On May 22, history unfolds with a tapestry of remarkable events and notable figures. From the SS Savannah’s groundbreaking Atlantic crossing in 1819 to Abraham Lincoln’s innovative patent in 1849, this date brims with milestones. Births of cultural icons and tragic losses also mark the day, alongside modern triumphs and sorrows. What other pivotal moments define May 22? Uncover the layers of this intriguing historical date.
History
Major Historical Events
1819 – SS Savannah Sets Sail: The SS Savannah, an American hybrid sailing ship/sidewheel steamer, departed from Savannah, Georgia, on this day, becoming the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Although it primarily used sails for the journey, the ship utilized its steam engine for about 80 hours of the trip, marking a significant milestone in maritime history.
1849 – Abraham Lincoln Receives a Patent: On this day, Abraham Lincoln became the only U.S. president to be granted a patent, for an invention to lift boats over shoals and obstructions in rivers.
His design for adjustable buoyant chambers was never manufactured, but it showcased his innovative thinking long before his presidency.
1906 – Wright Brothers Receive Patent for Flying Machine: Orville and Wilbur Wright were awarded a patent for their “Flying Machine” on May 22, 1906, after years of experimentation.
This patent was a cornerstone in the development of modern aviation, recognizing their groundbreaking work on controlled, powered flight.
2012 – Tokyo Skytree Opens to Public: The Tokyo Skytree, standing at 634 meters and becoming the tallest tower in the world at the time, officially opened to the public on this day.
Located in Sumida, Tokyo, it serves as a broadcasting tower and a major tourist attraction.
2017 – Manchester Arena Bombing: A tragic terrorist attack occurred on May 22, 2017, at the Manchester Arena in the United Kingdom during an Ariana Grande concert.
The bombing killed 22 people and injured over 100, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the country in recent history.
Famous Birthdays
1813 – Richard Wagner: The renowned German composer, conductor, and theater director Richard Wagner was born on this day in Leipzig.
Known for his operas like “The Ring Cycle” and “Tristan und Isolde,” Wagner revolutionized music with his complex compositions and dramatic storytelling.
1907 – Laurence Olivier: British actor and director Laurence Olivier, often regarded as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, was born on May 22 in Dorking, Surrey.
His iconic roles in Shakespearean plays and films like “Wuthering Heights” earned him numerous accolades.
1970 – Naomi Campbell: Supermodel Naomi Campbell was born on this day in London, England.
As one of the most recognizable faces in fashion, she broke barriers as a Black model and became a cultural icon with her work on runways and in media.
1987 – Novak Djokovic: Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest in the sport’s history, was born on May 22 in Belgrade.
With numerous Grand Slam titles and a record-breaking career, he continues to dominate professional tennis.
Notable Deaths
1885 – Victor Hugo: The celebrated French author and poet Victor Hugo passed away on this day in Paris at the age of 83.
Known for masterpieces like “Les Misérables” and “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” his works remain influential in literature and social reform.
1967 – Langston Hughes: American poet, novelist, and playwright Langston Hughes, a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, died on May 22 in New York City.
His powerful writings, including “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” captured the African American experience with profound insight.
2013 – Henri Dutilleux: French composer Henri Dutilleux, known for his intricate and innovative orchestral works, passed away on this day at the age of 97.
His contributions to 20th-century classical music earned him international acclaim.
Today in Music History
1965 – The Beatles Hit No. 1 with “Ticket to Ride”: On this day, The Beatles’ single “Ticket to Ride” reached the top of the UK charts.
The song, written primarily by John Lennon, showcased a heavier sound and became one of their most iconic tracks from the “Help!” album.
1971 – The Rolling Stones Release “Sticky Fingers”: The Rolling Stones’ album “Sticky Fingers,” featuring the hit single “Brown Sugar,” topped the U.S. charts on May 22, 1971.
The album, with its iconic zipper cover designed by Andy Warhol, remains a classic in rock history.
1980 – KISS Drummer Peter Criss Leaves the Band: On this day, Peter Criss, the original drummer for KISS, officially departed the band due to personal and creative differences.
His exit marked the first major lineup change for the iconic rock group.
Today in Sports History
1902 – First Professional Baseball Game in New York: On May 22, 1902, the New York Giants played their first professional baseball game at the Polo Grounds against the Philadelphia Phillies.
This marked the beginning of a storied franchise in Major League Baseball.
1963 – Mickey Mantle Hits a Near-Home Run: New York Yankees legend Mickey Mantle hit a ball off the facade of Yankee Stadium’s third deck on this day, one of the closest near-home runs in history.
The hit against Kansas City Athletics’ Bill Fischer remains a legendary moment in baseball lore.
2003 – Annika Sörenstam Makes PGA Tour History: Swedish golfer Annika Sörenstam became the first woman to play in a PGA Tour event in 58 years on May 22, 2003, at the Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas.
Though she didn’t make the cut, her participation broke significant gender barriers in golf.
