Discover what happened on April 11 in history, along with notable events that shaped space exploration, civil rights, and sports history.
What Happened on April 11 in History?
From a dramatic mission to the moon to a groundbreaking moment in baseball and a major step forward for civil rights, April 11 has seen events that reshaped American history and culture.
APRIL 11 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1783 – After receiving a copy of the provisional treaty on March 13, the U.S. Congress proclaimed a formal end to hostilities with Great Britain.
1803 – A twin-screw propeller steamboat was patented by John Stevens.
1868 – U.S. Army Commander Ulysses S. Grant was stopped for speeding in his horse-drawn buggy. He was stopped again three months later and fined $5.
1876 – The stenotype was patented by John C. Zachos.
1882 – U.S. patent #256,265 was issued for the Block Clock — an alarm clock that was mounted over the bed. At a set time, the clocked dropped two dozen small wood blocks onto the sleeper.
1895 – Anaheim, CA, completed its new electric light system.
1921 – Iowa became the first state to impose a tax on cigarettes.
1921 – The first live sports event on radio took place this day on KDKA Radio. The event was a boxing match between Johnny Ray and Johnny Dundee.
1901 – Construction on the Empire State Building was completed. The building was dedicated and opened on May 1, 1931.
1936 – The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup for the first time.
1940 – Andrew Ponzi set a world’s record in a New York pocket billiards tournament when he ran 127 balls straight.
1947 – Jackie Robinson became the first black player in major-league history. He played in an exhibition game for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
1952 – The movie “Singin’ in the Rain”, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, premiered in theaters in the United States.
1965 – The Palm Sunday tornado outbreak. Fifty-one tornadoes hit in six Midwestern states, killing 256 people. One of the tornadoes hit Comstock Park and Rockford, MI. It was the second worst tornado outbreak in the United States, striking from Iowa to Ohio. The worst damage was near the Indiana state line. Five people were killed in the tornado that went through Comstock Park.
1968 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1968 Civil Rights Act, prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing.
1970 – Apollo 13 blasted off on a mission to the moon that was disrupted when an explosion crippled the spacecraft. The astronauts managed to return safely.
1974 – The Judiciary committee subpoenas President Richard Nixon to produce tapes for impeachment inquiry.
1976 – The Apple I was created.
1980 – The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued regulations specifically prohibiting sexual harassment of workers by supervisors.
1981 – President Ronald Reagan returned to the White House from the hospital after recovering from an assassination attempt on March 30.
1985 – Scientists in Hawaii measured the distance between the earth and moon within one inch.
1986 – Dodge Morgan sailed solo nonstop around the world in 150 days.
1986 – Kellogg’s stopped giving tours of its breakfast-food plant in Battle Creek, MI. The reason for the end of the 80 year tradition was said to be that company secrets were at risk due to spies from other cereal companies. Read more about the tours here.
1990 – Elton John sang at the funeral of AIDS victim Ryan White.
1996 – Seven-year-old Jessica Dubroff was killed with her father and flight instructor when her plane crashed after takeoff from Cheyenne, Wyoming. Jessica had hoped to become the youngest person to fly cross-country.
1997 – The movie “Anaconda”, starring Jennifer Lopez, Ice Cube, and Jon Voight, premiered in theaters.
2000 – At Comerica Park in Detroit, the Tigers played their first home opener in their new ballpark. They beat the Seattle Mariners 5-2 in front of a crowd of 39,168 fans.
2001 – The movie “Joe Dirt”, starring David Spade, debuted in theaters.
2001 – Ending a tense 11 day standoff, China agreed to free the 24 crew members of an American spy plane after President George W. Bush apologized for the death of a Chinese fighter pilot whose plane had collided with the American aircraft.
2007 – Apple announced that the iTunes Store had sold more than two million movies.
2007 – MSNBC announced that it would stop simulcasting “Imus in the Morning” in the wake of controversial, racially charged comments made by Don Imus about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team. His on air “nappy headed hos” comment got him fired from his radio gig a day later.
2009 – Susan Boyle became an overnight sensation after her performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables on the British TV show “Britain’s Got Talent”.
2020 – Farm Aid was held virtually. Farm Aid “At Home” included artists Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Black Pumas, Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Edie Brickell, Jack Johnson, Jamey Johnson, and others.
