“Lindbergh Baby kidnapped,” and “JFK’s Peace Corps,” - This Day in History – Mar 1st

Charles Lindberg’s son kidnapped

Back in 1932, Hopewell, NJ became the forefront of a kidnapping investigation of Charles Lindbergh’s 20-month-old son, from the family mansion.  The baby named Charles Lindbergh III was the son of the famous aviation hero who had flown solo across the Atlantic Ocean back in 1927. 

The mother of baby Charles, named Anne had discovered five things within the area of her child’s empty room, a ladder leading up to the second-floor window, muddy footprints, and a ransom from the kidnapper demanding $50,000. 

According to history.com, “The Lindberghs were inundated by offers of assistance and false clues. Even Al Capone offered his help from prison. For three days, investigators found nothing and there was no further word from the kidnappers. Then, a new letter showed up, this time demanding $70,000.  The kidnappers eventually gave instructions for dropping off the money and when it was delivered, the Lindberghs were told their baby was on a boat called Nelly off the coast of Massachusetts. After an exhaustive search, however, there was no sign of either the boat or the child. Soon after, the baby's body was discovered near the Lindbergh mansion. He had been killed the night of the kidnapping and was found less than a mile from home. The heartbroken Lindberghs ended up donating the mansion to charity and moved away.” 

In 1934, a marked bill from the ransom money was traced back to a gas station attendant who remembered the customer who would later be convicted to the Lindberg’s baby’s kidnapping and murder, Bruno Hauptmann, a German immigrant and carpenter.

After his high profile trial, Mr. Hauptmann was sentenced to death by electrocution. The case led to legislation that made kidnapping a federal offense. 

Special note: A movie was created based on this kidnapping back in 1976.  Actors Cliff De Young played Lindbergh and Anthony Hopkins played Hauptmann.

President John F. Kennedy debuts the Peace Corps

Back in 1961, President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order to create a civilian volunteer organization to help undeveloped nations called “The Peace Corps.” 

The newly elected President chose a project that would become according to history.com, “proved to be one of the most innovative and highly publicized Cold War programs set up by the United States.” 

The Peace Corps became popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s among young people who travelled to various nations such as Africa, The Middle, East, Asia and Latin America to help communities in need of food, medical resources and community organization. 

History.com stated that, “Overall, however, the program was judged a success in terms of helping to "win the hearts and minds" of people in the underdeveloped world. The program continues to function, and thousands of Americans each year are drawn to the humanitarian mission and sense of adventure that characterizes the Peace Corps.”

All History facts provided from the link below:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lindbergh-baby-kidnapped