We take a look at some of the events that occurred on May 13th.

Today In …

1607 - English settlers arrived at what would become known as Jamestown.

1846 - The U.S. declared war on Mexico.

1981 - An assassination attempt was made against Pope John Paul II.

Sharing A Birthday Today…

Beatrice Arthur who has starred on TV’s “Maude” and “The Golden Girls” was born in 1923.

Stephen Colbert the actor/comedian from TV’s “Strangers With Candy”, “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report” was born in 1964.

Daphne du Maurier the author of “Rebecca” was born in 1907.

Harvey Keitel the star of “Bugsy”, “Reservoir Dogs”, “From Dusk ‘til Dawn” and “National Treasure” was born in 1939.

Joe Louis the legendary boxer was born in 1914.

Samantha Morton who starred in “In America” and “The Libertine” was born in 1977.

Robert Pattinson who played Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” was born in 1986.

Dennis Rodman the renowned basketball player was born in 1961.

Herbert Ross the man behind the camera of “Footloose” and “Steel Magnolias” was born in 1927.

Darius Rucker the front man for music’s Hootie & the Blowfish was born in 1966.

Ritchie Valens the singer best known for songs like “La Bamba” and “Donna” was born in 1941.

Zoe Wanamaker who starred as Madame Hooch in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and on TV’s “My Family” was born in 1949.

Mary Wells the songstress who sang “My Guy” was born in 1943.

Stevie Wonder the singer/songwriter of “Superstition” and “Isn’t She Lovely” was born in 1950.

We Said Goodbye To…

Dan Blocker the actor best remembered as Hoss Cartwright on TV’s “Bonanza” passed away in 1972 at the age of 43.

Gary Cooper who starred in “Sergeant York” and “High Noon” passed away in 1961 at the age of 60.

Virginia O’Hanlon known for the infamous letter “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus” printed in the “New York Sun”, passed away in 1971 at the age of 81.

Bob Wills who fronted his popular swing band, passed away in 1975 at the age of 70.

Top Of The Charts On This Day In…

1957 - On The Country Charts – “All Shook Up” by Elvis Presley
1967 - “The Happening” by the Supremes
1977 - “When I Need You” by Leo Sayer
1978 - “If I Can’t Have You” by Yvonne Elliman
1989 - “I’ll Be There Four You” by Bon Jovi
2006 - “S.O.S.” by Rihanna

TV Moments In…

1992 - The final episode of NBC’s “Night Court” aired.

1993 - The last episode of the CBS drama “Knots Landing” aired.

Memorable Sports Moments In…

1967 - Today marked homerun number 500 for Mickey Mantle!

1982 - The Chicago Cubs marked their 8,000th victory!

Special Observances

Today is Mother’s Day!!

Famous Marriages

1985 - Bruce Springsteen and Julianne Phillips were married.

Don’t forget about the Today In History Newsletter!