April 29 holds a significant place in history with a range of impactful events. From moments of liberation and personal milestones of infamous figures to cultural icons being born and groundbreaking achievements in sports, this date encapsulates a spectrum of human experiences. Each event offers a unique glimpse into the past, inviting further exploration into how these moments shaped the world.
History
Major Historical Events
1852 – Roget’s Thesaurus Published: On this day, the first edition of “Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases” was published by Peter Mark Roget in London.
This groundbreaking reference work organized words by meaning and became an essential tool for writers and scholars worldwide, shaping the way language is studied and used.
1945 – Liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp: American forces liberated the Dachau concentration camp in Nazi Germany on April 29, 1945.
As one of the first and longest-operating camps, Dachau held over 200,000 prisoners during its existence, and the liberation marked a significant moment in exposing the horrors of the Holocaust to the world.
1992 – Los Angeles Riots Begin: Following the acquittal of four police officers in the beating of Rodney King, widespread riots broke out in Los Angeles on April 29, 1992.
The unrest lasted six days, resulting in 63 deaths, thousands of injuries, and significant property damage, while highlighting deep racial and systemic issues in the United States.
2011 – Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton: On April 29, 2011, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, married Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London.
The globally televised event drew millions of viewers and marked a modern milestone for the British monarchy, with Kate becoming the Duchess of Cambridge.
Famous Birthdays
1899 – Duke Ellington: Born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C., Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington became one of the most influential jazz composers and bandleaders in history.
His innovative compositions, like “Mood Indigo,” redefined American music.
1954 – Jerry Seinfeld: Comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld was born on April 29, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York.
Best known for creating and starring in the iconic sitcom “Seinfeld,” he brought observational humor to the forefront of pop culture.
1970 – Uma Thurman: Actress Uma Thurman was born on April 29, 1970, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Known for her roles in films like “Pulp Fiction” and “Kill Bill,” she has become a celebrated figure in Hollywood for her versatile performances.
1986 – Michelle Pfeiffer: Born on April 29, 1958, in Santa Ana, California, Michelle Pfeiffer emerged as a major film star with roles in “Scarface,” “Batman Returns,” and “Dangerous Liaisons,” earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
2007 – Infanta Sofía of Spain: Infanta Sofía, the younger daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, was born on April 29, 2007, in Madrid.
She holds a significant place in the Spanish royal family as second in line to the throne at the time of her birth.
Notable Deaths
1980 – Alfred Hitchcock: The legendary film director Alfred Hitchcock passed away on April 29, 1980, in Los Angeles, California.
Known as the “Master of Suspense,” his iconic works like “Psycho” and “Vertigo” continue to influence cinema.
2013 – George Jones: Country music legend George Jones died on April 29, 2013, in Nashville, Tennessee.
With a career spanning over five decades, his emotional ballads like “He Stopped Loving Her Today” cemented his status as a genre icon.
2021 – Johnny Crawford: Actor and musician Johnny Crawford passed away on April 29, 2021.
Best remembered for his role as Mark McCain on the TV series “The Rifleman,” he also had a successful career as a singer during his youth.
Today in Music History
1967 – Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” Released: On April 29, 1967, Aretha Franklin released her iconic single “Respect,” which became a defining anthem of the civil rights and feminist movements.
Originally written by Otis Redding, Franklin’s version topped the charts and earned her two Grammy Awards.
1976 – Bruce Springsteen Climbs the Wall at Graceland: In a quirky moment, Bruce Springsteen attempted to meet Elvis Presley on April 29, 1976, by jumping the wall at Graceland in Memphis.
Though he was escorted off the property, the incident became a legendary story in rock history.
1993 – Barry White’s Comeback Album: Barry White released his album “The Icon Is Love” on April 29, 1993, marking a major comeback for the soul legend.
The album included the hit “Practice What You Preach,” reintroducing his signature sound to a new generation.
Today in Sports History
1986 – Roger Clemens Strikes Out 20 Batters: On April 29, 1986, Boston Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens set a Major League Baseball record by striking out 20 Seattle Mariners in a single game.
This remarkable feat showcased his dominance and cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s greatest pitchers.
