United States History On This Date: April 15th

1865 — Abraham Lincoln Dies at 7:22 a.m.
After being shot the previous evening at Ford’s Theatre, President Abraham Lincoln died at the Petersen House across the street. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton’s solemn declaration — “Now he belongs to the ages” — marked the first presidential assassination in American history. The nation entered a period of profound mourning as the Civil War’s final days unfolded.

1912 — RMS Titanic Sinks in the North Atlantic
In the early hours of April 15, the Titanic slipped beneath the surface after striking an iceberg the night before. More than 1,500 lives were lost, including many Americans. The disaster led to sweeping reforms in maritime safety, radio communication, and international sea‑lane regulation.

1947 — Jackie Robinson Breaks the Color Barrier
At Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, Jackie Robinson took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first Black player in modern Major League Baseball. His debut marked a turning point in American sports and civil rights, challenging segregation in one of the country’s most visible institutions.

1955 — McDonald’s Corporation Founded
Ray Kroc opened the first franchised McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, launching what would become one of the most influential fast‑food chains in the world. The company’s rise reshaped American consumer culture, labor patterns, and global branding.

Brooklyn Dodgers infielders Spider Jorgensen, Pee Wee Reese, Eddie Starkey and Jackie Robinson