The Cumberland Compact, signed by 256 settlers on May 13, 1780, established a legal framework for self-governance in the early settlement of Nashville, Tennessee. Spearheaded by James Robertson (shown) and John Donelson, it provided laws, regulations, and military defense to help settlers survive and organize in the frontier. Robertson led an overland expedition, while Donelson guided settlers by river, both playing crucial roles in Nashville’s founding.
Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Settlement of Jamestown in Virginia
“The first permanent English settlement in North America, commenced by 105 persons, 13th of May, 1607”
Image via NYPL Digital Collections, no known restrictions
Massive smoke cloud from an eruption at Kīlauea, captured May 13, 1924.
via Wikimedia Commons, no known restrictions
On May 13, 1862, Robert Smalls and other enslaved crewmen of the Confederate gunboat CSS Planter carried out a plan (with their families) to escape to freedom by navigating the gunboat to a Union blockade.
Smalls later fought with the Union and became a U.S. Congressman.
Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Jefferson Davis released on bail – May 13, 1867. After two years of imprisonment at Fort Monroe, the former Confederate president was transferred to civilian custody and granted bail during legal proceedings in Richmond, Virginia. His trial for treason never occurred, and the charges were dropped in 1869.
Image via NYPL Digital Collections, no known restrictions
Vice President Richard Nixon’s motorcade was attacked on May 13, 1958 by protestors in Caracas Venezuela, damaging vehicles and injuring several of Nixon’s staff. Venezuelan authorities failed to protect the motorcade but the actions of the dozen Secret Service agents allowed Nixon to reach the US embassy shaken but unharmed.
US government image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain in the US.
The Battle of Derna, the first U.S. victory on foreign soil, concluded on May 13, 1805.
More than 2 weeks after U.S. Marines took the city of Derna, a counter attack by the enemy was repulsed on May 13th as the USS Argus bombarded the attackers forcing them to retreat.
Image: USS Argus in 1803 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
On today’s date May 13, 1955, Mickey Mantle hit three home runs in the same game.
Two were hit batting left handed and one was hit batting right handed.
Image: Mickey Mantle in the 1950s via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
USS Honolulu firing during the night bombardment of Japanese positions on May 13, 1943.
Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
WWII Veteran and boxing champion, Joe Louis, was born on May 13, 1914 in LaFayette, Alabama.
Image: Joe Louis during his service in the United States Army during World War II via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Transplant crews at work at the Musser Forests,
Inc. Nursery on Highway 80 east of Indiana, Pa.
5/13/1949
Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Teddy Roosevelt (Theodore Roosevelt III) at circus, 5/13/24
via LOC, no known restrictions
Joel McCrea and Jean Arthur on set with Director George Stevens (looking through camera viewfinder) during filming of “The More The Merrier” which was released on May 13, 1943.
Image via Alamy
Ken Darby, who provided vocals for the Munchkinland mayor in The Wizard of Oz, was born on May 13, 1909 in Hebron, Nebraska.
He was also a composer who won three Academy Awards.
Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain
5th avenue, between 39th and 40th streets, New York City, during the Citizens’ Preparedness parade which was held on May 13, 1916.
Image via LOC, no known restrictions
On May 13, 1950 Stevie Wonder was born in Saginaw, Michigan.
Stevie Wonder in 1965
The same year he released the hit song “Uptight” (Everything’s Alright)
Image via Alamy
