July 21 stands as a significant date across centuries, marked by events that shaped history. From ancient acts of destruction to groundbreaking achievements in space exploration, this day encapsulates a wide range of human endeavors and tragedies. Notable figures were born and lost, while cultural and sporting milestones emerged. What specific moments define this date? Uncover the layers of July 21’s legacy to grasp its profound impact.
History
Major Historical Events
356 BC – Destruction of the Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, was destroyed by a deliberate act of arson committed by a man named Herostratus, who sought fame through this destructive act.
This event marked a significant loss to ancient architecture and culture.
1861 – First Battle of Bull Run: During the American Civil War, the First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, took place in Virginia.
It was the first major land battle of the war, resulting in a Confederate victory and shattering the Union’s hopes for a quick end to the conflict.
1925 – Scopes Monkey Trial Verdict: In Dayton, Tennessee, high school teacher John T. Scopes was found guilty of teaching evolution in a public school, violating the state’s Butler Act.
The trial highlighted the tension between science and religion in American education, though Scopes’ conviction was later overturned on a technicality.
1969 – First Moon Landing: NASA’s Apollo 11 mission achieved a historic milestone as astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first and second humans to walk on the moon.
Armstrong’s famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” echoed around the world as millions watched the event on television.
1972 – Bloody Friday in Belfast: In Northern Ireland, the Provisional IRA detonated 22 bombs in Belfast within a span of just over an hour, killing nine people and injuring over 130.
This tragic event marked one of the deadliest days of the Troubles, intensifying conflict in the region.
Famous Birthdays
1899 – Ernest Hemingway: The iconic American novelist and short-story writer Ernest Hemingway was born in Oak Park, Illinois.
Known for his terse prose and adventurous life, Hemingway authored classics like “The Old Man and the Sea” and “A Farewell to Arms,” earning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
1948 – Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam): British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, later known as Yusuf Islam, was born in London, England.
His soulful folk-rock hits like “Wild World” and “Morning Has Broken” made him a global star in the 1970s before he converted to Islam and stepped away from music for decades.
1951 – Robin Williams: The beloved American comedian and actor Robin Williams was born in Chicago, Illinois.
Renowned for his improvisational genius and heartfelt performances in films like “Good Will Hunting” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Williams brought laughter and emotion to audiences worldwide, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
1981 – Josh Hartnett: American actor Josh Hartnett was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Rising to fame with roles in films like “Pearl Harbor” and “Black Hawk Down,” Hartnett became a heartthrob of the early 2000s and continues to take on diverse roles in film and television.
1989 – Rory Culkin: American actor Rory Culkin, the younger brother of Macaulay Culkin, was born in New York City.
Known for his roles in films like “Signs” and “Scream 4,” Rory has carved out a career in indie and mainstream cinema with his understated yet powerful performances.
Notable Deaths
1796 – Robert Burns: The celebrated Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns passed away at the age of 37 in Dumfries, Scotland.
Known as the national poet of Scotland, Burns wrote timeless works like “Auld Lang Syne” and “To a Mouse,” leaving a lasting legacy in literature and folk tradition.
1967 – Basil Rathbone: British actor Basil Rathbone died at the age of 75 in New York City.
Famous for portraying Sherlock Holmes in numerous films during the 1930s and 1940s, Rathbone’s elegant demeanor and sharp wit made him a defining figure in classic Hollywood cinema.
2004 – Jerry Goldsmith: American composer Jerry Goldsmith passed away at the age of 75 in Beverly Hills, California.
Renowned for his innovative film scores for movies like “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” and “Planet of the Apes,” Goldsmith earned an Academy Award and left an indelible mark on cinematic music.
Today in Music History
1973 – “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” Hits No. 1: Jim Croce’s catchy folk-rock single “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Inspired by a real-life tough guy Croce met in the army, the song became one of his signature hits before his tragic death later that year.
1987 – Guns N’ Roses Debut Album Release: The American rock band Guns N’ Roses released their debut album, “Appetite for Destruction,” which would go on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Featuring hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” the album defined the hard rock genre of the late 1980s.
2011 – Amy Winehouse’s Final Performance: British singer Amy Winehouse made her last public performance at a concert in Belgrade, Serbia, just weeks before her tragic death.
Known for her soulful voice and raw emotion in songs like “Rehab,” Winehouse’s brief career left a profound impact on modern music.
Today in Sports History
1921 – Jack Dempsey Defends Heavyweight Title: American boxer Jack Dempsey successfully defended his world heavyweight title against Frenchman Georges Carpentier in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Dubbed the “Fight of the Century,” Dempsey knocked out Carpentier in the fourth round, solidifying his status as a boxing legend.
1980 – Drafting of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, already an iconic part of American sports culture, held their annual auditions on this day, further cementing their status as pioneers in professional cheerleading.
Their influence on sports entertainment continues to resonate globally.
2009 – Michael Phelps Breaks World Record: American swimmer Michael Phelps broke the world record in the 200-meter butterfly at the World Championships in Rome, Italy.
