May 13 in History for Kids

May 13 collects short history notes for families. The years on this page include 1717, 1735, 1861, 1909. Violent events and crimes are left off. Each line is a small true thing to ask about, not a whole lesson. February 29 is included so a leap-day birthday still has a page. Walk with the previous and next links, or open the May hub for the rest of the month.

In 1717, Maria Theresa was born. Maria became known as archduchess, Queen, and Empress; Austrian wife of Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor.
In 1735, Horace Coignet was born. Horace became known as french violinist and composer.
In 1861, pakistan's (then a part of British India) first railway line opens, from Karachi to Kotri.
In 1909, the first edition of the Giro d'Italia, a long-distance multiple-stage bicycle race, begins in Milan; the Italian cyclist Luigi Ganna was the eventual winner.

Pair a date with a story in the library or a geography quiz if you want to keep going.