December 28 has witnessed a remarkable array of historical events that span innovation, tragedy, and cultural milestones. From groundbreaking inventions like the patenting of chewing gum in 1869 to devastating natural disasters such as the Messina earthquake of 1908, this date holds a unique place in time. Significant birthdays and achievements also mark the day, inviting curiosity about the full scope of its impact across centuries.
History
Major Historical Events
1869 – Patent for Chewing Gum: On this day, William Finley Semple of Mount Vernon, Ohio, received the first patent for chewing gum in the United States. His invention combined rubber with other ingredients to create a chewable product. Though it was not commercially successful at the time, this marked an early step in the development of modern chewing gum. It would later become a popular treat worldwide.
1895 – First Commercial Movie Screening: The Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, held the first public screening of a motion picture in Paris, France, at the Grand Café. They showcased ten short films using their Cinématographe, a device that functioned as both a camera and projector. This event is widely regarded as the birth of cinema as a public entertainment medium.
1908 – Messina Earthquake in Italy: A devastating earthquake struck the Strait of Messina, between Sicily and mainland Italy, killing over 75,000 people and destroying much of the city of Messina. Accompanied by a tsunami, it remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in European history. It prompted international aid efforts to assist the survivors.
1973 – Endangered Species Act Signed into Law: In the United States, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act, a landmark piece of environmental legislation aimed at protecting threatened and endangered plants and animals. This law has since played a critical role in the conservation of species like the bald eagle and the gray wolf.
1981 – First American Test-Tube Baby Born: Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American baby conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), was born in Norfolk, Virginia. Her birth marked a significant milestone in reproductive technology. It offered hope to countless families struggling with infertility.
Famous Birthdays
1856 – Woodrow Wilson: The 28th President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, was born in Staunton, Virginia. He led the country through World War I and was a key figure in the establishment of the League of Nations. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting international peace.
1903 – Earl Hines: Jazz pianist and bandleader Earl Hines, known as the “Father of Modern Jazz Piano,” was born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. His innovative style influenced countless musicians. He played a pivotal role in the development of bebop during his long and illustrious career.
1934 – Maggie Smith: Acclaimed British actress Maggie Smith was born in Ilford, Essex, England. Renowned for her roles in films like the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey, she has won multiple Academy Awards. She is celebrated for her sharp wit and commanding screen presence.
1954 – Denzel Washington: American actor and director Denzel Washington was born in Mount Vernon, New York. A two-time Academy Award winner, he is known for powerful performances in films like Training Day and Glory. He established himself as one of the most respected actors of his generation.
1972 – Adam Vinatieri: NFL kicker Adam Vinatieri, often regarded as one of the greatest in football history, was born in Yankton, South Dakota. Famous for his clutch field goals in Super Bowl games with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts, he holds numerous league records.
Notable Deaths
1694 – Mary II of England: Queen Mary II, who ruled jointly with her husband William III as part of the Glorious Revolution, died of smallpox in London at the age of 32. Her death deeply affected her husband and the nation. She was a beloved figure during a transformative period in British history.
1937 – Maurice Ravel: French composer Maurice Ravel, known for his impressionist music and works like Boléro, passed away in Paris at the age of 62 following brain surgery. His compositions remain some of the most celebrated pieces in classical music.
1984 – Sam Peckinpah: American film director Sam Peckinpah, famous for his gritty and violent Westerns like The Wild Bunch, died in Inglewood, California, at the age of 59. His innovative storytelling redefined the genre and influenced countless filmmakers.
Today in Music History
1968 – The Beatles’ White Album Hits No. 1: The Beatles’ self-titled double album, commonly known as the White Album, reached the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. Featuring iconic tracks like “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Blackbird,” it remains one of the band’s most diverse and celebrated works.
1975 – Taylor Swift’s Birth (Not Yet Famous): Although not a music event at the time, December 28, 1989, marked the birth of Taylor Swift in Reading, Pennsylvania. She would go on to become one of the most successful singer-songwriters of the 21st century. She blended country and pop with storytelling lyrics.
2005 – Live 8 Concert DVD Released: The DVD set of the Live 8 concerts, a series of benefit shows held earlier in 2005 to raise awareness for global poverty, was released on this day. Featuring performances by artists like Pink Floyd and U2, the release helped sustain the event’s message and fundraising efforts.
Today in Sports History
1902 – First Indoor Football Game: The first indoor professional football game was played at Madison Square Garden in New York City as part of the World Series of Football. The Syracuse Athletic Club defeated the Philadelphia Nationals. This marked a historic moment in the sport’s evolution.
