December 21 holds a significant place in history with events that shaped the world across centuries. From dramatic political assassinations to groundbreaking cultural milestones, this date has witnessed moments of profound impact. Key figures were born and lost, while innovations emerged that changed daily life. What specific events defined this day, and how did they influence the course of time? Uncover the layers of history waiting to be explored.
History
Major Historical Events
1118 – Thomas Becket’s Birth: On this day in 1118, Thomas Becket, who would later become the Archbishop of Canterbury and a central figure in English history, was born in London.
His conflict with King Henry II over the rights of the Church led to his assassination in 1170, making him a martyr and saint in the Catholic Church.
1620 – Pilgrims Land at Plymouth Rock: In 1620, the Pilgrims, aboard the Mayflower, disembarked at what is now known as Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts.
This event marked the establishment of one of the first permanent English settlements in North America, shaping the early history of the United States.
1913 – First Crossword Puzzle Published: On December 21, 1913, the first modern crossword puzzle was published in the New York World newspaper, created by journalist Arthur Wynne.
This puzzle introduced a new form of word game that would become a global phenomenon.
1937 – Premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: In 1937, Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” premiered at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles.
As the first full-length animated feature film, it revolutionized the animation industry and became a cultural landmark.
1968 – Apollo 8 Launch: On December 21, 1968, NASA launched Apollo 8, the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth’s orbit, reach the Moon, and return safely.
This historic mission paved the way for the Apollo 11 Moon landing the following year.
Famous Birthdays
1804 – Benjamin Disraeli: Born on this day in 1804 in London, Benjamin Disraeli became one of Britain’s most influential Prime Ministers.
A key figure in the Conservative Party, he played a significant role in shaping British politics during the Victorian era.
1918 – Kurt Waldheim: Kurt Waldheim, born in Austria on December 21, 1918, served as the fourth Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1972 to 1981.
He later became President of Austria, though his tenure was marred by controversy over his wartime past.
1937 – Jane Fonda: American actress and activist Jane Fonda was born on December 21, 1937, in New York City.
Known for her roles in films like “Klute” and “Coming Home,” for which she won Academy Awards, she has also been a prominent figure in political activism.
1940 – Frank Zappa: Musician and composer Frank Zappa was born on this day in 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland.
A pioneer of experimental rock, Zappa’s eclectic work with The Mothers of Invention and as a solo artist left a lasting impact on modern music.
1954 – Chris Evert: Tennis legend Chris Evert was born on December 21, 1954, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
With 18 Grand Slam singles titles, she dominated women’s tennis in the 1970s and 1980s, earning her a place among the sport’s all-time greats.
1966 – Kiefer Sutherland: Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland, known for his role as Jack Bauer in the television series “24,” was born on December 21, 1966, in London, England.
His career spans film and television, with numerous awards for his intense performances.
Notable Deaths
1375 – Giovanni Boccaccio: Italian writer Giovanni Boccaccio, best known for his masterpiece “The Decameron,” passed away on December 21, 1375, in Certaldo, Italy.
His work profoundly influenced Renaissance literature and storytelling.
1940 – F. Scott Fitzgerald: American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of “The Great Gatsby,” died on this day in 1940 in Hollywood, California, at the age of 44.
His works captured the spirit and struggles of the Jazz Age.
1945 – George S. Patton: U.S. General George S. Patton, a key figure in World War II, died on December 21, 1945, in Heidelberg, Germany, following injuries from a car accident.
Known for his bold military tactics, Patton was a driving force in the Allied victory in Europe.
2012 – Lee Dorman: Lee Dorman, bassist for the rock band Iron Butterfly, passed away on December 21, 2012, in Laguna Niguel, California.
He contributed to the band’s iconic hit “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,” a staple of 1960s psychedelic rock.
Today in Music History
1969 – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Live Debut: On December 21, 1969, the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young performed their first live show together in Chicago.
Their harmonious blend of folk and rock would make them one of the most influential bands of their era.
1970 – Elvis Presley Meets Richard Nixon: In a memorable moment on December 21, 1970, Elvis Presley met President Richard Nixon at the White House.
Elvis expressed his concern about drug abuse and was famously photographed shaking hands with the president.
1985 – Lionel Richie Tops the Charts: On this day in 1985, Lionel Richie’s single “Say You, Say Me” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song, featured in the film “White Nights,” showcased Richie’s signature blend of pop and soul.
Today in Sports History
1891 – First Basketball Game Played: On December 21, 1891, the first official basketball game was played in Springfield, Massachusetts, under the rules created by Dr. James Naismith.
This event marked the birth of a sport that would become a global phenomenon.
1975 – Buffalo Bills Set NFL Record: In 1975, on December 21, the Buffalo Bills set an NFL record for the most points scored in a single game by defeating the New York Jets 42-14.
This game highlighted the dominance of O.J. Simpson and the Bills’ offense at the time.
1997 – Barry Sanders Reaches Milestone: On this day in 1997, Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders became the third player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season during a game against the New York Jets.
His elusive style made him a legend in the sport.
