April 12 in History – From Space to Stage | Past Tracker

Celebrate April 12’s iconic events, including space missions, artistic milestones, and influential figures.

​Past Tracker brings you Today in History – Explore top historical events, famous birthdays, notable deaths, and FAQs from this day.

April 12 has been a notable date throughout history, marked by groundbreaking events, cultural celebrations, and the birth of influential figures. Let's delve into ten significant incidents that occurred on this day:

Yuri Gagarin's Historic Spaceflight (1961)

On April 12, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to journey into outer space aboard Vostok 1. This monumental achievement marked a significant milestone in the Space Race, showcasing the USSR's advancements in space exploration. Gagarin's successful orbit around Earth not only demonstrated human capability to venture beyond our planet but also inspired generations to look towards the stars. His mission is commemorated annually as Cosmonautics Day in Russia and Yuri's Night globally, celebrating human spaceflight and exploration.​

Launch of NASA's First Space Shuttle, Columbia (1981)

April 12, 1981, saw the launch of NASA's first space shuttle, Columbia, marking the beginning of a new era in space exploration. The STS-1 mission was the first orbital flight of NASA's Space Shuttle program, introducing reusable spacecraft technology. Astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen piloted the shuttle, testing its systems and performance. The successful mission paved the way for future shuttle flights, significantly contributing to space research and satellite deployment

Start of the American Civil War: Battle of Fort Sumter (1861)

The American Civil War commenced on April 12, 1861, with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The bombardment marked the beginning of a four-year conflict between the Northern Union states and the Southern Confederate states. The war, primarily over issues of slavery and states' rights, resulted in significant loss of life and ultimately led to the abolition of slavery in the United States. The Battle of Fort Sumter remains a pivotal moment in American history.​

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Death (1945)

On April 12, 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away while serving his fourth term. As the 32nd President of the United States, Roosevelt led the nation through the Great Depression and most of World War II. His New Deal policies aimed to revive the American economy, and his leadership during the war was instrumental in the Allied victory. Roosevelt's death marked the end of an era, and Vice President Harry S. Truman assumed the presidency during a critical time in global affairs.​

Publication of 'Madame Bovary' (1857)

Gustave Flaubert's novel 'Madame Bovary' was published on April 12, 1857. The book, considered a masterpiece of literary realism, follows the life of Emma Bovary, a doctor's wife who seeks escape from the banalities of provincial life through romantic fantasies and affairs. The novel's candid portrayal of adultery and critique of bourgeois society sparked controversy, leading to an obscenity trial. Flaubert's acquittal and the novel's success cemented its place in literary history.

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Battle of Fort Pillow (1864)

On April 12, 1864, during the American Civil War, Confederate forces attacked Fort Pillow in Tennessee, resulting in a massacre of Union troops, many of whom were African American soldiers. The battle is infamous for the high number of Union casualties and allegations of war crimes committed by Confederate troops under General Nathan Bedford Forrest. The incident highlighted the brutal realities of the war and the challenges faced by Black soldiers fighting for the Union cause.​

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

April 12 is celebrated as National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day in the United States. This day honors the classic comfort food, beloved for its simplicity and versatility. Grilled cheese sandwiches have been a staple in American cuisine, often paired with tomato soup. The celebration encourages culinary creativity, with enthusiasts experimenting with various cheeses, breads, and additional ingredients to reinvent this timeless dish.​

Big Wind Day

Big Wind Day is observed on April 12, commemorating the highest natural wind gust ever recorded on Earth's surface. On this day in 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire recorded a wind speed of 231 miles per hour. The event highlights the extreme weather conditions that can occur on our planet and underscores the importance of meteorological research and preparedness.

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Cosmonautics Day

In Russia and several other countries, April 12 is celebrated as Cosmonautics Day, honoring the achievements in space exploration, particularly Yuri Gagarin's historic flight in 1961. The day serves as a reminder of human ingenuity and the continuous quest to explore beyond our planet. Festivities often include educational events, exhibitions, and discussions about the past, present, and future of space travel.

Hanuman Jayanti (2025)

In 2025, Hanuman Jayanti, the Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman, falls on April 12. Devotees observe the day with prayers, fasting, and reading of Hanuman Chalisa, seeking the deity's blessings for strength and wisdom. Temples are adorned, and special rituals are performed to honor Hanuman's unwavering devotion and courage. The festival holds significant cultural and spiritual importance in Hindu communities worldwide.

Notable Birthdays on April 12:

Saoirse Ronan (1994): Acclaimed Irish-American actress known for roles in films like "Brooklyn" and "Lady Bird."​

Brendon Urie (1987): Lead vocalist of the band Panic! at the Disco

Notable Deaths on April 12

Franklin D. Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945 – U.S. President during WWII.

Josephine Baker died on April 12, 1975 – singer, dancer, and civil rights activist.