2021 – Twenty year old Daunte Wright was shot and killed in Brooklyn Center, MN by officer Kimberly Potter, sparking protests in the city, when the officer mistook her pistol for her taser.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON APRIL 11:
Nicholas F. Brady – 96 years old (1930) – Businessman and politician, 68th United States Secretary of the Treasury
Joel Grey – 94 years old (1932) – Actor, singer, and dancer
Tony Brown – 93 years old (1933) – Journalist and academic
Reatha King – 88 years old (1938) – Chemist and businesswoman
Louise Lasser – 87 years old (1939) – Actress
Ellen Goodman – 85 years old (1941) – Journalist and author
Hattie Gossett – 84 years old (1942) – Writer
John Milius – 82 years old (1944) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Peter Riegert – 79 years old (1947) – Actor, screenwriter and film director
Bill Irwin – 76 years old (1950) – Actor and clown
Nancy Honeytree – 74 years old (1952) – Singer and guitarist
Kevin Brady – 71 years old (1955) – Lawyer and politician
Ana María Polo – 67 years old (1959) – Cuban-American lawyer and judge
Vincent Gallo – 65 years old (1961) – Actor, director, producer, and musician
Steve Azar – 62 years old (1964) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Johann Sebastian Paetsch – 62 years old (1964) – Cellist
Bret Saberhagen – 62 years old (1964) – Baseball player and coach
Steve Scarsone – 60 years old (1966) – Baseball player and manager
Dustin Rhodes – 57 years old (1969) – Wrestler
Jason Varitek – 54 years old (1972) – Baseball player and manager
Jennifer Esposito – 53 years old (1973) – Actress and writer
Trot Nixon – 52 years old (1974) – Baseball player and sportscaster
Josh Server – 47 years old (1979) – Actor
Mark Teixeira – 46 years old (1980) – Baseball player
Kelli Garner – 42 years old (1984) – Actress
Brennan Poole – 35 years old (1991) – Racing driver
Summer Walker – 30 years old (1996) – Singer-songwriter
Ken Carson – 26 years old (2000) – Rapper and record producer
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR APRIL 11:
- National Pet Day: Give a little extra love and pampering to your pet, or if you can, take the plunge to enrich your life and the life of a smaller friend by adopting a pet.
- World Parkinson’s Day: On the birthday of Dr. J. Parkinson, the first to describe and diagnose the disease, learn about Parkinson’s, donate or volunteer, and raise awareness.
- Dog Therapy Appreciation Day: Dog Therapy Appreciation Day celebrates the incredible comfort therapy dogs bring wherever they go. Few things brighten a room like the quiet strength of a therapy dog. These amazing animals walk in with soft paws and big hearts, offering comfort where it’s needed most. They do not arrive with a checklist...
- National Catch and Release Day: Imagine a bright, sunny morning by a crystal-clear river. Anglers gather, rods in hand, ready to cast their lines. It’s National Catch and Release Day, and the air buzzes with excitement. Families and friends, from beginners to seasoned pros, share tips and tricks for a successful catch. Everyone is eager to...
- National Poutine Day: Savoring a delightful combination of crispy fries, savory gravy, and gooey cheese curds in this Canadian classic dish.
- National Living Donor Day: While many life-saving organ donor situations take place after the donor has deceased, in certain medical situations, it is possible for an organ to be donated by a person who is living and healthy. National Living Donor Day seeks to improve public awareness about the possibility and process of living donors...
- Slow Art Day: Did you know that most people spend less than 30 seconds looking at a piece of art? Slow Art Day invites everyone to change that rhythm. This global event encourages visitors to slow down and spend real, unhurried time with each artwork, trading speed for attention and quantity for quality. Instead...
- National Clean Up Your Pantry Day: National Clean Up Your Pantry Day invites everyone to open those cupboard doors and take a good look inside. It’s a chance to clear out expired cans, forgotten snacks, and that half-used box of pasta hiding in the back. A pantry can quietly turn into a “catch-all” for impulse buys...
- National Ranch Water Day: Refreshing blends of tequila, fizzy water, and zesty citrus create invigorating beverages perfect for laid-back moments or gatherings.
- National Marketing Operations Appreciation Day: National Marketing Operations Appreciation Day is a chance to recognize the people who make modern marketing run reliably. They are the ones building systems, keeping data clean, connecting tools, and setting up the processes that help campaigns go out on time and get measured correctly. While marketing is often praised...
- International Louie Louie Day: International Louie Louie Day is a lively celebration honoring one of rock and roll's most iconic songs, "Louie Louie." This day is all about appreciating the song's lasting impact and its fun, party-like vibe. Fans and music lovers come together to revel in the joy that this timeless track brings...
- National Barbershop Quartet Day: Every year, on this day, people celebrate Barbershop Quartet Day, which focuses on this unique style of cappella music known for its harmonious melodies. It’s a special time for music lovers and singers alike to appreciate this traditional form of musical expression. The celebration is rooted in the founding of...
