What Happened on May 30?

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deaths

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EVENTS ON MAY 30

Explore the most important historical events that happened on May 30, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

Bedřich Smetana

Year: 1866

Bedrich Smetana's comic opera The Bartered Bride premiered in Prague.

Memorial Day

Year: 1868

Decoration Day (the predecessor of the modern "Memorial Day") is observed in the United States for the first time after a proclamation by John A. Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Republic (a veterans group).

American Civil War

Year: 1862

American Civil War: The Siege of Corinth ends in a Union victory, with General Henry Halleck capturing the critical rail junction of Corinth, Mississippi from retreating Confederate forces under General P. G. T. Beauregard.

Kansas–Nebraska Act

Year: 1854

The Kansas–Nebraska Act becomes law establishing the U.S. territories of Kansas and Nebraska.

Joaquim António de Aguiar

Year: 1834

Minister of Justice Joaquim António de Aguiar issues a law seizing "all convents, monasteries, colleges, hospices and any other houses" from the Catholic religious orders in Portugal, earning him the nickname of "The Friar-Killer".

Queen Victoria

Year: 1842

John Francis attempts to murder Queen Victoria as she drives down Constitution Hill in London with Prince Albert.

Ems Ukaz

Year: 1876

The secret decree of Ems Ukaz, issued by Russian Tsar Alexander II in the German city of Bad Ems, was aimed at stopping the printing and distribution of Ukrainian-language publications in the Russian Empire.

Abdulaziz

Year: 1876

Ottoman sultan Abdülaziz is deposed and succeeded by his nephew Murad V.

BIRTHS ON MAY 30

Discover famous people and historical figures born on May 30, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

Amadeo I of Spain

Year of birth: 1845

Amadeo I, Spanish king (died 1890)

James Chaney

Year of birth: 1943

James Chaney, American civil rights activist (died 1964)

Anders Michanek

Year of birth: 1943

Anders Michanek, Swedish motorcycle racer

Gale Sayers

Year of birth: 1943

Gale Sayers, American football player and philanthropist (died 2020)

Meredith MacRae

Year of birth: 1944

Meredith MacRae, American actress (died 2000)

The Dave Clark Five

Year of birth: 1944

Lenny Davidson, English guitarist and songwriter

Alfred Austin

Year of birth: 1835

Alfred Austin, English author, poet, and playwright (died 1913)

Félix Arnaudin

Year of birth: 1844

Félix Arnaudin, French poet and photographer (died 1921)

DEATHS ON MAY 30

Look back at notable individuals who passed away on May 30, and learn about their lasting influences on history.

Louis Slotin

Year of death: 1946

Louis Slotin, Canadian physicist and chemist (born 1910)

Prajadhipok

Year of death: 1941

Prajadhipok, Thai king (born 1893)

Georg von Trapp

Year of death: 1947

Georg von Trapp, Austrian captain (born 1880)

József Klekl (politician)

Year of death: 1948

József Klekl, Slovene-Hungarian priest and politician (born 1874)

Hermann Broch

Year of death: 1951

Hermann Broch, Austrian-American author (born 1886)

Emmanuel Célestin Suhard

Year of death: 1949

Emmanuel Célestin Suhard, French cardinal (born 1874)

Floyd Roberts

Year of death: 1939

Floyd Roberts, American race car driver (born 1904)

Tōgō Heihachirō

Year of death: 1934

Tōgō Heihachirō, Japanese admiral (born 1848)

HOLIDAYS ON MAY 30

See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on May 30 around the world.

Indian Arrival Day

Indian Arrival Day (Trinidad and Tobago)

Kaamatan

Kaamatan, harvest festival in the state of Sabah and the federal territory of Labuan (Malaysia)

Mother's Day

Mother's Day (Nicaragua)

Statehood Day (Croatia)

May 30 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Christian feast day: May 30 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Joseph Marello

Christian feast day: Joseph Marello

Day of the Canary Islands

Canary Islands Day (Spain)

Ferdinand III of Castile

Christian feast day: Ferdinand III of Castile

May