Today In History logo TIH
Harry Truman

Historical Figure

Harry Truman

d. 1980

American businessman and airman (1896–1980)

Late 20th Century

Talk to Harry Truman

Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI

Key Dates

Biography

Harry R. Truman was an American businessman, bootlegger, and prospector. He lived near Mount St. Helens, a dormant volcano in the Cascade Range in the state of Washington, and was the owner and caretaker of Mount St. Helens Lodge at Spirit Lake near the base of the mountain. After Mount St. Helens awoke from dormancy in March 1980, Truman became a folk hero in the weeks leading to the volcano's May eruption, after refusing to evacuate his home despite repeated orders from authorities. On May 18, 1980, Truman was killed in the cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens by a pyroclastic flow that overtook his lodge and buried the site under 46 m (150 ft) of volcanic debris.

Source: Wikipedia · Compiled March 2026 · AI-summarized

Timeline

1943
Event

The USAT Dorchester is sunk by a German U-boat. Only 230 of 902 men aboard survived. The Chapel of the Four Chaplains, dedicated by President Harry Truman, is one of many memorials established to commemorate the Four Chaplains story.

February 3 →
1945
Event

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies while in office; vice-president Harry Truman is sworn in as the 33rd President.

April 12 →
1946
Event

President Harry Truman officially proclaims the end of hostilities in World War II.

December 31 →
1947
Event

Majestic 12 is allegedly established by secret executive order of President Harry Truman

September 24 →
1947
Event

le président américain Harry Truman inaugure le parc national des Everglades en Floride.

December 6 →
1947
Event

The United States Senate follows the United States House of Representatives in overriding U.S. President Harry Truman's veto of the Taft-Hartley Act.

June 23 →
1950
Event

President Harry Truman orders the U.S. Army to seize control of the nation's railroads to avert a strike.

August 25 →
1951
Event

Korean War: President Harry Truman relieves General Douglas MacArthur of overall command in Korea.

April 11 →
1951
Event

The United States Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees begin their closed door hearings into the dismissal of General Douglas MacArthur by U.S. President Harry Truman.

May 3 →
1952
Event

U.S. President Harry Truman calls for the seizure of all domestic steel mills to prevent a nationwide strike.

April 8 →
1953
Event

en los Estados Unidos, el presidente Harry Truman anuncia que su país ha desarrollado la bomba de hidrógeno.

January 7 →
1953
Event

President Harry Truman announces that the United States has developed the hydrogen bomb.

January 7 →

More from the Late 20th Century

Explore what happened on the days that shaped Harry Truman's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.