What happened in April 1981?
The top front-page story of each day in April 1981, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Apr 1🩺 Reagan Assassination Attempt – President Reagan was shot in an assassination attempt but is reported to be recovering well after surgery.
- Apr 2🏨 Hotel Opens in Trade Center – The Vista International New York, the first major hotel built south of Canal Street since 1836, opened with 100 rooms ready.
- Apr 3🩺 Reagan's Condition Update – Doctors revealed President Reagan lost more blood than previously disclosed after his emergency treatment following the assassination attempt.
- Apr 4✈️ Olympic Airways Credit – Olympic Airways signed a $140 million credit package for three Airbus A300-b4 planes, marking a significant financing agreement.
- Apr 5🌪️ Tornado Hits Wisconsin – A tornado in Wisconsin killed three people and damaged numerous homes, causing significant destruction in the area.
- Apr 6🌍 New Generation of Astronauts – A new generation of astronauts is set to begin the shuttle era, marking a significant advancement in space exploration.
- Apr 7🚀 Shuttle Columbia Launch – NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia prepares for its maiden flight, aiming for significant discoveries about space and Earth.
- Apr 8🚀 Shuttle Countdown Resumes – Technicians resolved issues and resumed the countdown for the first launch of the space shuttle Columbia.
- Apr 9🤖 Robot's Future As Servant – Experts predict that personal robots will transition from industrial roles to home use, enhancing daily life and automating tasks.
- Apr 10🚀 Shuttle Team Ready – The world's first reusable spaceship, Columbia, is set for its maiden voyage in earth orbit, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
- Apr 11🌋 Mount St. Helens Erupts – Mount St. Helens erupted, sending ash and steam 15,500 feet into the air, with ongoing seismic activity reported.
- Apr 12🚀 Space Age Anniversary – Today marks 20 years since Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space, orbiting Earth in 1961, a milestone in space exploration history.
- Apr 13🚀 Shuttle Launch Success – The space shuttle Columbia successfully launched into orbit, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
- Apr 14🚀 Columbia Shuttle Launch – The space shuttle Columbia successfully completed its second day in space, testing systems ahead of its planned landing.
- Apr 15🚀 Columbia Returns – The space shuttle Columbia successfully landed, marking a significant milestone in reusable spacecraft technology.
- Apr 16🚀 Columbia Shuttle Success – NASA officials reported the space shuttle Columbia is in 'excellent' condition, capable of making at least 100 trips into orbit.
- Apr 17🚀 Columbia Launch Success – NASA reported minimal damage to launch pad 39A after the Columbia space shuttle's successful blastoff.
- Apr 18🌾 Polish Farmers' Union Formed – The Polish government agreed to allow farmers to create an independent union, Rural Solidarity, set to be officially established by May 10.
- Apr 19🚀 Columbia Space Shuttle Triumph – The space shuttle Columbia successfully landed, marking a significant achievement in space travel and technology.
- Apr 20🌍 Quake Jolts Japan – A moderate earthquake shook Hokkaido, Japan, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties, recording a maximum intensity of three.
- Apr 21🏃 Seko Wins Boston Marathon – Toshihiko Seko of Japan won the Boston Marathon, setting the fastest time ever run in the U.S. at 2:09:26.
- Apr 22🔬 Space Laser Communication – The U.S. Navy explores using space lasers to communicate with submarines, a significant advancement in military technology.
- Apr 23🩺 Reagan Discusses Shooting – President Reagan recounts his experience of pain and panic after being shot in an assassination attempt last month.
- Apr 24🔬 Artificial Skin Developed – Doctors in Boston report successful use of artificial skin made from cowhide and shark cartilage for burn victims.
- Apr 25🌍 New Orleans Expo Approved – New Orleans has received official approval for Expo '84, a world exposition planned for 1984, marking a significant cultural event.
- Apr 26🐳 Sperm Whale Released – A 25,000-pound sperm whale was released back into the sea after being nursed to health by marine biologists, cheered by 5,000 spectators.
- Apr 27🌋 Mount St. Helens Erupts – Mount St. Helens released steam and ash 15,000 feet into the air for the third consecutive morning, visible from Portland, Oregon.
- Apr 28🌍 Venezuela Floods Devastate – Heavy rains in Venezuela caused floods and mudslides, killing 20 people and leaving 4,000 homeless, according to authorities.
- Apr 29🏒 Islanders Win Opener – The New York Islanders captured the series opener against the Rangers with a 5-2 victory in the Stanley Cup semifinals.
- Apr 30🌋 Kuriles Volcano Erupts – The Atlasov volcano in the Kuril Islands erupted, covering the nearby settlement with ash up to 10 inches deep.
Happy Birthday! 1981 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1981 in real headlines. See the 1981 book →