June 21 has witnessed a remarkable array of historical events across centuries. From the devastating arrival of the Black Death in England in 1349 to the groundbreaking private spaceflight of SpaceShipOne in 2004, this date holds significant moments. It also marks notable births, deaths, and cultural milestones. What other pivotal events shaped this day? Uncover the layers of history that continue to define June 21.
History
Major Historical Events
1349 – Black Death in Europe: The Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in history, reached the town of Melcombe Regis in England on this day, marking the beginning of its devastating spread across the British Isles.
This plague would go on to kill millions, drastically altering the social and economic fabric of medieval Europe.
1788 – New Hampshire Ratifies the U.S. Constitution: New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the United States Constitution, officially making it the law of the land.
This pivotal moment guaranteed the establishment of the new federal government and set the stage for the United States as it exists today.
1940 – France Signs Armistice with Germany: During World War II, France signed an armistice with Nazi Germany, effectively surrendering after a swift and overwhelming German invasion.
This agreement led to the division of France into occupied and unoccupied zones, profoundly impacting the course of the war in Europe.
2004 – SpaceShipOne Achieves First Privately Funded Human Spaceflight: SpaceShipOne, a privately developed spacecraft, successfully completed the first manned spaceflight funded entirely by private investment.
Piloted by Mike Melvill, this historic flight marked a new era in commercial space exploration.
Famous Birthdays
1905 – Jean-Paul Sartre: The renowned French philosopher, playwright, and novelist Jean-Paul Sartre was born on this day in Paris, France.
A key figure in existentialism, his works like “Being and Nothingness” profoundly influenced 20th-century thought.
1921 – Judy Holliday: American actress and singer Judy Holliday was born in New York City.
Known for her comedic talent, she won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Born Yesterday” and became a celebrated figure in film and theater.
1982 – Prince William, Duke of Cambridge: Prince William, the eldest son of King Charles III and Princess Diana, was born in London, England.
As the heir apparent to the British throne, his life has been a focal point of global attention.
1983 – Edward Snowden: The American whistleblower Edward Snowden was born on this day in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
Known for leaking classified information from the National Security Agency in 2013, his actions sparked a worldwide debate on privacy and government surveillance.
1985 – Lana Del Rey: American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, came into the world in New York City.
Her melancholic and cinematic music style, with hits like “Video Games,” has earned her a dedicated global fanbase.
Notable Deaths
1377 – King Edward III of England: King Edward III, one of England’s most successful medieval monarchs, died on this day at Sheen Palace.
His reign saw significant military victories in the Hundred Years’ War and the growth of parliamentary power.
1527 – Niccolò Machiavelli: The Italian political philosopher and author of “The Prince,” Niccolò Machiavelli, passed away in Florence, Italy.
His pragmatic and often controversial views on power and governance continue to influence political theory.
1908 – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: The Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov died on this day in Lyubensk, Russia.
A master of orchestration, his works like “Scheherazade” remain staples of classical music repertoires worldwide.
Today in Music History
1966 – The Beatles Record “She Said She Said”: The Beatles worked on their iconic track “She Said She Said” for their album “Revolver” on this day at EMI Studios in London.
Inspired by a conversation John Lennon had with actor Peter Fonda, the song became a landmark in psychedelic rock.
1981 – Kraftwerk Releases “Computer World” in the UK: The pioneering German electronic band Kraftwerk released their influential album “Computer World” in the UK on this day.
The album’s themes of technology and modernity helped shape the future of electronic music.
1990 – Little Richard Gets a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: Rock and roll legend Little Richard received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on this day.
Known for hits like “Tutti Frutti,” his contributions to music and culture were immortalized with this honor.
Today in Sports History
1932 – Jack Sharkey Wins Heavyweight Boxing Title: American boxer Jack Sharkey defeated Max Schmeling of Germany to win the world heavyweight boxing title on this day in Long Island City, New York.
The controversial split decision remains a topic of debate among boxing historians.
1982 – John Hinckley Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Although not a sporting event, this legal outcome tied to an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan impacted public perception of mental health in high-profile cases, including those involving athletes.
Hinckley’s trial concluded on this day, drawing massive media attention.
2001 – Venus Williams Advances at Wimbledon: Tennis star Venus Williams advanced in the Wimbledon Championships on this day, continuing her dominance in women’s tennis.
She would go on to win the tournament, cementing her status as one of the sport’s greats.
Today in Military and Naval History
1813 – Battle of Vitoria in the Peninsular War: British, Portuguese, and Spanish forces under the Duke of Wellington decisively defeated the French army in the Battle of Vitoria in Spain on this day.