1997 – Michael Jordan Wins Scoring Title: On April 29, 1997, Michael Jordan clinched his ninth NBA scoring title during a Chicago Bulls game.
Averaging 29.6 points per game that season, he continued to prove his unparalleled skill on the court.
Today in Military and Naval History
1945 – Adolf Hitler Marries Eva Braun: On April 29, 1945, Adolf Hitler married his longtime partner Eva Braun in a private ceremony in his Berlin bunker.
This event occurred just one day before their joint suicide as Allied forces closed in on the city.
1970 – U.S. Invasion of Cambodia Announced: President Richard Nixon announced the U.S. invasion of Cambodia on April 29, 1970, as part of the Vietnam War effort to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines.
The decision sparked widespread protests across the United States.
Today in Tech and Science History
1993 – World Wide Web Goes Public: On April 29, 1993, CERN announced that the World Wide Web would be free to use for everyone, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the internet.
This decision, led by Tim Berners-Lee, allowed the web to become a global phenomenon.
2004 – Oldsmobile Ceases Production: On April 29, 2004, the last Oldsmobile rolled off the assembly line in Lansing, Michigan, ending over a century of production for the American automobile brand.
Founded in 1897, it was one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1882 – First Use of Electric Streetlights in London: On April 29, 1882, electric streetlights were used for the first time in London along the Thames Embankment.
This marked a significant step in urban modernization and the adoption of electric lighting in public spaces.
1933 – Premiere of “Amos ‘n’ Andy” on NBC Radio: The popular radio show “Amos ‘n’ Andy” premiered on NBC on April 29, 1933.
Though controversial for its racial portrayals, it became one of the most listened-to programs of its era, shaping early broadcast entertainment.
2018 – “Avengers: Infinity War” Breaks Box Office Records: On April 29, 2018, Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War” shattered box office records with a $257.7 million opening weekend in North America.
The film’s massive success highlighted the cultural dominance of superhero cinema.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1975 – World’s Largest Banana Split: On April 29, 1975, the town of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, created the world’s largest banana split, measuring over 4.5 miles long.
This quirky achievement involved thousands of gallons of ice cream and remains a sweet piece of trivia.
1990 – Wrecking Ball Mishap in Texas: On April 29, 1990, a wrecking ball operator in Fort Worth, Texas, accidentally demolished the wrong building due to a mix-up in paperwork.
The incident became a humorous cautionary tale about double-checking demolition orders.
Today in History for Kids
1429 – Joan of Arc Enters Orléans: On April 29, 1429, a brave young woman named Joan of Arc arrived in the city of Orléans in France to help fight against English forces during the Hundred Years’ War.
Her courage inspired the French soldiers to win a big victory, and she became a national hero.
1945 – Dachau Camp Freed: On this day in 1945, American soldiers freed thousands of people from a terrible place called Dachau in Germany.
It was a sad place where many were kept prisoner during World War II, and freeing them was an important step toward ending the war’s cruelty.
2011 – A Royal Wedding: Kids, imagine a real-life fairy tale!
On April 29, 2011, Prince William married Kate Middleton in a beautiful ceremony in England.
People all over the world watched on TV as they became husband and wife in a huge church called Westminster Abbey.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1770 – Captain James Cook Lands in Botany Bay: On April 29, 1770, British explorer Captain James Cook made his first landing on the eastern coast of Australia at what is now known as Botany Bay.
This marked the beginning of European exploration and eventual colonization of the continent.
1916 – Easter Rising Leaders Surrender: On April 29, 1916, leaders of the Easter Rising in Ireland surrendered to British forces after a week of fighting in Dublin.
This rebellion against British rule was a key event leading to Ireland’s eventual independence.
1991 – Cyclone Kills Over 138,000 in Bangladesh: On April 29, 1991, a devastating cyclone struck the Chittagong region of Bangladesh, killing over 138,000 people and leaving millions homeless.
It remains one of the deadliest tropical cyclones in recorded history.
2004 – National World War II Memorial Opens: On April 29, 2004, the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was dedicated to honor the 16 million Americans who served during the war.
Located on the National Mall, it stands as a tribute to their sacrifice and bravery.