Today in History for May 13th

1981

At the Vatican, Pope John Paul II is shot and seriously wounded by a Turkish gunman in Saint Peter’s Square. The pontiff recovers and, a few years later, he visits his would-be assassin – Mehmet Ali Agca (me-MET ä-LĒÄ-jä) – behind bars.

1607

A ship carrying English colonists arrives at the site of what becomes the Jamestown settlement in Virginia.

1940

In London, Winston Churchill gives his first speech as Britain’s Prime Minister, during his country’s darkest days of World War Two.

1846

The United States declares war on Mexico, days after the two neighbors clash in their first major battle in Texas.

The war ends with an American victory — forcing Mexico to give up territory from California to the Rio Grande.

1950

Stevie Wonder – singer, songwriter, and one of Motown’s most successful artists – is born in Saginaw, Michigan.