2026

Birthdays & Historical Events – April 18

← National Days on April 18

Birthdays & Historical Events – April 18

Historical Events on April 18

Events that occurred on April 18 throughout history

1775

On the night of April 18th, Paul Revere and William Dawes

On the night of April 18th, Paul Revere and William Dawes set out from Boston to Lexington to warn minutemen and Sons of Liberty of British forces headed their way. In Lexington, Revere invited another rider, Samuel Prescott, to join the effort. Their end goal was to warn Concord of the British movement. After warning John Hancock and Samuel Adams of their impending arrest the riders set out on separate routes. However, Revere was soon apprehended by British soldiers. Dawes also faced a mishap and never made it to Concord. Only Prescott completed the mission, warning Concord of the impending attack by British soldiers.

1906

A 7

A 7.9 earthquake devastated northern California and San Francisco.

1923

Yankee Stadium opens in New York City

Yankee Stadium opens in New York City. Christening the new stadium, Babe Ruth hits a home run and the Yankees bring home a 4-1 win over the Boston Red Sox.

1945

American war correspondent and columnist Ernie Pyle died

American war correspondent and columnist Ernie Pyle died while on assignment in Okinawa, Japan.

1956

Grace Kelly married Rainier II, prince de Monaco

Grace Kelly married Rainier II, prince de Monaco.

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