Historical Events
Pierre Charles L'Enfant Promoted
May 2 Architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant is promoted by brevet to Major of Engineers in recognition of his service to American liberty
Herschel Observes a Red Glow
May 4 William Herschel reports seeing a red glow near lunar crater Aristarchus
Famous Birthdays
- May 9 Alexander Ross, Canadian fur trader, born in Morayshire, Scotland (d. 1856)
- May 10 Nicola Benvenuti, Italian composer, born in Pisa, Grand Duchy of Tuscany (now Italy) (d. 1867)
- May 22 Thomas Forbes Walmisley, English composer, born in Westminster, London (d. 1866)
- May 25 Philip Pendleton Barbour, American politician and U.S. Supreme Court justice, born in Gordonsville, Virginia (d. 1841)
Famous Weddings
Betsy Ross
May 8 American seamstress Betsy Ross (31) weds (for the 3rd time) John Claypoole at Christ Church