This achievement added to his legacy as one of the greatest Olympians in history, showcasing his unparalleled skill in the pool.
2015 – Mike Trout’s All-Star MVP Award: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout became the first player in MLB history to win the All-Star Game MVP award in consecutive years.
His performance in the 2015 game in Cincinnati highlighted his dominance as one of baseball’s brightest stars.
Today in Military and Naval History
1861 – First Battle of Bull Run: As the first major engagement of the American Civil War, this battle in Virginia saw Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard defeat Union troops led by General Irvin McDowell.
The Confederate victory boosted Southern morale early in the war.
1944 – Battle of Guam Begins: During World War II, American forces launched an amphibious assault to recapture Guam from Japanese control in the Pacific Theater.
The battle, lasting until August 10, resulted in a U.S. victory and was a key step in the island-hopping campaign.
1954 – First Indochina War Ends: The Geneva Accords were signed, effectively ending the First Indochina War between France and Vietnamese forces.
The agreement divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel into North and South, setting the stage for future conflict in the region.
Today in Tech and Science History
1961 – First Unmanned Spacecraft to Mercury: NASA’s Mercury-Atlas 4 mission was launched as an unmanned test flight, paving the way for America’s first orbital spaceflight.
This mission was a critical step in the early days of the U.S. space program during the Space Race.
1969 – Apollo 11 Moon Landing: Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history by walking on the lunar surface during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission.
This monumental achievement marked the culmination of years of scientific and engineering efforts in the race to the moon.
2011 – Space Shuttle Program Ends: The final mission of NASA’s Space Shuttle program concluded with the landing of Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
After 30 years and 135 missions, the program’s end marked a new era for space exploration with a focus on commercial and international partnerships.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1821 – Coronation of George IV Inspires Art: The lavish coronation of King George IV of the United Kingdom took place in London, inspiring numerous paintings and literary works.
The event’s grandeur became a symbol of Regency-era opulence, captured by artists and writers of the time.
1925 – Scopes Trial Cultural Impact: The verdict in the Scopes Monkey Trial, convicting John T. Scopes for teaching evolution, sparked widespread cultural debate in the United States.
The trial inspired plays, books, and films, including the famous “Inherit the Wind,” reflecting ongoing tensions between science and faith.
1955 – Disneyland’s First Expansion Plans: Just days after its grand opening, Walt Disney began discussing early expansion plans for Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on this date.
His vision for continuous innovation shaped the park into a cultural landmark that redefined family entertainment worldwide.
2007 – “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” Released: The final book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” was released worldwide, breaking sales records.
The cultural phenomenon concluded with millions of fans rushing to bookstores for midnight launches, marking the end of an era.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1904 – Longest Car Journey Begins: On this day, the first-ever transcontinental car race across the United States began, with drivers facing unpaved roads, breakdowns, and wild terrain.
One car famously got stuck in a river, turning the race into a comedic adventure for spectators following the news.
1977 – Elvis Presley’s Odd Request: During a concert rehearsal on this date, Elvis Presley reportedly requested a peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwich, a peculiar favorite of his.
This quirky food preference became a legendary part of his larger-than-life persona in pop culture history.
1983 – World’s Lowest Temperature Recorded: In Vostok Station, Antarctica, scientists recorded the lowest natural temperature ever on Earth at -89.2°C (-128.6°F).
This bone-chilling record, set on this day, remains a bizarre benchmark in weather history, reminding us of nature’s extremes.
Today in History for Kids
356 BC – A Famous Temple Burns Down: Long ago in a place called Ephesus, a beautiful temple called the Temple of Artemis, one of the most amazing buildings in the world, was burned down by someone who wanted to be famous.
It was a sad day because people lost something so special.
1969 – People Walk on the Moon: Imagine stepping on the moon!
On this day, two astronauts named Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon during a space mission called Apollo 11.
They showed us that even the sky isn’t the limit!
2007 – Harry Potter’s Last Book: The final Harry Potter book came out on this day, and kids everywhere were excited to read about Harry’s last adventure.
People lined up at bookstores at midnight to get their copy and find out how the story ended.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
Did You Know? – Moon Landing Viewership: When Apollo 11 landed on the moon in 1969, over 600 million people around the world watched the event live on television.
That was about one-fifth of the global population at the time, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts in history.
Did You Know? – Herostratus’ Infamy: The man who burned down the Temple of Artemis in 356 BC, Herostratus, did it just to become famous.
Ironically, ancient leaders tried to erase his name from history as punishment, but we still know it today!
Did You Know? – Scopes Trial Fine: When John T. Scopes was found guilty in 1925 for teaching evolution, he was fined just $100.
Though the amount seems small now, it was a big deal back then and symbolized a huge debate about science in schools.
Did You Know? – First Battle of Bull Run Spectators: During the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861, curious civilians from Washington, D.C., brought picnics to watch the fight, thinking it would be a quick Union win.
They were shocked when the battle turned chaotic and dangerous.