Today in History – April 12: Firsts in Space, Civil War Shots, and a Global Health Scare
April 12 marks major leaps for mankind, the start of wars, and the birth of legends. From the first human in space to the opening shots of the American Civil War, this day captures both triumph and turmoil.
Let’s explore what happened on April 12 throughout history.
1861 – The American Civil War Begins
The first shots of the American Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The Union fort surrendered after 34 hours of bombardment, marking the official start of a conflict that would last four years and cost over 600,000 lives.
1961 – Yuri Gagarin Becomes the First Human in Space
On this day in 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person to journey into outer space aboard the spacecraft Vostok 1. He completed one orbit around Earth in 108 minutes. The achievement made Gagarin an international hero and sparked the intensification of the Space Race between the U.S. and the USSR.
1981 – NASA Launches Space Shuttle Columbia
Exactly 20 years after Gagarin’s flight, NASA launched Space Shuttle Columbia on April 12, 1981. It was the first reusable spacecraft ever flown and marked the beginning of a new era in space travel. Piloted by John Young and Robert Crippen, Columbia spent two days in orbit before safely returning to Earth.
1945 – Franklin D. Roosevelt Dies in Office
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, America’s only four-term president, died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage on April 12, 1945, in Warm Springs, Georgia. Harry S. Truman was sworn in as president that same day. FDR’s death came just weeks before Germany’s surrender in World War II.
2009 – Zimbabwe Abandons Its Currency
On April 12, 2009, Zimbabwe officially abandoned its currency due to uncontrollable hyperinflation. Prices were doubling every day, and denominations had reached as high as 100 trillion Zimbabwean dollars. The country adopted foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar and South African rand, to stabilize the economy.
Famous Birthdays on April 12
Tiny Tim (1932) – American musician and ukulele player
Known for his falsetto voice and eccentric style, he rose to fame with the song Tiptoe Through the Tulips.
David Letterman (1947) – American talk show host and comedian
Host of Late Night with David Letterman and The Late Show, he redefined the late-night TV format for over three decades.
Claire Danes (1979) – American actress
Acclaimed for her roles in Homeland, Romeo + Juliet, and My So-Called Life, Danes is known for her intense, dramatic performances.
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