Osun Defender History Corner: April 12 In Focus

Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashback and recall some events that marked this day.

April 12, 1605

The Union Flag, combining the flags of England and Scotland, is adopted.

April 12, 1861

The American Civil War begins with the Confederacy firing on Fort Sumter, South Carolina.

April 12, 1945

President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies; Harry S. Truman becomes President of the United States.

April 12, 1961

Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human to travel into space aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft.

April 12, 1980

Terry Fox begins his Marathon of Hope to raise awareness for cancer research.

April 12, 1981

The first space shuttle, Columbia, completes its maiden flight.

April 12, 1992

Euro Disney (now Disneyland Paris) officially opens in Marne-la-Vallée, France.

April 12, 2009

Zimbabwe officially abandons its currency due to hyperinflation.

April 12, 2010

Volcanic ash from Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption in Iceland disrupts air travel across Europe.

April 12, 2015

Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African American man, dies in Baltimore Police custody, sparking protests and riots.

Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on April 12. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.