#16: April 13-19

April 14, 1828: Noah Webster Published the first American Dictionary

Noah Webster changed the way Americans used words forever! On that day, he published the first real American dictionary. Before this, most people in the U.S. used British books to learn how to spell and define words. But Noah wanted something that matched how Americans actually talked and wrote. He spent years collecting words, writing definitions, and even changing spellings to make them simpler—like “color” instead of the British “colour.” His dictionary helped kids, teachers, and families across the country understand language better. Thanks to Noah Webster, we still use many of his words and spellings today!  Fun fact:  He changed British spellings to make them more “American”—like colour became color!

 
April 14, 1935 – Black Sunday – The Day the Sky Disappeared

Imagine stepping outside and seeing a huge, dark cloud rolling toward you—not of rain, but of dirt! That’s what happened on April 14, 1935, a day called Black Sunday. The wind picked up so much dry dust from the ground that it created a giant storm that covered the sky. It got so dark, people thought it was nighttime! Some couldn’t even see their own hands in front of their faces. Farmers and families ran for shelter, covering their mouths with cloths so they could breathe. The dust was so strong, it blew all the way from the Great Plains to Washington, D.C.! Black Sunday was one of the worst storms during the Dust Bowl, a tough time when farming was hard and the land was very dry. Fun fact: It got so dark in the afternoon, street lights turned on and chickens went to sleep thinking it was night!

Listen to Episode 138: The Great Depression (which coincided with the Dust Bowl)

April 15, 1955 – McDonald’s Goes Big Time!

On April 15, 1955, the very first McDonald’s franchise opened its doors in Des Plaines, Illinois—and it changed fast food forever! A man named Ray Kroc saw the McDonald brothers’ speedy burger restaurant and thought, “This could be everywhere!” So he opened a brand-new McDonald’s with a big, golden arch and a focus on fast, friendly service. People loved getting tasty burgers, crispy fries, and cold milkshakes in just minutes. That one restaurant grew and grew, and today, McDonald’s can be found in over 100 countries around the world. It all started with one big idea—and one busy kitchen! Fun fact: Back then, a hamburger cost 15 cents, and there were only 9 items on the menu!

April 18, 1865 – Dr. Mudd Arrested

On April 18, 1865, just days after President Lincoln was shot, detectives questioned Dr. Samuel Mudd, a country doctor who had helped John Wilkes Booth—the man who killed Lincoln—by fixing his broken leg. At first, Dr. Mudd said he didn’t know Booth, but it was later discovered they had met before. Because he didn’t tell the truth and waited too long to report Booth, Dr. Mudd was arrested and sent to prison. Fun fact: The prison where Dr. Mudd was sent—Fort Jefferson—was on a remote island and could only be reached by boat!

Listen to Episode 4 and Episode 5…All about

April 19, 1775 – The Shot Heard ‘Round the World

On April 19, 1775, something big happened that would change American history forever—the first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired at the towns of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. British soldiers had marched out from Boston to take away weapons from the colonists, but the local Minutemen were ready to stand their ground. Early that morning, a shot rang out—no one knows who fired it, but it started a fierce battle between the two sides. This moment became known as “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World” because it marked the start of the fight for America’s independence. It was the beginning of a brand-new nation’s journey for freedom!  Fun fact:  Nobody knows who fired the first shot—it was a total mystery!

Listen to Episode 28: The Revolutionary War from the World’s point of view