Also on This Day in History May 1
Discover what happened on May 1 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.
Births on This Day, May 1
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1839
Hilaire de Chardonnet
French industrialist and inventor of rayon
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1918
Gersh Budker
Russian physicist who invented electron
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1852
Santiago Ramón y Cajal
Spanish histologist (central nervous system) and neuroscientist
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1925
Scott Carpenter
American astronaut (Mercury 7-Aurora 7)
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1864
Anna Jarvis
American founder of Mother's Day
Deaths on This Day, May 1
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2018
Ashok Mitra
Indian economist and politician
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2006
Bruce Peterson
American aeronautical engineer and NASA test pilot (M2, HL-10)
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2011
Jesse Ernest Wilkins, Jr
Black-American physicist, mathematician and engineer
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1918
Grove Karl Gilbert
American geologist, Founder of modern geomorphology
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1904
Wilhelm His
German anatomist and embryologist who created the science of histogenesis
1977
Chantal Langlacé Sets Female World Marathon Record in Spain
On May 1, 1977, French runner Chantal Langlacé sets a new world marathon record for women with a time of 2:35:15.4 in Oyarzun, Spain. Her performance represents a significant achievement in long-distance running.
1960
Bombay State Split into Gujarat and Maharashtra
On May 1, 1960, India's Bombay state is divided into two separate states: Gujarat and Maharashtra. This reorganization is aimed at addressing linguistic and regional demands, shaping the administrative and cultural landscape of western India.
1964
First BASIC Program Runs on Computer in Early Morning
At around 4:00 a.m. on May 1, 1964, the first BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) program is successfully executed on a computer. This milestone marks the beginning of a programming language that would significantly influence computing and education.
1840
World's First Adhesive Postage Stamp Issued in the United Kingdom
On May 1, 1840, the United Kingdom issues the world's first adhesive postage stamp, known as the Penny Black. This innovative stamp revolutionizes mail delivery and postal services by prepaying postage.