1975 – Dallas Cowboys Win NFC Championship: The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Minnesota Vikings 17-14 in a dramatic NFC Championship game. It was thanks to a last-second “Hail Mary” pass from Roger Staubach to Drew Pearson. This iconic play popularized the term “Hail Mary” in football terminology.
2007 – Tom Brady Breaks Touchdown Record: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw his 50th touchdown pass of the season against the New York Giants. This broke Peyton Manning’s single-season record. The achievement cemented Brady’s status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Today in Military and Naval History
1832 – John C. Calhoun Resigns as Vice President: On this day, John C. Calhoun resigned as Vice President of the United States. It was partly due to tensions over states’ rights and the Nullification Crisis. This event foreshadowed deeper conflicts leading to the Civil War. President Andrew Jackson had threatened to use force against South Carolina.
1943 – Battle of Ortona Ends: During World War II, Canadian forces captured the Italian town of Ortona after a brutal week-long battle against German troops. Known as the “Little Stalingrad,” the fierce urban combat resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. It was a key moment in the Allied advance up the Italian peninsula.
Today in Tech and Science History
1836 – Spain Recognizes Mexican Independence: While not directly a tech event, Spain’s recognition of Mexico’s independence on this day had long-term implications for scientific exploration and mapping of the region. It opened up new territories for study and documentation by European and American scientists.
1978 – First GPS Satellite Launched: The United States launched Navstar 1, the first satellite in the Global Positioning System (GPS). This marked the beginning of a revolutionary technology. It would transform navigation, military operations, and everyday life.
2014 – SpaceX Falcon 9 Booster Recovery Attempt: SpaceX made its first attempt to recover a Falcon 9 rocket booster by landing it on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean after a successful launch. Though the landing failed, it was a critical step toward reusable rocket technology. It drastically reduced spaceflight costs.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1895 – Wilhelm Röntgen Publishes X-Ray Discovery: German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen published his groundbreaking paper on X-rays, which he had discovered earlier that year. This revolutionary finding transformed medicine. It also influenced art and culture by inspiring new ways of visualizing the unseen.
1922 – Stan Lee Born: Comic book writer and Marvel icon Stan Lee was born in New York City. As the co-creator of characters like Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Avengers, his work shaped modern pop culture and the superhero genre in film and literature.
1958 – Che Guevara’s Forces Near Havana: While primarily a military event, the advance of Che Guevara’s revolutionary forces toward Havana on this day during the Cuban Revolution had profound cultural impacts. It inspired art, literature, and music worldwide as symbols of resistance and change.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1905 – Intercollegiate Basketball Rules Meeting: On this day, representatives from colleges met in New York to standardize basketball rules. This led to quirky early regulations like banning players from dribbling with both hands. This odd rule, long since changed, shows how far the sport has evolved.
1974 – Earthquake Felt During a Movie Premiere: During the Los Angeles premiere of the disaster film Earthquake, a real minor earthquake struck. It startled the audience who initially thought it was part of the movie’s special effects. The coincidence added a bizarre layer of realism to the screening.
Today in History for Kids
1895 – Movies Are Born: A long time ago in France, two brothers named Auguste and Louis Lumière showed the first movies to a paying audience on this day. They used a special machine to play short films. People were amazed to see moving pictures for the first time.
1908 – Big Earthquake in Italy: A huge earthquake hit a place called Messina in Italy on December 28. It shook the ground so hard that many buildings fell down. It was very sad because lots of people lost their homes. Others from around the world came to help.
1973 – Saving Animals Law: In America, a special law called the Endangered Species Act was made on this day to protect animals and plants that were in danger of disappearing forever. It helps save creatures like eagles and wolves. It ensures kids can see them in the future.
1981 – First Test-Tube Baby in the U.S.: A baby named Elizabeth was born in the United States on this day. She was special because she was the first baby made with a science trick called IVF. It helped parents who couldn’t have babies the usual way.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1867 – U.S. Claims Midway Atoll: On this day, the United States formally took possession of Midway Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. It had been discovered earlier. This tiny island later became vital during World War II as the site of the pivotal Battle of Midway.
1900 – Carrie Nation’s First Saloon Smash: Temperance activist Carrie Nation attacked her first saloon in Wichita, Kansas, on December 28. She used a hatchet to destroy liquor bottles. Her dramatic actions became a symbol of the fight against alcohol in the early 20th century.
1945 – Pledge of Allegiance Recognized by Congress: The U.S. Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance on this day. It codified its use in schools and public events. Written in 1892, it became a daily ritual for many Americans. Its wording has evolved over time.
2012 – Oldest Fossil of a Black Widow Spider Discovered: Scientists announced the discovery of a 15-million-year-old fossil of a black widow spider on this day. It was found in the Dominican Republic. This fascinating find provided insight into the ancient history of one of nature’s most iconic arachnids.