Today in History – April 13: Jefferson’s Legacy, a Van Gogh Heist, and an Internet Milestone
April 13 features a founding father’s birthday, a shocking art theft, and the birth of a major tech movement. It’s a date with moments that span culture, politics, and innovation.
Let’s explore what happened on April 13 throughout history.
1743 – Thomas Jefferson Is Born
On April 13, 1743, Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, was born in Shadwell, Virginia.
Jefferson’s influence extended beyond politics—he was also a philosopher, architect, and inventor. As president, he oversaw the Louisiana Purchase and commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition. His legacy is complex, marked by both democratic ideals and his ownership of enslaved people.
1970 – Apollo 13 Suffers Oxygen Tank Explosion
Just two days after launch, Apollo 13 experienced a catastrophic explosion in its oxygen tank on April 13, 1970. The mission had to be aborted, and the three astronauts onboard—Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise—faced life-threatening conditions.
Thanks to ingenuity and calm teamwork, they returned safely to Earth on April 17. The near-tragedy inspired the famous line: “Houston, we’ve had a problem.”
1997 – Tiger Woods Wins The Masters at Age 21
On this day, Tiger Woods became the youngest golfer ever to win The Masters Tournament—and the first African American to do so. His 12-stroke victory was a historic moment in sports and marked the beginning of one of the most successful careers in golf history.
2003 – Van Gogh Painting Stolen from Amsterdam Museum
On April 13, 2003, Van Gogh’s “View of the Sea at Scheveningen” was stolen from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Thieves broke in during the night and escaped with two paintings, triggering an international investigation.
The paintings were finally recovered in 2016, in Naples, Italy, during a mafia-related drug bust.
2004 – Google Launches Gmail Beta
While Gmail was originally unveiled on April 1 as an April Fool’s joke, its beta invite system began expanding rapidly on April 13, 2004. With 1 GB of free storage—unheard of at the time—Gmail revolutionized email and launched Google into the cloud-based productivity market.
Famous Birthdays on April 13
Samuel Beckett (1906) – Irish playwright and novelist
Best known for his play Waiting for Godot, Beckett’s minimalist style left a lasting mark on modern theater and existential literature.
Seamus Heaney (1939) – Irish poet and Nobel Prize laureate
Heaney’s poetry blended myth, memory, and politics, earning him international acclaim as one of the 20th century’s greatest poets.
Al Green (1946) – American soul singer and pastor
Famous for hits like Let’s Stay Together, Green’s smooth voice and gospel roots made him a legend in the world of soul music.
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