What Happened on May 13?

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events

births

deaths

holidays

EVENTS ON MAY 13

Explore the most important historical events that happened on May 13, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

1909 Giro d'Italia

Year: 1909

The first edition of the Giro d'Italia, a long-distance multiple-stage bicycle race, began in Milan; the Italian cyclist Luigi Ganna was the eventual winner.

Royal Flying Corps

Year: 1912

The Royal Flying Corps, the forerunner of the Royal Air Force, is established in the United Kingdom.

Lei Áurea

Year: 1888

With the passage of the Lei Áurea ("Golden Law"), the Empire of Brazil abolishes slavery.

Robert Smalls

Year: 1862

Southern slave Robert Smalls steals the steamboat Planter, spirits it through Confederate lines and hands it to the United States Navy, who quickly commission it as the gunboat USS Planter and appoint Smalls as captain, thus making him the first black man to command a United States ship.

American Civil War

Year: 1861

American Civil War: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom issues a "proclamation of neutrality" which recognizes the Confederacy as having belligerent rights.

Our Lady of Fátima

Year: 1917

Three children report the first apparition of Our Lady of Fátima in Fátima, Portugal.

World War II

Year: 1940

World War II: Germany's conquest of France begins, as the German army crosses the Meuse. Winston Churchill makes his "blood, toil, tears, and sweat" speech to the House of Commons.

Aeroflot Flight 17

Year: 1949

Aeroflot Flight 17 crashes on approach to Severny Airport in Novosibirsk, killing 25.

BIRTHS ON MAY 13

Discover famous people and historical figures born on May 13, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

Mike Gravel

Year of birth: 1930

Mike Gravel, American politician (died 2021)

Enrique Bolaños

Year of birth: 1928

Enrique Bolaños, Nicaraguan politician, President of Nicaragua (died 2021)

Harry Schwarz

Year of birth: 1924

Harry Schwarz, South African anti-apartheid leader, lawyer, and Ambassador (died 2010)

Jim Jones

Year of birth: 1931

Jim Jones, American cult leader, founder of the Peoples Temple (died 1978)

John Roseboro

Year of birth: 1933

John Roseboro, American baseball player and coach (died 2002)

Roger Zelazny

Year of birth: 1937

Roger Zelazny, American author and poet (died 1995)

Ehud Netzer

Year of birth: 1934

Ehud Netzer, Israeli archaeologist, architect, and academic (died 2010)

Otl Aicher

Year of birth: 1922

Otl Aicher, German graphic designer and typographer (died 1991)

DEATHS ON MAY 13

Look back at notable individuals who passed away on May 13, and learn about their lasting influences on history.

H. Trendley Dean

Year of death: 1962

Henry Trendley Dean, American dentist (born 1893)

Franz Kline

Year of death: 1962

Franz Kline, American painter and academic (born 1910)

Alois Hudal

Year of death: 1963

Alois Hudal, Austrian-Italian bishop (born 1885)

Dan Blocker

Year of death: 1972

Dan Blocker, American actor (born 1928)

Arthur J. Burks

Year of death: 1974

Arthur J. Burks, American colonel and author (born 1898)

Gary Cooper

Year of death: 1961

Gary Cooper, American actor (born 1901)

Michael Fekete

Year of death: 1957

Michael Fekete, Hungarian-Israeli mathematician and academic (born 1886)

Cricket at the 1900 Summer Olympics

Year of death: 1941

Frederick Christian, English cricketer (born 1877)

HOLIDAYS ON MAY 13

See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on May 13 around the world.

Julian of Norwich

Christian feast day: Julian of Norwich (Roman Catholic)

Frances Perkins

Christian feast day: Frances Perkins (Episcopal Church (USA))

Servatius of Tongeren

Christian feast day: Servatius

May 13 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Christian feast day: May 13 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Abbotsbury

Abbotsbury Garland Day (Dorset, England)

John the Silent

Christian feast day: John the Silent (Roman Catholic)

Our Lady of Fátima

Christian feast day: Our Lady of Fátima

Saint Glyceria

Christian feast day: Glyceria

May