Fact 1: A Remarkable Astronomical Event
On July 21, 365 AD, a massive earthquake triggered a tsunami that devastated the Eastern Mediterranean region. This fascinating fact of nature goes to show how significant this date is, even pre-dating many historical events.
Fact 2: Bloodiest Day in English History
July 21, 1403, was the date of the Battle of Shrewsbury, which was one of the bloodiest conflicts in English history, resulting in the death of an estimated 5,000 people. It was a major engagement in the Welsh revolts against Henry IV of England.
Fact 3: A Pioneering Journeys
The Apollo 11's Lunar module, The Eagle, touched down on the surface of the moon on July 21, 1969. Neil Armstrong reported, "The Eagle has landed," marking one of the most historic events of the 20th century.
Fact 4: Historical Tropical Storm Formation
In 1979, Tropical Storm Claudette formed over the Gulf of Mexico on July 21. This storm resulted in some of the heaviest rainfall recorded in the United States, with parts of Texas seeing over 45 inches of rainfall.
Fact 5: Arrival of Ernest Hemingway
Acclaimed American novelist and journalist Ernest Hemingway was born on July 21, 1899. His novels, short stories, and works of non-fiction have achieved massive literary recognition.
Fact 6: Color Television Broadcast
July 21, 1955, marked CBS's first attempt to produce a true color television system. While it didn't gain popularity in American households until the mid-1960s, it was a huge step towards revolutionizing technology and mass-media consumption.
Fact 7: Comic-Con’s Anniversary
The San Diego Comic-Con, one of the most famous and significant pop-culture events, was first held on July 21, 1970. It started as a one-day "minicon" known as the "Golden State Comic Book Convention.”
Fact 8: First Woman to Swim the English Channel
On July 21, 1926, Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim across the English Channel, breaking the existing men's record of the time. This was a significant milestone in the realm of women's sports.
Fact 9: Roosevelt’s Vice Presidential Nomination
July 21, 1944, marked the date when Harry S. Truman was nominated for vice president alongside President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the Democratic Party convention.
Fact 10: Olympic Games Open in Moscow
The 1980 Summer Olympics, which were held in Moscow, Russia, kicked off on July 21. These were the first Olympic Games to be held in Eastern Europe.
Fact 11: Discovery of Pluto’s Fifth Moon
On July 21, 2012, astronomers at the SETI Institute and the Lunar and Planetary Institute discovered Pluto's fifth moon, later named Styx.
Fact 12: Mary Baker Eddy's Day
July 21 is celebrated by the followers of Christian Science as Mary Baker Eddy's Day. Eddy was the founder of Christian Science, which she established in 1879.
Fact 13: Heatwaves in United Kingdom
One of the most prolonged heatwaves in the UK started around July 21, 1983. It lasted for 15 days and created a significant impact on the country.
Fact 14: Independence Day of Guam
Guam celebrates its Liberation Day on July 21. It marks the day when the Japanese occupation ended in 1944 during World War II.
Fact 15: Arrival of Robin Williams
Comic genius and respected actor Robin Williams was born on July 21, 1951. Williams's memorable career spanned over four decades, during which he made a profound impact with his versatility and humor.
Fact 16: National Junk Food Day
In the United States, July 21 is recognized as National Junk Food Day. It is a day where people indulge in their favorite junk food snacks.
Fact 17: Creation of Kappa Alpha Psi
Kappa Alpha Psi, one of the most prominent African-American fraternities, was established on July 21, 1911. Celebrating over a century of existence, it's a significant symbol of unity and brotherhood.
Fact 18: Belgian National Day
July 21st is celebrated as the National Day in Belgium. It commemorates the day when Leopold of Saxe-Coburg swore allegiance to the Belgian constitution in 1831 and officially became the first King of Belgium.
Fact 19: Discovery of Neptune’s Rings
The existence of rings around the planet Neptune was confirmed on July 21, 1989, by the Voyager 2 spacecraft. This astonishing revelation offered a new dimension to our understanding of the outer planets.
Fact 20: Recognition of Junteenth
In 2021, Google made an important update on July 21, introducing Junteenth as a U.S. holiday in calendars across its platforms. Junteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is an important recognition for racial justice.