President Lincoln Shot!
1865

President Abraham Lincoln was shot this day in 1865, as he and his wife viewed the play "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theater in Washington. The killer was, ironically, actor and southern sympathizer John Wilkes Booth, presumably upset over the recent (April 9th) defeat of the Confederacy.

Booth was tracked down by federal troops and shot in a barn, despite orders to take him alive; four other conspirators were tried and hanged. A doctor, Samuel Mudd, who innocently treated the ankle Booth had broken jumping from the President's theater booth, was sentenced to prison. Since that time "your name is mud" has become a familiar saying, unfair as it seems under the circumstances.

President Lincoln died the next day without regaining consciousness. His was the first assassination of a U. S. President.

First American Anti-Slavery Society
1775

(Stay tuned for a write-up on this event.
On the other hand, if you'd like to try writing
one  ... send it in! )

Webster Publishes His Dictionary
1828

(Stay tuned for a write-up on this event.
On the other hand, if you'd like to try writing
one  ... send it in! )

RMS Titanic Strikes Iceberg
1912

(Stay tuned for a write-up on this event.
On the other hand, if you'd like to try writing
one  ... send it in! )

Maundy Thursday

Also known as Holy Thursday, Maundy Thursday commemorates Christ's Last Supper with His disciples on the eve before His death on the cross. The name comes from the Latin mandatum, commandment.

In England, the sovereign traditionally distributes alms to the poor on this day, a custom which derives from Christ's washing of His disciples' feet in an act of love and charity. The Catholic Maundy liturgy still includes the ceremonial washing of twelve members' feet.

Most denominations celebrate Maundy Thursday to one degree or another, usually with an evening service that includes Holy Communion.

Maundy marks a significant milestone in Christianity's holiest season, which extends from Lent through Easter Sunday, three days hence.