2012 – Kobe Bryant Scores Big: On December 21, 2012, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant scored 30 points in a game against the Golden State Warriors, marking his 113th career game with at least 30 points, further cementing his status as an NBA icon.
Today in Military and Naval History
1861 – Medal of Honor Established: On December 21, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill creating the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States.
It was first awarded during the Civil War to recognize extraordinary bravery.
1945 – General Patton’s Death: As previously mentioned, General George S. Patton died on this day in 1945 from injuries sustained in a car accident.
His leadership during World War II, particularly in the Battle of the Bulge, remains a cornerstone of military history.
1968 – Apollo 8’s Historic Mission: On December 21, 1968, Apollo 8 launched with a crew of three astronauts, marking a significant moment in space exploration history.
While not strictly military, the mission had roots in Cold War competition and military technology.
Today in Tech and Science History
1968 – Apollo 8 Breaks Earth’s Orbit: On this day in 1968, Apollo 8 became the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth’s orbit, a monumental achievement in human space exploration.
The mission’s success was evidence of advancements in rocket technology and engineering.
1978 – First Successful Test of GPS Satellite: On December 21, 1978, the first successful test of a GPS satellite was conducted as part of the U.S. military’s Navstar program.
This laid the groundwork for the Global Positioning System that revolutionized navigation worldwide.
1988 – Lockerbie Bombing Investigation Begins: Following the tragic bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, on December 21, 1988, forensic science played a crucial role in the investigation.
The use of advanced techniques helped identify the cause and perpetrators of the attack.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1913 – First Crossword Puzzle Debuts: As noted earlier, on December 21, 1913, Arthur Wynne published the first crossword puzzle in the New York World, creating a cultural phenomenon that remains popular in newspapers and apps today.
1937 – Snow White’s Groundbreaking Premiere: The premiere of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” on this day in 1937 marked a turning point in animation as an art form.
Disney’s innovation set a new standard for storytelling through animated films.
1970 – Elvis-Nixon Meeting Becomes Iconic: The meeting between Elvis Presley and President Richard Nixon on December 21, 1970, became a cultural touchstone.
The photograph of their handshake is one of the most requested images from the National Archives.
1988 – Lockerbie Disaster Shocks the World: The bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 on December 21, 1988, not only had political ramifications but also deeply affected global culture, inspiring numerous documentaries, books, and memorials to honor the 270 victims.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1913 – Crossword Puzzle’s Humble Start: When Arthur Wynne created the first crossword puzzle on December 21, 1913, he called it a “word-cross.”
The name was later reversed by a typesetter’s error, giving us the term “crossword” we know today.
1970 – Elvis’s Unusual White House Request: During his meeting with President Nixon on this day in 1970, Elvis Presley requested a federal narcotics badge, believing it would allow him to carry drugs and weapons legally.
Nixon politely declined the request but gave him a symbolic badge.
1985 – A Bizarre Chart-Topping Moment: On December 21, 1985, while Lionel Richie’s “Say You, Say Me” topped the charts, the song’s music video featured a peculiar dance sequence that became a source of amusement for fans, showcasing the quirky side of 1980s pop culture.
Today in History for Kids
1620 – Pilgrims Start a New Home: A long time ago, on December 21, 1620, a group of people called the Pilgrims landed at a place called Plymouth Rock in America.
They had sailed across the ocean on a ship called the Mayflower to start a new life.
1891 – Basketball is Born: On this day in 1891, a fun new game called basketball was played for the first time in Massachusetts.
A teacher named Dr. James Naismith made up the rules, and now kids all over the world play this sport.
1937 – First Cartoon Movie: On December 21, 1937, a magical movie called “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was shown for the first time.
It was the first long cartoon movie ever made, and it made lots of kids smile.
1968 – Trip to the Moon: In 1968, on this very day, astronauts blasted off in a spaceship called Apollo 8.
They were the first people to leave Earth and go around the Moon, which was super exciting for everyone watching.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1620 – Mayflower’s Harsh Journey: When the Pilgrims landed on December 21, 1620, at Plymouth Rock, they had already endured over two months at sea.
Many were sick, and the harsh winter ahead made their survival even more challenging.
1913 – Crossword’s Odd Shape: The first crossword puzzle published on this day in 1913 wasn’t a square grid like we see today.
It was diamond-shaped, with the word “FUN” as the first clue, showing how creative the idea was at the start.
1968 – Apollo 8’s Christmas Message: During the Apollo 8 mission, on December 21, 1968, the astronauts sent a special Christmas message back to Earth after orbiting the Moon, reading from the Bible’s Book of Genesis, which touched millions of viewers.
1970 – Elvis’s Secret Motive: When Elvis met Nixon on December 21, 1970, some historians believe he partly wanted to improve his public image amid personal struggles, making the meeting a mix of genuine concern and calculated publicity.
1988 – Lockerbie’s Lasting Impact: The Lockerbie bombing on December 21, 1988, led to major changes in airline security worldwide.
It remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in history, reminding us of the importance of safety in travel.