#20: May 11 – 17

May 13, 1607 – Jamestown, Virginia Was Founded

On May 13, 1607, a group of English settlers arrived in what is now Virginia and founded Jamestown, the very first permanent English settlement in America. They built their homes, farms, and forts along the James River, hoping to find gold and create a new life. Life wasn’t easy—many settlers faced hunger, disease, and tough weather—but Jamestown became the starting point for the future United States.

Fun fact: The settlers built their fort in the shape of a triangle, with cannons at each corner to help protect themselves. Listen to Episode 94: Jamestown and Pocahontas.

 May 13, 1918 – First Airmail Stamps Issued
On May 13, 1918, the United States Post Office issued its very first airmail stamps, starting a new era where letters could fly through the sky instead of traveling by train or horse. These stamps cost 24 cents and featured a bright red border with a blue airplane called the Curtiss Jenny in the center. This made mail delivery much faster and more exciting.

Fun fact: Some of these stamps were accidentally printed with the airplane upside down—today, one of those rare “Inverted Jenny” stamps is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars!

May 14, 1804 – Lewis and Clark Expedition Began

On May 14, 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their famous journey to explore the land west of the Mississippi River, a vast area the United States had just purchased in the Louisiana Purchase. Their goal was to map the land, find a route to the Pacific Ocean, and learn about the people, animals, and plants in the region. Along the way, they met many Native American tribes who helped them survive and navigate the unfamiliar territory.

Fun fact: Lewis and Clark’s team brought a dog named Seaman, a big Newfoundland who traveled the entire journey with them and even helped hunt and guard camp. Listen to Episode 79: the Adventures of Lewis and Clark and Sacajawea.

May 16, 1929 – Lights, Camera, History! The First Oscars

In 1929, the very first Academy Awards ceremony—now known as the Oscars—was held to celebrate the best actors, directors, and movies of the year. It took place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and was a small event with only about 270 guests, very different from the star-studded show we see today. The awards recognized outstanding work in silent films and early “talkies,” marking an important moment in movie history.

Fun fact: The whole ceremony lasted just 15 minutes, and winners had already been announced to the public before the event!

May 17, 1875 – First Kentucky Derby Held

On May 17, 1875, the first Kentucky Derby was held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, marking the beginning of what would become the most famous horse race in the United States. Fifteen horses raced in front of thousands of cheering fans, and a horse named Aristides won the very first event. Today, the Kentucky Derby is known not only for fast horses but also for its fun traditions—especially the fancy outfits and big, colorful hats worn by spectators.

Fun fact: The Kentucky Derby has been run every single year since 1875, making it the longest continuously held sporting event in American history.