Today in History – April 18: Midnight Rides, Devastating Quakes, and Baseball’s Rebirth

April 18 has seen heroes on horseback, cities shaken to the ground, and legends begin their climb to greatness. From Revolutionary messengers to the debut of iconic athletes, this date offers a mix of drama and determination.

Let’s explore what happened on April 18 throughout history.

1775 – Paul Revere Embarks on His Famous Midnight Ride

On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere, along with fellow riders William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, set out to warn American colonists that British troops were on the move from Boston.

Revere’s ride—immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem—signaled the start of the American Revolutionary War, which began the next day at Lexington and Concord.

1906 – San Francisco Earthquake Devastates the City

A massive 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck San Francisco, California, on April 18, 1906, followed by devastating fires that burned for days. Over 3,000 people died, and more than 80% of the city was destroyed.

The disaster remains one of the worst natural catastrophes in U.S. history and led to major changes in urban planning, engineering, and disaster response.

1923 – Yankee Stadium Opens in New York City

On April 18, 1923, Yankee Stadium—nicknamed “The House That Ruth Built”—opened in the Bronx, New York. The New York Yankees christened their new home with a win, and Babe Ruth hit the stadium’s first home run.

The venue would go on to become one of the most iconic locations in American sports history.

1955 – Albert Einstein Dies

Albert Einstein, the German-born physicist who developed the theory of relativity, died on April 18, 1955, in Princeton, New Jersey. He was 76 years old.

One of the most influential scientists in history, Einstein’s work fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe and remains a foundation of modern physics.

2018 – Kendrick Lamar Wins Pulitzer Prize for Music

On April 18, 2018, rapper Kendrick Lamar became the first non-classical or jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music, awarded for his 2017 album DAMN.

The win was a milestone for hip-hop’s cultural recognition and solidified Lamar’s reputation as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

Famous Birthdays on April 18

Lucrezia Borgia (1480) – Italian noblewoman
A politically savvy member of the notorious Borgia family, Lucrezia remains one of the most intriguing figures of the Italian Renaissance.

Clarence Darrow (1857) – American lawyer and civil libertarian
Famous for defending evolution in the Scopes “Monkey” Trial, Darrow was one of the most prominent attorneys of the 20th century.

James Woods (1947) – American actor
Known for his intense roles in drama and thrillers, Woods has been a staple of American film and television for decades.