31 fun facts for April, 15

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
April 15 is a day of significant historical events, art, and innovation. Notable events include the birth of Leonardo da Vinci, the sinking of the Titanic, Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball, the first sound-on-film motion picture, the establishment of Sydney Mint, and the remarkable achievements of Ingenuity, the Mars helicopter.
31 Fun facts
  1. On April 15, 1452, artist Leonardo da Vinci was born in Vinci, Italy. He became one of the most important renaissance painters, inventors, and polymaths, and produced iconic works such as The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa.
  2. On April 15, 1850, the first U.S. government-backed gold rush occurred in Australia with the establishment of Sydney Mint. This helped boost economic activity and set the stage for Australia's transition to a prosperous, self-governing nation.
  3. On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic. The tragedy claimed the lives of over 1,500 passengers and crew members, and brought attention to the importance of maritime safety regulations.
  4. On April 15, 1923, the first commercial sound-on-film motion picture, also known as "talking pictures," was demonstrated at the Strand Theater in New York City. This innovation in movie-making technology marked a new era in the entertainment industry.
  5. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, breaking the color barrier and paving the way for future generations of athletes.
  6. On April 15, 1952, the first BAND-AID adhesive bandage featuring a cartoon character, Mickey Mouse, was introduced to the public. This brought a new level of fun and appeal to the simple, yet essential, wound care product.
  7. April 15 is celebrated as World Art Day, honoring the birth of Leonardo da Vinci. The day is observed to promote and appreciate creativity, art education, and cooperation between artists and organizations worldwide.
  8. On April 15, 1924, American inventor Randolph B. Marcy received a patent for making the first portable hairdryer. The invention revolutionized hair care and styling, making it more convenient and accessible for individuals around the world.
  9. On April 15, 1955, fast-food giant McDonald's opened its first franchise restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA. Operated by Ray Kroc, this was the beginning of the worldwide McDonald's phenomenon.
  10. On April 15, 1948, the first Olympic Games were held in Germany after a hiatus due to World War II. Fourteen nations participated, and Germany dominated the games, winning 31 gold medals.
  11. On April 15, 1970, Indian squash player Baig Akhtar Nawab became the first player to win the British Open seven times in a row. Nawab’s incredible feat is still unmatched in the world of squash.
  12. On April 15, 1973, American actor Charlie Chaplin returned to the United States after a 20-year exile from the country during the McCarthy era. His return brought a renewed appreciation for his classic silent film contributions.
  13. On April 15, 1974, the first aerial advertising service, Skywriting Corp., began its operations over New York City. The firm used specialized planes to create unique and eye-catching advertisements in the sky.
  14. On April 15, 1983, the Tokyo Disneyland theme park officially opened its gates for the public. The park is the first Disney resort outside the United States and has remained a popular tourist destination in Japan.
  15. On April 15, 1989, the largest charity walk in history took place. Over three million people participated in the Operation Smile Miles for Smiles event in the Philippines, raising awareness and funds for children with facial deformities.
  16. On April 15, 1990, the world's first internet auction site, OnSale, was launched. Although it didn't last long, it paved the way for modern e-commerce giants like eBay.
  17. On April 15, 1993, the molecular structure of DNA was completed 40 years after its initial discovery. This breakthrough in genetics allowed scientists and researchers to better understand the building blocks of life.
  18. On April 15, 1997, Major League Baseball retired the jersey number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson. This unprecedented act paid tribute to the athlete's role in breaking the color barrier and promoting inclusivity in the sport.
  19. On April 15, 2000, the annual Rebuilding Day was established in the United States, providing home repairs and maintenance for low-income homeowners. This grassroots movement benefits thousands of families each year.
  20. On April 15, 2013, the first cat cafe opened in North America, providing a unique experience for cat lovers to mingle in a relaxing environment while enjoying coffee or tea.
  21. On April 15, 2014, America's Got Talent host Nick Cannon set a world record for the most selfies taken in one hour during the show's red carpet event. He successfully clicked 283 selfies within the allotted time.
  22. On April 15, 2015, the world's largest LEGO model, a life-sized Airbus A380 airplane, took to the skies. The replica was built using 7 million LEGO bricks and measured over 9 meters long and 8 meters wide.
  23. On April 15, 2016, Malawi issued the first-ever malaria vaccine pilot project. As one of the leading countries suffering from malaria, this program became a major stepping stone in addressing the devastating disease in Africa.
  24. On April 15, 2017, a team of international scientists held the first-ever March for Science, advocating for the importance of evidence-based policymaking worldwide. The event began in Washington D.C., and has expanded to become an annual worldwide phenomenon.
  25. On April 15, 2018, the first confirmed exoplanet (planet outside of our solar system) was announced by NASA. The discovery proved that planets in other solar systems do exist, opening up a new frontier in space exploration.
  26. April 15 is celebrated as the National Take a Wild Guess Day in the United States. The day encourages people to trust their instincts and make wild guesses for fun, while sparking laughter and conversation.
  27. April 15 is National Banana Day in the United States. It is not only a day to enjoy this popular fruit but also a day to raise awareness about the global importance of bananas and their environmental impact.
  28. On April 15, 2019, former U.S. President Barack Obama shared support for Notre-Dame Cathedral, which caught fire on this day. His encouragement joined that of citizens from around the world, emphasizing the historic and cultural importance of the monument.
  29. On April 15, 2020, Marvel Comics celebrated its 80th anniversary with the release of a special edition comic that pays tribute to its rich history and iconic characters.
  30. On April 15, 2021, the Mars helicopter Ingenuity made its first successful flight, marking a new era in interplanetary exploration.
  31. April 15 is National Rubber Eraser Day in the United States. This day celebrates the oft-overlooked stationary item that has quietly improved the lives of writers, students, and artists for centuries.

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