- National Submarine Day: Pay tribute to the many souls lost beneath the ocean, and consider the game-changing effects of the invention of the Submarine on our technology, warfare, and more.
- National Cheese Fondue Day: Melt together fine cheeses, butter, and wine and enjoy with your choice of breads, meats, or even veggies on the delicious National Cheese Fondue Day.
- National Eight-Track Tape Day: Remember those chunky cartridges that clicked into your car's dashboard, delivering your favorite tunes? Eight-track tapes, popular from the mid-1960s to early 1980s, were once the pinnacle of portable music. They offered continuous play without the need to flip the tape, making road trips more enjoyable. Their unique design featured magnetic...
- Orthodox Holy Saturday: Orthodox Holy Saturday is a deeply symbolic day that follows the sorrow of Good Friday. It represents a powerful moment of waiting and hope. This day honors Jesus' burial yet carries a unique, uplifting promise. Orthodox Christians reflect on Christ’s descent into Hades, where he brings hope to souls and...
- National Public Health Week: The well-being of communities — disease prevention, and better living through knowledge and action, towards a healthier world.
- Discover National Parks Fortnight: Discover National Parks Fortnight invites everyone to join in on an adventure - exploring the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of national parks. This fantastic outdoor-themed event spans two weeks each year. This period is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors and appreciate the environmental treasures within...
- FOP Awareness Month: Raising awareness for a rare condition, efforts unite to support those facing the challenges of Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
- Bee Active Bee Healthy Bee Happy Week: "Bee Active Bee Healthy Bee Happy Week is so much more than just a catchphrase. Indeed, it is a call to action. This week, founded by The Running Bee Foundation in Manchester, United Kingdom, is an effort to help reduce childhood obesity. Their goal is to help children learn the...
- National Robotics Week: National Robotics Week is a vibrant celebration of robots and the people who build them. It invites everyone—from young students to curious grown-ups—to explore how robots shape our world. It sparks curiosity with simple, hands‑on fun. Robots become friends that move, talk, and solve puzzles. The energy of discovery is...
- Community Garden Week: Community Garden Week comes around each year vibrant spring flowers begin to light up the landscape. This special week-long observation highlights the many worthy community and school gardens that dot our landscapes. These gardening efforts do more than add beauty (although they undoubtedly do!). Indeed, they serve as hubs for...
- Be Kind to Spiders Week: Be Kind to Spiders Week encourages people to change their perspective on these misunderstood creatures. Despite their reputation for being creepy or scary, spiders play a vital role in controlling insect populations. This annual event asks people to pause before squashing a spider, instead suggesting relocating them safely outdoors. It's...
- Global Days of Action on Military Spending: The Global Days of Action on Military Spending is a lively global campaign that invites people everywhere to rethink how public funds are used. It urges governments to shift resources from arms to real security, like health, education, and clean energy. When new military spending data arrives, advocates use the moment...
- National Wildlife Week: Nature's tapestry, harmonious ecosystems, where diverse creatures coexist, weaving a story of survival and interconnected existence.
- Parkinson’s Awareness Week: Parkinson's Awareness Week is a significant annual health week dedicated to increasing public understanding and support for Parkinson's disease, a neurological condition that affects movement. Some people only recently learned more about Parkinson’s Disease for about the past twenty to thirty years. That new public awareness of those who have...
- 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...
- Blue Ribbon Week: Blue Ribbon Week is a time dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse, symbolized by the blue ribbon. Across communities, people come together to support efforts that protect children from harm. During this week, the focus shifts to understanding the serious impact of abuse and neglect, which often goes unnoticed...
- World Music Therapy Week: Helping people of all ages accomplish individualized goals, music therapy is a healthcare process that can take all sorts of forms based on the needs of the client. Approaches might include making music, listening to music, writing songs, improvisation, group discussion, or even meditation. Trained therapists use different forms of...
- National Bake Week: The art of baking brings people together like little else can. During National Bake Week, kitchens fill with life—flour on counters, laughter in the air, something delicious in the oven. It’s not about fancy skills or perfect results. It’s about mixing, tasting, and creating with your own hands. Even the...
- Orthodox Holy Week: Orthodox Holy Week is a deep and meaningful journey leading up to Easter, which celebrates Christ's resurrection. This sacred week starts with Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, greeted as a king. Each day then carries unique themes and moments of reflection. Early in the week, the parable of...
- The Masters Tournament: Golf's elite gather, showcasing unparalleled skill and sportsmanship in a prestigious event that captivates fans worldwide.
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