Pony Express Day
Pony Express Day commemorates the launch of the Pony Express, the historic mail service that began on April 3, 1860. It is typically observed on or around April 3rd each year in the United States, particularly in areas along the original route, such as Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and California. A fast mail delivery service using relays of horse-mounted riders. Operated between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California—a route of nearly 2,000 miles. Promised delivery in 10 days or fewer, an incredible speed at the time. Though short-lived (it lasted only 18 months, ending in October 1861 with the rise of the transcontinental telegraph), it be
Don’t Go to Work Unless it’s Fun Day
Don’t Go to Work Unless It’s Fun Day is an unofficial, humorous holiday observed on April 3rd. While it’s not recognized formally or legally, it plays on the idea of workplace satisfaction and encourages people to reflect on their jobs—and ideally, to enjoy what they do for a living. Promotes the idea that work should be fulfilling, not just a chore. Encourages people to bring fun or creativity into their daily routine.
Here’s a look at some notable historical events that happened on April 3 throughout the years:
Major Events
1860 – Pony Express begins service: The first Pony Express mail delivery departs from St. Joseph, Missouri, heading to Sacramento, California. The service became legendary for its speed and daring riders.
1882 – Jesse James is killed: Infamous American outlaw Jesse James is shot in the back by Robert Ford, a member of his own gang, in St. Joseph, Missouri.
1948 – The Marshall Plan is signed into law: U.S. President Harry S. Truman enacts the Economic Recovery Act, launching the Marshall Plan to aid Western Europe after World War II.
1973 – First mobile phone call is made: Motorola executive Martin Cooper makes the world’s first handheld mobile phone call on a New York City street, calling a rival at Bell Labs.
1996 – Unabomber is arrested: Ted Kaczynski, the so-called Unabomber, is captured in a remote Montana cabin after a nationwide investigation into his mail bomb attacks.
2010 – Apple releases the first iPad: The debut of the iPad marked a major shift in mobile computing, blending functionality between laptops and smartphones.
Famous Birthdays
Washington Irving (1783): American author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle.
Jane Goodall (1934): Renowned British primatologist and anthropologist, known for her work with chimpanzees in Tanzania.
Doris Day (1922): Iconic American actress and singer, popular in the 1950s and ’60s.
Notable Deaths
Jesse James (1847–1882): The infamous American outlaw, gang leader, and bank robber was shot and killed by Robert Ford, a member of his own gang, who sought the reward money and a pardon.
Sarah Vaughan (1924–1990): Legendary American jazz singer known for her rich, expressive voice and technical skill. She was a key figure in 20th-century jazz and vocal music.
Ferdinand Porsche (1875–1951): Austrian automotive engineer and founder of the Porsche car company. He played a major role in designing the first Volkswagen Beetle.
Kurt Weill (1900–1950): German composer best known for works like The Threepenny Opera, written with Bertolt Brecht. He later moved to the U.S. and composed Broadway musicals.
Teresa of Los Andes (1900–1920): A Chilean Carmelite nun and the first Chilean to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church.