2015 – Golden State Warriors Reach NBA Finals: On this day, the Golden State Warriors advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in 40 years, defeating the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Finals.
This marked the beginning of a dominant era led by Stephen Curry.
Today in Military and Naval History
1807 – HMS Milan Captured by French Forces: On May 22, 1807, the British Royal Navy ship HMS Milan was captured by French forces off the coast of Spain during the Napoleonic Wars.
The loss was a setback for British naval operations in the region.
1941 – Battle of Crete Intensifies: During World War II, German airborne forces continued their invasion of Crete on this day, facing fierce resistance from Allied troops.
The battle, though ultimately a German victory, resulted in heavy casualties for the invaders.
1968 – USS Scorpion Disappears: The U.S. Navy submarine USS Scorpion (SSN-589) was lost on May 22, 1968, with all 99 crew members aboard, in the Atlantic Ocean.
The cause of the sinking remains a mystery, though theories include mechanical failure or enemy action.
Today in Tech and Science History
1842 – Farmers’ Revolt Against Telegraph Lines: On this day, farmers in New York destroyed sections of newly installed telegraph lines, fearing they would disrupt traditional communication and trade.
This early resistance highlighted societal concerns about emerging technology.
1906 – Wright Brothers’ Patent Approval: As mentioned earlier, the Wright Brothers received their patent for the flying machine on May 22, 1906, a pivotal moment in aviation history that laid the groundwork for modern aircraft design.
1969 – Apollo 10 Returns to Earth: On this day, the Apollo 10 mission, a dress rehearsal for the moon landing, successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.
Astronauts Thomas Stafford, John Young, and Eugene Cernan completed critical tests for the upcoming Apollo 11 mission.
2012 – SpaceX Dragon Docks with ISS: SpaceX made history on May 22, 2012, when its Dragon spacecraft became the first commercial vehicle to dock with the International Space Station, marking a new era in private space exploration.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1844 – Mary Cassatt is Born: American painter Mary Cassatt, known for her impressionist works focusing on women and children, was born on May 22 in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania.
Her art brought a unique perspective to the Impressionist movement.
1927 – “Wings” Wins First Academy Award: On this day, the silent film “Wings,” directed by William A. Wellman, became the first movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture (then called Outstanding Picture) at the inaugural Oscars ceremony.
Though the event was held later, the film’s impact was tied to this date in production history.
1967 – Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Debuts: The beloved children’s television program “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” aired its first national episode on May 22, 1967, on NET (now PBS).
Fred Rogers’ gentle approach to education and empathy shaped generations of viewers.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1906 – Wright Brothers’ Patent Misunderstanding: While the Wright Brothers received their patent on this day, many initially believed their “Flying Machine” was a hoax or impractical.
With some newspapers mocking their claims, it took years for the public to fully grasp the significance of their invention.
1936 – Aer Lingus’ First Flight Mishap: On May 22, 1936, Ireland’s national airline, Aer Lingus, operated its first flight from Dublin to Bristol.
Amusingly, the small plane was delayed due to a paperwork error, reminding us that even historic moments can start with a hiccup.
2001 – Oddest World Record Set: On this day, a man named Ashrita Furman set a world record for the fastest pogo stick ascent up the CN Tower’s stairs in Toronto.
This quirky achievement of climbing 1,899 steps in under an hour remains one of the strangest records tied to May 22.
Today in History for Kids
1819 – First Steamship Crosses the Ocean: Imagine a boat that could move without wind!
On May 22, 1819, the SS Savannah left Georgia and became the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
It mostly used sails, but its steam engine was a big step toward modern ships.
1906 – Flying Becomes Real: On this day, the Wright Brothers got a special paper saying they invented a flying machine.
Their idea made it possible for us to have airplanes today, so we can travel super fast across the world!
1969 – Almost to the Moon: Astronauts on the Apollo 10 mission came super close to the moon on May 22, 1969, testing everything for the first moon landing.
They didn’t land, but they helped make sure the next trip would work.
2012 – A Tower Touches the Sky: The Tokyo Skytree, a super tall building in Japan, opened on this day.
It’s so high you can see for miles, and it helps send TV signals all over the city!
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1849 – Lincoln’s Unusual Talent: Did you know Abraham Lincoln is the only U.S. president to hold a patent?
On May 22, 1849, he patented a device to help boats float over shallow water, showing he was an inventor before becoming a leader.
1902 – Baseball’s Big Start in NYC: The New York Giants played their very first game on this day in 1902.
This team would go on to become one of the most famous in baseball, with a huge fan base still cheering today.
1968 – Mystery of the USS Scorpion: The disappearance of the USS Scorpion submarine on May 22, 1968, remains unsolved.
Scientists and historians still debate what caused the tragic loss of the vessel and its crew in the deep ocean.
2012 – SpaceX Breaks New Ground: On this day in 2012, a private company called SpaceX sent a spacecraft to the International Space Station for the first time.
This proved that businesses, not just governments, could explore space!