December 24 has witnessed a remarkable array of historical events that span centuries and continents. From pivotal treaties and wartime truces to groundbreaking broadcasts and cultural milestones, this date holds a unique place in time. Significant figures were born, and humanity reached for the stars on this day. What specific moments shaped history on December 24? Uncover the stories that define this intriguing date.
History
1968 – Apollo 8 Enters Lunar Orbit:
On December 24, NASA’s Apollo 8 mission became the first manned spacecraft to orbit the Moon.
Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders captured the iconic “Earthrise” photograph and broadcast live images, inspiring millions during a historic Christmas Eve transmission.
Famous Birthdays
1166 – King John of England: Born on December 24 in Oxford, England, King John is remembered as one of the most controversial monarchs in British history.
His reign saw the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, a foundational document for constitutional law, though his rule was marred by military failures and disputes with the nobility.
1809 – Kit Carson: Born on December 24 in Madison County, Kentucky, Kit Carson became a legendary American frontiersman, trapper, and soldier.
He played a key role in the westward expansion of the United States, guiding expeditions and serving in the Mexican-American War.
1905 – Howard Hughes: Born on December 24 in Humble, Texas, Howard Hughes was an eccentric billionaire, aviator, and filmmaker.
Known for setting aviation records, producing Hollywood films, and later for his reclusive lifestyle, Hughes left a complex legacy in American business and culture.
1922 – Ava Gardner: Born on December 24 in Grabtown, North Carolina, Ava Gardner rose to fame as a Hollywood actress and one of the most beautiful stars of her era.
She appeared in iconic films like “The Killers” and “Mogambo,” earning a reputation as a mesmerizing screen presence.
1971 – Ricky Martin: Born on December 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ricky Martin is a global music superstar known for popularizing Latin pop.
With hits like “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” he became a cultural icon and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Notable Deaths
1863 – William Makepeace Thackeray: The renowned English novelist, best known for his satirical work “Vanity Fair,” passed away on December 24 in London at the age of 52.
Thackeray’s sharp social commentary and vivid characters left a lasting impact on Victorian literature.
1984 – Peter Lawford: A British-American actor and member of the “Rat Pack,” Peter Lawford died on December 24 in Los Angeles, California, at age 61.
Known for films like “Ocean’s 11” and his connection to the Kennedy family, Lawford was a prominent figure in Hollywood’s golden age.
1997 – Toshiro Mifune: The legendary Japanese actor, famous for his roles in Akira Kurosawa’s films such as “Seven Samurai” and “Rashomon,” passed away on December 24 in Tokyo at the age of 77.
Mifune’s powerful performances made him an international cinema icon.
Today in Music History
1951 – First Rock and Roll Broadcast: On December 24, Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed aired what is considered one of the first rock and roll radio broadcasts, playing rhythm and blues records that would shape the genre.
This moment marked a cultural shift in American music history.
1972 – David Bowie’s Christmas Release: On December 24, David Bowie released the single “Jean Genie,” which became a hit in the UK and showcased his glam rock style.
The song’s raw energy captured the spirit of the early 1970s music scene.
1994 – Pearl Jam’s Holiday Chart Success: Pearl Jam’s album “Vitalogy” reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart on December 24, solidifying the band’s dominance in the grunge era.
The album’s success highlighted the enduring appeal of alternative rock during the holiday season.
Today in Sports History
1966 – First NBA Game in San Diego: On December 24, the San Diego Rockets played their inaugural NBA game after relocating from St. Louis, marking the beginning of professional basketball in the city.
Though they later moved to Houston, this game was a milestone for California sports.
1977 – NFL Playoff Drama: The Oakland Raiders defeated the Baltimore Colts in a thrilling double-overtime game on December 24, known as the “Ghost to the Post” game.
This NFL playoff matchup remains one of the most memorable in league history for its dramatic finish.
Today in Military and Naval History
1814 – Treaty of Ghent Ends War of 1812: As mentioned earlier, the signing of the Treaty of Ghent on December 24 officially concluded the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain.
Though fighting continued briefly due to slow communication, this treaty ended a conflict that tested early American military resilience.
