December 21 marks significant events in history, starting with the arrival of the Pilgrims in North America. On this day in 1620, Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower first set foot on what is now known as Plymouth, Massachusetts. This event initiated a transformative chapter in American history, laying the groundwork for the establishment of one of the earliest European settlements in the New World.
Key Historical Events on December 21
The significance of December 21 extends beyond the Pilgrims. In 1864, during the American Civil War, Union forces led by Major General William T. Sherman concluded their “March to the Sea” by capturing Savannah, Georgia. This military campaign was crucial in weakening Confederate resistance and ultimately contributed to the Union’s victory.
Another notable occurrence took place in 1891 when the first basketball game, devised by James Naismith, was played at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. This event marked the birth of a sport that would grow to become a global phenomenon.
On December 21, 1913, the first newspaper crossword puzzle appeared in the New York World, captivating readers and sparking a trend that continues to engage puzzle enthusiasts today.
Tragedy struck on December 21, 1988, when a terrorist bomb exploded aboard Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The attack claimed the lives of all 259 individuals on board and 11 people on the ground. This devastating incident highlighted the threats of international terrorism and led to increased security measures in air travel.
In 1991, the former Soviet republics took a significant step by formally proclaiming the establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a momentous shift in post-Soviet political landscape.
More recently, December 21, 2020, was marked by President-elect Joe Biden receiving his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television. This event aimed to reassure the public about the vaccine’s safety and efficacy during a critical period of the pandemic.
A tragic event occurred on December 21, 2023, when a shooting at Charles University in Prague resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people and injured more than 20 others. This incident remains one of the worst mass shootings in the Czech Republic’s history, prompting discussions about gun control and public safety.
Celebrating Birthdays on December 21
Several notable individuals celebrate their birthdays on December 21. Among them are actor Jane Fonda, who turns 88, and singer Carla Thomas, who is now 83. Other celebrated figures include conductor Michael Tilson Thomas at 81, actor Samuel L. Jackson at 77, and film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg, who turns 75.
The day also marks the birthdays of tennis legend Chris Evert at 71, actor Jane Kaczmarek at 70, and country musician Lee Roy Parnell at 69. As the list continues, actor Kiefer Sutherland celebrates his 59th birthday, while younger stars like Quinta Brunson, who turns 36, and Madelyn Cline, now 28, also join the ranks of those born on this historic day.
As December 21 unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the historical events that have shaped our world, as well as the individuals who have made their mark across various fields.
