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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 26, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for May.
Events that occurred on May 26 throughout history
The first battle of the Pequot War in Connecticut occurs. About 500 Pequot Native Americans are killed by Colonial forces in a battle that became known as the Mystic Massacre.
Alse Young becomes the first recorded person executed as a witch in the American colonies. The mother of 3 children was hanged in Hartford, Connecticut. She was around 32 years old.
South Carolina is formally incorporated as a royal colony. During this time, South Carolina flourished into one of the wealthiest of the 13 Colonies. This era of direct British control lasted for nearly 50 years until the colonists declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776.
North Stratford, Connecticut, celebrates the end of fighting in the American Revolutionary War with A Great Jubilee Day.
Lewis and Clark first sight the Rocky Mountains. Meriwether Lewis records in his journal as "a most beatifull and sightly mountains" that appeared about fifty miles away.
Montana is organized as a United States territory by President Abraham Lincoln. The territory functioned as a frontier territory for 25 years until it was officially admitted to the Union as the 41st state on November 8, 1889.
President Andrew Johnson is acquitted by one vote in the U.S. Senate. The Senate fell one vote short of the two-thirds majority required to convict him. He was allowed to remain in office and finish out his term.
The Bank of North America was incorporated as America's first government-incorporated bank. The bank was established to stabilize the economy during the Revolutionary War.
Archaeological Institute of America forms after President Theodore Roosevelt signed the charter into law.
Chicago White Sox pitcher Ed Walsh delivers no-hits against the NY Highlanders. The final score was 8-1 in a 5 inning game.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Murdock and their children become the first family to travel across the U.S. car. They begin driving Los Angeles to New York City in a Packard Thirty. The trip takes 32 days, 5 hours, and 25 minutes.
President Calvin Coolidge signs Immigration law restricting immigration. The law explicitly prohibited the immigration of individuals from the "Asiatic Barred Zone". Asia, Arabs and Japanese were prevented from entering the country.
The House Un-American Activities Committee begins its first session. The committee was formed to investigate alleged fascist and communist ties in the U.S.
The American Flag House (Betsy Ross' Home) is given to city of Philadelphia. Ross never actually owned the building and only rented it. The home is located in Philadelphia's Old City and opened to the public for tours.
The government began rationing meat and cheese in the U.S. to ensure fair distribution and support troops overseas during WWII.
The U.S. and the Soviet Union sign the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty preventing both nations from deploying nationwide defenses against strategic ballistic missiles. The Treaty ensured that neither nation could launch a first strike without facing a devastating retaliatory attack by the other nation.
Resorts International opened its doors for business, becoming the first legal gambling casino in Atlantic City.
In New Jersey v. New York, the Supreme Court determines Ellis Island is mainly in the state of New Jersey, not New York. Over 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island between 1892 to 1954.
People born on May 26
Mark Lavon Helm was a drummer and one of the three lead vocalists for The Band. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
The first President of the National Farmers Organization.
Legendary country music singer-songwriter known for hits like All My Rowdy Friends; Honky Tonkin', and There's A Tear In My Beer.
Singer, actress, dancer, and pianist who performed in multiple styles, including jazz and blues. She was the first African-American artist to make vocal blues recordings.
Actor who played Marshal Matt Dillon on the television series Gunsmoke. He was also a WWII veteran who was injured during machine gun fire and a concussion grenade.
American jazz musician, trumpeter and composer who is considered one of the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz.
Master carpenter who invented the folding wooden step ladder.
Founder of Burger King.
American physicist and astronaut who was the youngest American astronaut to have flown in space (age 32). She also founded the Sally Ride Science, an organization about science programs and publications for upper elementary and middle school students, with a particular focus on girls.
North Dakota native Norma Deloris Egstrom was known professionally as Peggy Lee. She was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, and actress whose career spanned seven decades.