1943 – Eisenhower Appointed Supreme Commander: On December 24, General Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed Supreme Allied Commander in Europe by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
This pivotal decision placed Eisenhower in charge of planning the D-Day invasion, a turning point in World War II.
1964 – Vietnam War Escalation: On December 24, a Viet Cong bomb exploded at the Brink Hotel in Saigon, targeting American military officers.
The attack, which killed two and injured dozens, intensified U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War during a critical period of the conflict.
Today in Tech and Science History
1968 – Apollo 8’s Historic Broadcast: During their lunar orbit on December 24, the Apollo 8 astronauts delivered a Christmas Eve message to Earth, reading from the Book of Genesis.
This broadcast, paired with the “Earthrise” image, became a defining moment in space exploration history.
1979 – First Ariane Rocket Launch: On December 24, the European Space Agency successfully launched the first Ariane 1 rocket from French Guiana.
This marked the beginning of Europe’s independent access to space, a significant achievement in global aerospace technology.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1822 – “A Visit from St. Nicholas” Published: On December 24, the poem later known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore was first published anonymously in a New York newspaper.
This work shaped modern Christmas traditions, popularizing the image of Santa Claus.
1914 – Christmas Truce of World War I: On December 24, during the early months of World War I, an unofficial truce emerged along parts of the Western Front.
British and German soldiers ceased fighting, sang carols, and even exchanged gifts, creating a poignant moment of humanity amid war.
1955 – NORAD Tracks Santa: On December 24, a misdialed phone call to the Continental Air Defense Command (now NORAD) led to the tradition of tracking Santa Claus’s journey.
A colonel played along with a child’s request, and the NORAD Santa Tracker became a beloved annual event.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1906 – First Radio Broadcast: On December 24, Canadian inventor Reginald Fessenden made history by transmitting the first radio broadcast from Brant Rock, Massachusetts.
Listeners were stunned to hear a violin performance and a reading of the Christmas story, an odd and groundbreaking moment for early technology.
1974 – Cyclone Tracy Strikes on Christmas Eve: On December 24, Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, Australia, just as residents prepared for Christmas.
The unusual timing of this destructive storm left a lasting memory for the region, blending holiday cheer with natural disaster recovery.
Today in History for Kids
563 – A Big Church Opens: Long ago, on December 24, a huge and beautiful church called Hagia Sophia opened in a city now called Istanbul.
It was like a giant Christmas present for the people back then, and it’s still standing today for everyone to visit!
1814 – A Big Fight Ends: On December 24, two countries, the United States and Britain, signed a paper to stop fighting a war called the War of 1812.
It was like saying, “Let’s be friends again,” just in time for the holidays.
1968 – People See the Moon Up Close: On December 24, astronauts in a spaceship called Apollo 8 flew around the Moon for the first time ever.
They even took a picture of Earth that looks like a pretty blue marble, and they wished everyone a Merry Christmas from space!
1955 – Santa Gets a Tracker: On December 24, a special group called NORAD started pretending to track Santa’s sleigh to tell kids where he was on Christmas Eve.
It all started with a funny phone call, and now it’s a fun tradition every year.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
Christmas Eve Broadcasts: The Apollo 8 Christmas Eve broadcast on December 24, 1968, was watched by an estimated one billion people worldwide, making it one of the most-viewed television events in history at the time.
The astronauts’ reading from Genesis added a spiritual layer to the scientific achievement.
A Truce in the Trenches: The 1914 Christmas Truce on December 24 saw soldiers from opposing sides in World War I playing soccer in no-man’s-land in some areas.
Though not officially sanctioned, this spontaneous act of peace remains a powerful symbol of holiday spirit.
Silent Night’s Debut: On December 24, 1818, the Christmas carol “Silent Night” was performed for the first time in a small church in Oberndorf, Austria.
Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Mohr, it has since become one of the most beloved holiday songs globally.
A Presidential Pardon: On December 24, 1868, President Andrew Johnson issued a full pardon to all former Confederate soldiers who had fought in the American Civil War.
This controversial act aimed to heal national wounds during the Reconstruction era.