On This Day In History

On This Day

May 13

Select another date

This Day in History




	1607: Jamestown, Virginia is founded; it is the first permanent English settlement in America. Learn more about Jamestown. 1846: U.S. President James Polk signs a declaration of war on Mexico two months after fighting begins. Learn more about the Mexican War. 1918: The first U.S. airmail stamps, with a picture of an airplane and costing 24 cents, are introduced. Learn more about Stamps and Stamp Collecting. 1940: In his first speech before the British House of Commons, new Prime Minister Winston Churchill rallies the country to war saying, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." Learn more about Sir Winston Churchill. 1981: Pope John Paul II is shot in the Vatican's Saint Peter's Square; he recovers after weeks in the hospital. Learn more about John Paul II.

Today on MSN

•	Send a free eCard-of-the-day

•	Check your daily horoscope

•	Education news on MSNBC

Born On This Day



	Sir Arthur Sullivan, composer (1842) Stevie Wonder, singer and songwriter (1950) Daphne du Maurier, writer (1907) Peter Gabriel, singer and songwriter (1950) Sir Ronald Ross, physician and entomologist (1857)

Mystery Person of the Day

Who am I? I was born on this day in 1914. After successfully defending my world heavyweight title 25 times, I was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1954.

Your Astrological Sign



	Taurus is symbolized by the bull and ruled by the planet Venus. Taureans are considered to be practical, patient, and good-natured; they also can be jealous. They appreciate beauty and are attuned to the physical world. Learn more about Taurus.

Also on Encarta

•	7 tips for funding an online degree

•	How to succeed in the fashion industry without being a top designer

•	Alternatives to the M.B.A.

•	GPS for students

•	Saving for college

•	Presidential Myths Quiz

•

Coffee break: Recharge your brain

Our Partners

•	ApplyWise Online College Admissions Counseling

•	ClassesUSA.com: Compare online degrees

•	Englishtown: Learn English online

•

The Princeton Review

Also on MSN

•	See the world in a new light with Discovery Atlas

•	MSN Shopping: Best books for the season

•

MSN Careers: Nail that job interview


MSN Shopping