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On This Day 4 mins Read

May 15: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Did you know that on this day, May 15, 1928, Mickey Mouse appeared in his first cartoon?

Fact Checked Human Written Verified Sources Regularly Updated

May 15th is celebrated as Straw Hat Day and Chocolate Chip Day.

Today marks the 135th day of the year. We’re slowly getting through the year, but still have 230 days left until the end of the year.

From the introduction of one of the most iconic cartoons of all time to the founding of one of America’s greatest cities, this day in history will blow your mind!

Did you know that on this day, May 15, 1928, Mickey Mouse appeared in his first cartoon? It was a silent short film called “Plane Crazy” that would later be re-released with sound.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about May 15th in history!

Historical Events

What memorable events happened on May 15 in history? Keep reading to find out!

Alabama passed the Human Life Protection Act, enacting a near-total ban on abortions.

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The Californian Supreme Court ruled that the state ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.

OTD in 2008: The Californian Supreme Court ruled that the state ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.

At the time, less than 50% of Californians polled were in favor of same-sex marriage. Nevertheless, the first couples were married under the new changes in June of the same year.

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The “Portrait of Dr. Gachet” by Vincent van Gogh was sold for $82.5 million in three minutes.

It became the most expensive painting ever sold at an auction.

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After being under US military authority, the island of Okinawa reverted back to Japanese control.

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The USSR launched the Sputnik III.

OTD in 1958: The USSR launched the Sputnik III.

This satellite was carrying a variety of tools for geophysical research.

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The world’s first Mcdonald’s opened in San Bernardino, California.

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Richard and Maurice McDonald opened the first McDonald’s restaurant in San Bernardino, California.

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The Moscow Metro was opened to the public.

It was 6.8 miles long with 13 stations. That day was celebrated as a technological victory for socialism. At the debut, approximately 285,000 people rode the Metro.

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Ellen Church became the first female airline stewardess aboard a Boeing Air Transport flight from San Francisco to Chicago.

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Mickey Mouse appeared in his first cartoon.

OTD in 1928: Mickey Mouse appeared in his first cartoon.

The cartoon was called "Plane Crazy" and was only ever released in a test screening. The film was a black and white silent film; however, it failed to pick up a distributor.

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The British Legion was formed to take care of veterans by giving financial, social, and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces.

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Las Vegas was officially founded.

OTD in 1905: Las Vegas was officially founded.

One hundred and ten acres of Nevada land was auctioned off to excited buyers. Those acres of land would later become downtown Las Vegas. The first mayor of Las Vegas was Peter Buol.

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Magnus Hirschfeld founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee in Berlin.

It was the first-ever LGBT rights organization.

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The US Department of Agriculture was created after being signed into legislation by President Abraham Lincoln.

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Famous Births

Are you celebrating your birthday today? If so, did you know that you share the same birthday as Nick Purcha? See what other famous people were born on this day.

2002

Huddy

American Singer

Age

23 years old

Born IN

California, USA

1991

Jed Elliott

English Bassist

Age

34 years old

Born IN

England, UK

1997

Nick Purcha

Canadian Actor

Age

28 years old

Born IN

Canada

1981

Jamie-Lynn Sigler

American Actress

Age

44 years old

Born IN

New York, USA

Birthday & Zodiac

Everyone who was born on this day shares the star sign of Taurus.

Taurus is represented by the bull and is the second sign in the zodiac. Taureans tend to be grounded and logical. They love routine, and they like to be fully in control of their own comfort and surroundings.

People born in May all have the Emerald birthstone. The word “emerald” comes from the ancient Greek “smaragdos,” meaning “green gem.” The emerald gem was believed to have magical properties that keep illnesses at bay.

Those who were born on May 15th were likely conceived the previous year on August 22nd.

A baby that is conceived on May 15, 2025, will likely be due next year around February 5.

Special Holidays

Are you looking for something to do today? Then why not find time today to celebrate the following special holidays.

United States

National Straw Hat Day

Straw hats can be found in all kinds of shapes and styles all over the world, and rightfully so - they’re such an incredibly versatile hat! Not only do they keep the sun off your face, but they keep your head cool too. If you don’t have one yet, today’s the perfect excuse to buy one!

United States

National Chocolate Chip Day

Chocolate chips make things so much better that they get their very own holiday! In honor of Chocolate Chip Day, why not try your hand baking up some delicious chocolate chip treats or experimenting and discovering new recipes that go well with chocolate chips!

Fact Of The Day

A turkey vulture perched on a branch surrounded by green leaves

Turkey vultures use defensive vomit as a method to repel potential threats and can project their vomit up to 10 feet.

Days Until

Your countdown to 2025's upcoming special days!

  • Flag Day

    30 days

  • Juneteenth

    35 days

  • Independence Day

    50 days

  • Halloween

    169 days

  • Christmas Day

    224 days

May 14 May 16

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References

MLA

Ward, Luke. "May 15: Facts & Historical Events On This Day." FactstoryHub, 1 Jan. 2020, www.factstoryhub.com/day/may-15/. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.

APA

Ward, L. (2025, October 31). May 15: Facts & Historical Events On This Day. FactstoryHub. https://factstoryhub.com/day/may-15/

Chicago

Ward, Luke. "May 15: Facts & Historical Events On This Day." FactstoryHub, October 31, 2025. https://factstoryhub.com/day/may-15/.

About The Author

Luke Ward
Owner

Luke Ward is the owner of FactstoryHub. He has over 14 years of experience in researching, informative writing, fact-checking, SEO & web design. In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights.

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