Friday the 13th has long been shrouded in superstition and intrigue. For centuries, this seemingly innocuous conjunction of day and date has sparked a wide array of beliefs, from the ominous to the supernatural.
In this compilation, we take a look at history’s annals to uncover terrible events that unfolded on Friday the 13th. These occurrences have left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness, contributing to the mystique that surrounds this enigmatic day.
The Arrest of the Knights Templar (Friday, October 13, 1307)
One of the most well-known historical events associated with Friday the 13th is the arrest of the Knights Templar in France on October 13, 1307. King Philip IV ordered the simultaneous arrest of many members of the Knights Templar, accusing them of heresy and other charges. This event is often cited as contributing to the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th.
Plane Crash in the Andes (Friday, October 13, 1972)
The crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 in the Andes occurred on Friday, October 13, 1972. The survivors faced extreme conditions in the mountains and had to resort to cannibalism to stay alive. The story was later adapted into the book “Alive” and a movie of the same name.
Buckingham Palace Bombing (Friday, September 13, 1940)
During World War II, on Friday, September 13, 1940, German bombers conducted an air raid on London, and a bomb hit Buckingham Palace, causing damage to the royal residence.
Fires of 1868 in Chicago (Friday, November 13, 1868)
A series of fires broke out in Chicago, causing widespread destruction. These fires contributed to the city’s adoption of more stringent fire safety measures.
Tupac Died (Friday, September 13, 1996)
On Friday, September 13, 1996, the world lost one of its most influential and iconic hip-hop artists, Tupac Shakur. Known for his powerful lyrics, activism, and charisma, Tupac’s death marked a pivotal moment in the history of music and culture. He was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and succumbed to his injuries six days later on the ominous Friday the 13th.
Black Friday Bushfires (Friday, January 13, 1939)
Australia experienced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history—the Black Friday Bushfires. Fueled by extreme heat, drought conditions, and strong winds, a series of wildfires swept across the state of Victoria, leaving destruction in their wake. The fires claimed 71 lives, destroyed countless homes, and decimated large areas of farmland. The scale of the disaster prompted significant changes in firefighting strategies and land management practices in Australia. Black Friday serves as a somber reminder of the destructive power of wildfires and the importance of preparedness and prevention in the face of such natural calamities.
Costa Concordia Disaster (Friday, January 13, 2012)
On Friday, January 13, 2012, the cruise ship Costa Concordia faced a tragic disaster off the coast of Italy. Straying from its planned course near the island of Giglio, the ship, carrying over 4,000 passengers and crew, struck a submerged rock, tearing a massive gash in its hull. The incident resulted in the ship listing heavily and eventually capsizing. The evacuation process was chaotic, leading to the loss of 32 lives. The ship’s captain, Francesco Schettino, faced severe criticism for his handling of the situation, adding a human element to the tragedy. The Costa Concordia disaster highlighted safety concerns within the cruise industry and prompted discussions about the need for improved safety protocols and training for both crew and passengers. The salvage operation to remove the wreck from the sea was one of the largest and most complex maritime operations in history, underscoring the enduring impact of this fateful event.
Apollo 13 Explosion (Friday, April 13, 1970)
On Friday, April 13, 1970, the Apollo 13 mission, aiming for a lunar landing, encountered a life-threatening crisis that would become a defining moment in space exploration. Approximately 56 hours into the mission, an oxygen tank aboard the spacecraft exploded, jeopardizing the lives of astronauts James Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise. This unexpected disaster not only aborted the mission’s planned moon landing but also posed a grave challenge to the crew’s safe return to Earth. Through the ingenuity and resourcefulness of both the astronauts and NASA’s ground control team, a series of improvised solutions were implemented, including using the lunar module as a makeshift lifeboat. Against formidable odds, Apollo 13 safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 17, 1970, turning what could have been a tragic disaster into a testament to human adaptability and the resilience of the space program.
Murder of Kitty Genovese (Friday, March 13, 1964)
In the early hours of that fateful morning in Queens, New York, Kitty Genovese, a 28-year-old woman, was brutally attacked and stabbed to death outside her apartment building. What added a chilling dimension to this tragedy was the alleged indifference of onlookers. According to reports, numerous witnesses observed the attack, yet failed to intervene or call for help. The case became widely known for the “bystander effect,” sparking public discourse on urban apathy and the diffusion of responsibility. Kitty Genovese’s murder not only highlighted the need for greater awareness of personal safety but also prompted sociological studies on the psychological dynamics that can inhibit individuals from taking action in emergency situations. The impact of this tragic event reverberates in discussions about social responsibility, urban anonymity, and the moral duty to assist those in distress.
Black Friday (Friday, October 13, 1989)
On Friday, October 13, 1989, financial markets experienced a tumultuous day that would come to be known as “Black Friday.” The London Stock Exchange suffered a significant drop in stock prices, triggering a global financial panic. This event, characterized by a cascade of sell-offs and a sharp decline in market values, reflected concerns about the state of the global economy. While not as catastrophic as previous market crashes, Black Friday of 1989 underscored the interconnected nature of international financial markets and the vulnerability of the global economy to shocks. The repercussions of this day were felt worldwide, serving as a reminder of the fragility inherent in the intricate web of global financial systems.
Hurricane Charley (Friday, August 13, 2004)
On Friday, August 13, 2004, Hurricane Charley made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm caused extensive damage, including destruction of homes and infrastructure, and resulted in multiple fatalities.
The Most Haunted Places in Each of the 50 U.S. States
From historic hotels and battlefields haunted by the spirits of the past to eerie asylums and abandoned prisons, the allegedly haunted places on this list have one thing in common: a long history of unexplained occurrences and chilling legends. While skepticism may prevail, the allure of these sites is undeniable, drawing visitors and paranormal enthusiasts seeking to explore the mysteries that shroud them.
Read more: The Most Haunted Places in Each of the 50 U.S. States
10 of the Biggest Mysteries Throughout History
Strange disappearances, lost civilizations, and unsolved murders make up this list of the biggest mysteries throughout history. Some are current-day active investigations, and some are thousands of years old, with the answers lost to time. According to an online message board, the following unexplained phenomena were voted as the top unsolved mysteries.
Read more: 10 of the Biggest Mysteries Throughout History
Ranking the 12 Scariest Locations in the United States, According to Americans
The United States is known for its multifarious range of cities and towns, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. While many places offer captivating beauty and exciting experiences, some have gained a reputation for being unsettling or downright terrifying. Recently people shared their encounters and impressions of the scariest places in the U.S.
Read more: Ranking the 12 Scariest Locations in the United States, According to Americans
