Major Events of April 1902: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from April 1902 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of April 1902: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 02 Apr 1902 Death of pioneering female justice of the peace: Esther Hobart Morris, the first woman to serve as a justice of the peace in the United States, died in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on April 2, 1902. She was appointed to the position in 1870 in South Pass City, Wyoming, after her predecessor resigned in protest of the territory's adoption of the women's suffrage amendment. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Apr 1902 Halifax longshoremen strike for better wages: On April 1, 1902, all 700 longshoremen in Halifax, Nova Scotia, went on strike to seek an increase in pay. The strike was part of a broader movement for better working conditions and wages among laborers in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Apr 1902 United States passes Chinese Exclusion Act extension: On April 29, 1902, the U.S. Congress extended the Chinese Exclusion Act indefinitely, effectively making the ban on Chinese immigration permanent. This legislation also applied to U.S. territories, including the Philippines and Hawaii. source: britannica.com
- 11 Apr 1902 Battle of Rooiwal - Second Boer War Turning Point: On April 11, 1902, during the Second Boer War, British forces under Colonel Robert Kekewich defeated a Boer commando led by Generals Ferdinandus Potgieter and Jan Kemp at Rooiwal, near Klerksdorp in the Western Transvaal. The Boers attempted a mounted assault on the entrenched British position but were repelled, resulting in significant casualties and marking a pivotal moment in the conflict. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Apr 1902 Roosevelt Repeals Spanish-American War Taxes: On April 12, 1902, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt signed a bill repealing the excise taxes imposed during the Spanish-American War. These taxes had been enacted to fund the war effort and were a source of public discontent. Their repeal was seen as a move to reduce the financial burden on consumers. source: archives.gov
- 13 Apr 1902 Automotive Speed Record Set in Nice: On April 13, 1902, French driver Henri Fournier set a new automotive speed record in Nice, France, achieving a speed of 125.9 km/h (78.3 mph) in a Panhard et Levassor car. This milestone demonstrated the rapid advancements in automotive engineering and performance during the early 20th century. source: motorsportmagazine.com
- 14 Apr 1902 J.C. Penney Launches First Retail Store: On April 14, 1902, James Cash Penney opened his first retail store, J.C. Penney, in Kemmerer, Wyoming. This marked the beginning of what would become a major American retail chain, known for its wide range of merchandise and customer service. source: jcpenney.com
- 16 Apr 1902 Surrender of General Miguel Malvar: On April 16, 1902, General Miguel Malvar, one of the last Filipino generals resisting American forces during the Philippine–American War, surrendered to General J. Franklin Bell in Rosario, Batangas. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Apr 1902 Marie and Pierre Curie isolate radium chloride: On April 20, 1902, Marie and Pierre Curie successfully isolated radium chloride from pitchblende, marking a significant advancement in their research on radioactivity. source: historytoday.com
- 29 Apr 1902 Founding of Altos Hornos de Vizcaya: On April 29, 1902, Altos Hornos de Vizcaya was established in Bilbao, Spain, through the merger of three iron and steel companies: Altos Hornos y Fábricas de Hierro y Acero de Bilbao, La Vizcaya, and La Iberia. source: en.wikipedia.org