Basketball player

Randy Orton – 46 years old (1980) – Wrestler

Bijou Phillips – 46 years old (1980) – Actress and model

Taran Killam – 44 years old (1982) – Actor, voice artist, comedian, and writer

Daniel Murphy – 41 years old (1985) – Baseball player

Hillary Scott – 40 years old (1986) – Country singer-songwriter

Brook Lopez – 38 years old (1988) – Basketball player

Robin Lopez – 38 years old (1988) – Basketball player

Logan Paul – 31 years old (1995) – YouTuber, actor and wrestler

Sophia Hutchins – 30 years old (1996) – Socialite

King Combs – 28 years old (1998) – Rapper

Mitchell Robinson – 28 years old (1998) – Basketball player

Gabe Davis – 27 years old (1999) – Football player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR APRIL 1:

Fun Day: Carve out some time for yourself to laugh, play, and unwind from the high-speed stress of everyday life by doing something that brings you joy and happiness.
Boomer Bonus Day: Boomer Bonus Day is a special occasion that celebrates the contributions of the Baby Boomer generation, which includes people born between 1946 and 1964. This day highlights the lasting impact Boomers have had on society and the economy. Many businesses use this opportunity to offer discounts or special deals to Boomers...
National Trombone Players Day: Something about the trombone catches the ear: bold, brassy, and full of personality. National Trombone Players Day highlights the musicians behind that powerful sound, the ones who make a long brass tube and a moving slide feel as expressive as a human voice. These players do not just perform; they shape...
International Tatting Day: International Tatting Day celebrates the art of tatting, a delicate form of lace-making built from tiny knots and loops that somehow add up to airy, intricate beauty. Tatting enthusiasts across the globe use the day as a friendly excuse to show off works in progress, swap patterns, compare tools, and...
National One Cent Day: Explore the history of the smallest value US coin, from its origin in 1793 to the image of Abraham Lincoln we recognize today on National One Cent Day.
Childhelp National Day of Hope: From the nonprofit Childhelp, this day is dedicated to the plight facing many children around the world: the devastating effects of neglect and abuse.
Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action: Informing young people about tobacco dangers sparks healthier choices, shielding futures from addictive pitfalls with knowledge empowerment.
Reading Is Funny Day: By reading books of riddles, jokes, and comedy, help kids see how reading can be just as fun and funny (if not moreso) as video games, tv, or the internet.
International Fun at Work Day: From office pranks to team outings, injecting some fun into your day can boost creativity, productivity, and morale.
Fossil Fools Day: Fossil Fools Day is an annual event that calls attention to the environmental damage caused by our reliance on fossil fuels. It's a day full of creativity and activism, where people gather to highlight the impact of burning coal, oil, and gas. These activities often use humor and imaginative protests to...
Library Snapshot Day: Step into a library on any regular day, and you’ll see more than just books. People gather to learn, explore, and connect. Library Snapshot Day captures all of this in one lively sweep. It’s a chance to freeze a single day and show how much happens behind those quiet walls...
National Greeting Card Day: Sending a heartfelt message through colorful, expressive tokens that light up special moments in the lives of loved ones is a beautiful tradition.
Harmonize Your Health Day: Balancing well-being through choices that nurture vitality, ensuring a life of harmony between body, mind, and soul.
National Walking Day: Take in the fresh air and soak up the scenery — a great way to get exercise, clear your mind, and explore the world around you.
St. Stupid Day: St. Stupid Day is a whimsical celebration held annually in San Francisco. The day bursts with absurdity as people don outlandish costumes and parade through the city. It's a lively event filled with music, confetti, and playful antics. Participants toss pennies, carry silly signs, and embrace the spirit of fun...
Edible Book Day: Imagine a world where books don’t just feed the mind but also satisfy the taste buds. That’s exactly what Edible Book Day brings to life. On this creative day, people craft delicious treats shaped like famous novels, beloved characters, or even clever puns. Some design cakes that look like leather-bound...
April Fools’ Day: It's prank or get pranked—April Fool's Day is here! Get ready for a day full of fun and laughter. Don't be fooled, and don't forget to play a lighthearted joke or two on your friends and loved ones.
National Sourdough Bread Day: Try baking your own, enjoy your favorite sandwich or soup bowl, or even branch out and try sourdough cake on the delicious, yeasty National Sourdough Bread Day.
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day: Support staff with specialized skills enhance workplace efficiency, bringing valuable expertise to diverse projects and tasks.
Nickelodeon Anniversary Celebration Day: Nickelodeon Anniversary Celebration Day is a fun-filled occasion dedicated to honoring the beloved children's network, Nickelodeon. This day is packed with activities that bring joy to fans of all ages. From watching classic shows to enjoying themed parties, it's a day that brings people together to relive their favorite TV...
U.S. Air Force Academy Day: U.S. Air Force Academy Day celebrates the academy's achievements and contributions. This special day highlights the institution's importance in training Air Force officers. Events and activities on this day often showcase the cadets' skills and the academy's impressive facilities. It's a day filled with pride and patriotism, drawing attention to...
Myles Day: Step into a world where clever humor meets wild imagination. Myles Day shines a spotlight on the playful genius of Brian O’Nolan, the Irish writer best known by his pen name, Flann O’Brien. This day gathers people who admire his witty novels, sharp columns, and mind-bending stories. Laughter, lively discussions, and...
March Madness: Get your game face on for March Madness! This high-energy tournament is a slam dunk of excitement, passion, and heart-pumping action. So grab your team colors, gear up for the showdown, and let the madness begin!
Make Mine Chocolate: "Make Mine Chocolate" is a lively campaign urging people to think twice before giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. The campaign encourages people to opt for chocolate bunnies instead. This approach helps spread the message of responsible pet ownership while offering a sweet alternative that won't end up in shelters...
FOP Awareness Month: Raising awareness for a rare condition, efforts unite to support those facing the challenges of Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
International Pooper Scooper Week: Get ready to grab your gloves and bags because International Pooper Scooper Week is here! Every year, from April 1st to 7th, this unique event unites dog lovers worldwide to tackle a stinky problem—pet waste. This week serves as a lively reminder of our responsibilities as pet owners, pushing us...
NanoDays: NanoDays celebrates the fascinating world of nanotechnology through hands-on activities and engaging displays, sparking curiosity for learners of all ages. This nationwide event, organized by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network, invites families and communities to explore how nanoscale science shapes future innovations in fields like medicine, electronics, and environmental...
Laugh at Work Week: Laughing promotes connection, ease, and energy. It lifts moods, clears tension, and helps people feel more at home with each other. During Laugh at Work Week, offices buzz with jokes, playful chats, and shared smiles. This shift brings teams closer in simple, human ways. Even a short burst of laughter...
National Green Week: National Green Week is an exciting initiative that brings attention to the importance of environmental sustainability. Schools and organizations across the country use this week to engage students in activities that promote greener living. The event aims to inspire young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits that can make a lasting...
Semana Santa: Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a profound time of reflection and devotion in many Christian communities. Streets come alive with solemn processions, participants carry religious icons, and traditional music fills the air. This period focuses on the final days of Jesus Christ, drawing believers together in shared faith and contemplation...
Passover Begins: Among the most solemn and meaningful observances in the Jewish calendar, Passover marks the beginning of an eight-day journey. This holiday, known as Pesach in Hebrew, commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. The term "Passover" refers to the divine act of sparing the Israelites during the final plague...