On This Day - April 18, 2026

On the night of April 18th, Paul Revere and William Dawes set out from Boston to Lexington to warn minutemen and Sons of Liberty of British forces headed their way. In Lexington, Revere invited another rider, Samuel Prescott, to join the effort. Their end goal was to warn Concord of the British movement. After warning John Hancock and Samuel Adams of their impending arrest the riders set out on separate routes. However, Revere was soon apprehended by British soldiers. Dawes also faced a mishap and never made it to Concord. Only Prescott completed the mission, warning Concord of the impending attack by British soldiers.

A 7.9 earthquake devastated northern California and San Francisco.

Yankee Stadium opens in New York City. Christening the new stadium, Babe Ruth hits a home run and the Yankees bring home a 4-1 win over the Boston Red Sox.

American war correspondent and columnist Ernie Pyle died while on assignment in Okinawa, Japan.

Grace Kelly married Rainier II, prince de Monaco.