This victory was a turning point in the Peninsular War, weakening Napoleon’s hold on the region.
1942 – Tobruk Falls to Axis Forces: During World War II, the Libyan port of Tobruk fell to German and Italian forces under General Erwin Rommel on this day.
The loss was a significant setback for Allied forces in North Africa, though it would later be recaptured.
1945 – Battle of Okinawa Ends: The brutal Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest in the Pacific Theater of World War II, officially ended on this day with an Allied victory.
The high casualties on both sides underscored the ferocity of the conflict as the war neared its conclusion.
Today in Tech and Science History
1948 – Columbia Records Introduces the LP Record: Columbia Records introduced the first long-playing (LP) record on this day in New York City.
This 33⅓ rpm vinyl format revolutionized the music industry by allowing longer recordings and better sound quality.
1982 – First Solar-Powered Aircraft Flight Across the English Channel: The solar-powered aircraft “Solar Challenger,” piloted by Stephen Ptacek, completed the first solar-powered flight across the English Channel on this day.
This achievement highlighted the potential of renewable energy in aviation.
2006 – Pluto’s Newly Discovered Moons Named: The International Astronomical Union officially named Pluto’s newly discovered moons Nix and Hydra on this day.
This naming marked an important step in understanding the distant dwarf planet’s system.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1903 – Premiere of George Bernard Shaw’s “Man and Superman”: George Bernard Shaw’s play “Man and Superman” premiered in London on this day, though not in its entirety until later.
The work, blending comedy and philosophy, became a significant piece in modern theater.
1964 – Three Civil Rights Workers Disappear in Mississippi: On this day, civil rights activists Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Chaney disappeared in Mississippi while working to register African American voters.
Their tragic murders by the Ku Klux Klan later that day became a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
1989 – Premiere of Tim Burton’s “Batman”: Tim Burton’s blockbuster film “Batman,” starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson, premiered on this day in the United States.
The movie redefined superhero cinema and became a cultural phenomenon.
2009 – Greenland Gains Self-Rule: Greenland, a territory of Denmark, officially gained self-rule on this day, marking a significant cultural and political milestone.
The event was celebrated with ceremonies emphasizing Greenlandic identity and heritage.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1893 – First Ferris Wheel Debuts: The first Ferris wheel, designed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., opened to the public at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago on this day.
This massive amusement ride, standing over 260 feet tall, amazed visitors and became an enduring symbol of fun.
1982 – Longest Game of Monopoly Ends: A group of friends in Pennsylvania reportedly ended the longest recorded game of Monopoly on this day, lasting an astonishing 70 days.
While unofficial, this quirky record highlights the game’s enduring appeal and players’ patience.
Today in History for Kids
1788 – A New Country is Born: On this day, New Hampshire said “yes” to the U.S. Constitution, making it the ninth state to join.
This was super important because it meant the United States officially had a new set of rules to follow as a country.
1893 – Ride the First Ferris Wheel: Imagine being one of the first people to ride a giant spinning wheel in the sky!
On this day, the very first Ferris wheel opened in Chicago at a big fair, giving kids and families a thrilling new way to have fun.
1948 – Music Gets a New Spin: A company called Columbia Records showed off a new kind of music record called the LP on this day.
It could play much longer songs, so kids could listen to more of their favorite tunes without stopping.
2004 – A Private Spaceship Flies High: For the first time, a spaceship called SpaceShipOne flew into space with a person on board, and it wasn’t built by the government but by a private team.
This happened on this day, showing kids that anyone can dream of reaching the stars.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1631 – First Solar Eclipse Recorded in the American Colonies: On this day, the first recorded solar eclipse in the American colonies was observed by Governor John Winthrop in Massachusetts.
His detailed notes provide a fascinating glimpse into early colonial science.
1854 – First Official Yacht Race in America: The first official yacht race in the United States took place on this day, organized by the New York Yacht Club.
This event marked the beginning of competitive sailing as a formal sport in America.
1970 – Brazil Wins Third FIFA World Cup: Brazil clinched their third FIFA World Cup title on this day in Mexico City, defeating Italy 4-1.
Led by the legendary Pelé, this victory solidified Brazil’s reputation as a football powerhouse.
1982 – Fête de la Musique Begins in France: The first Fête de la Musique, a celebration of music, was held in France on this day, coinciding with the summer solstice.
This event has since grown into a global phenomenon, encouraging free public performances worldwide.
2001 – Solar Eclipse Visible Across Southern Hemisphere: A total solar eclipse was visible across parts of the Southern Hemisphere on this day, fascinating skywatchers in Africa, Latin America, and the Indian Ocean.
It was one of the first major eclipses of the 21st century.