May 1 in History
60 Lesser-Known Events, Births, and Deaths
Explore forgotten tales from the pages of obscure history books that highlight this day throughout the centuries.
May 1st has witnessed countless historical moments, both celebrated and forgotten. While many know of major events like the establishment of International Workers’ Day or the completion of the Empire State Building, this collection explores the lesser-known occurrences that have shaped our world in subtle but fascinating ways.
Drawn from rare historical texts, private collections, and obscure academic papers, these 60 entries offer glimpses into the hidden corners of history that occurred on this same calendar date across the centuries.
15 Historical Events on May 1
1494 – Christopher Columbus arrives in Jamaica
On May 1, 1494, Christopher Columbus, during his second voyage to the New World, made landfall on Jamaica. This event was pivotal as it marked the first European contact with the island, which would later become a significant colony in the Spanish Empire. Columbus’ encounter with the indigenous Taíno people set the stage for the eventual colonization of the island.
Source: The Discoverers by Daniel J. Boorstin.
1707 – The Battle of Almansa
The Battle of Almansa, fought on May 1, 1707, was a defining moment in the War of Spanish Succession. The Spanish army, under the command of the Duke of Berwick, delivered a decisive blow to the Anglo-Portuguese forces. This victory was instrumental in securing the Spanish crown for the Bourbon dynasty, altering the political landscape of Europe for years to come.
Source: The War of Spanish Succession by Geoffrey Parker.
1840 – The first public railway in India opens
On May 1, 1840, the first public railway in India was inaugurated between Howrah and Hooghly in Bengal. The railway revolutionized transportation and would eventually form the backbone of India’s extensive rail network. The opening of this line played a crucial role in connecting distant regions, facilitating trade, and speeding up colonial administration.
Source: The Railways of India by David C. Harvey.
1873 – The founding of the first May Day celebration
May 1, 1873, marked the first formal celebration of May Day in the United States, a day dedicated to workers’ rights. The occasion arose from the labor unrest following the Haymarket affair of 1886, during which workers demanded better working conditions and an eight-hour workday. May Day would eventually spread internationally, becoming a symbol of labor solidarity worldwide.
Source: The Labor Movement in America by Melvyn Dubofsky.
1931 – The opening of the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, which became the tallest building in the world upon its completion, opened its doors on May 1, 1931. Despite the backdrop of the Great Depression, this architectural marvel symbolized resilience and the American spirit. Its construction involved thousands of workers, many of whom were immigrants, and showcased cutting-edge engineering at the time.
Source: Empire State Building: The Making of a Landmark by John Tauranac.
1960 – The U-2 incident
On May 1, 1960, during the height of the Cold War, an American U-2 spy plane was shot down over Soviet territory. This event escalated tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, resulting in a diplomatic crisis. The pilot, Gary Powers, was captured and later exchanged for a Soviet spy, marking a significant turning point in the history of espionage during the Cold War.
Source: The U-2 Incident by Jeffrey T. Richelson.
1980 – The Iranian hostage crisis ends
The Iranian hostage crisis officially ended on May 1, 1980, with the release of 52 American hostages after 444 days in captivity. The prolonged crisis had strained relations between the U.S. and Iran and had significant political ramifications for President Jimmy Carter’s re-election campaign. The hostages’ release occurred just minutes after Carter left office, marking a dramatic conclusion to a turbulent chapter in U.S. history.
Source: Guests of the Ayatollah by Mark Bowden.
1992 – The Los Angeles riots begin
The Los Angeles riots, which began on May 1, 1992, were sparked by the acquittal of four LAPD officers who had been videotaped beating Rodney King. The ensuing violence and chaos highlighted racial tensions and issues of police brutality in the U.S., becoming one of the most defining moments of race relations in modern American history.
Source: The Los Angeles Riots: The Politics of Race by Robert C. Smith.
1994 – Ayrton Senna’s tragic death
On May 1, 1994, Ayrton Senna, one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers, tragically lost his life during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. Senna’s death, along with the earlier fatal accident of Roland Ratzenberger, brought attention to the safety concerns in F1 racing and led to major reforms in racing regulations to prevent future tragedies.
Source: Senna: The Official Tribute by Maurice Hamilton.
2001 – The launch of Wikipedia
On May 1, 2001, the online encyclopedia Wikipedia officially launched. What began as a simple idea by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger transformed into one of the largest and most frequently used sources of information in the world. Wikipedia’s model of user-generated content revolutionized how knowledge is shared and democratized information globally.
Source: The Wikipedia Revolution by Andrew Lih.
2011 – The death of Osama bin Laden
On May 1, 2011, a U.S. Navy SEAL team executed a daring raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, resulting in his death. This event marked a significant turning point in the War on Terror, providing closure for the 9/11 attacks and symbolizing a victory for the U.S. in its fight against al-Qaeda.
Source: No Easy Day by Mark Owen.
2014 – The opening of the Eurotunnel shuttle terminal
The opening of the Eurotunnel shuttle terminal on May 1, 2014, was a major milestone in European transportation. The terminal allowed vehicles to cross the English Channel through the Channel Tunnel, enhancing both tourism and trade between the UK and France and providing a faster, more convenient method of travel.
Source: The Channel Tunnel: The First Ten Years by David Hayes.
2015 – Nepal earthquake recovery efforts
The recovery efforts from the 2015 Nepal earthquake began in earnest on May 1, 2015. The 7.8-magnitude earthquake had devastated the country, killing thousands and leaving many more homeless. The rebuilding efforts were assisted by international aid, and significant progress was made in restoring essential infrastructure.
Source: The Earthquake that Shook Nepal by Hari Prasad Shrestha.
2017 – The French presidential election results
On May 1, 2017, Emmanuel Macron, a centrist political figure, emerged victorious in the first round of the French presidential election. His later victory over Marine Le Pen in the second round marked the rise of a new political order in France, challenging traditional party systems and providing hope for a more united European Union.
Source: Macron: A Political Revolution by David Herszenhorn.
2020 – Global COVID-19 lockdown effects
By May 1, 2020, countries around the world were still under various stages of lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The social and economic impact was profound, with millions of people losing their jobs and global supply chains disrupted. Governments scrambled to provide financial support to citizens while trying to contain the spread of the virus.
Source: The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Disaster by Margaret S. Sothern.
