This Day in History

The Tulsa Race Massacre

The Tulsa Race Massacre began on May 31, 1921, when mobs of white residents, some deputized and given weapons by city officials, attacked black residents and businesses of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This affluent black community, known as “Black Wall Street,” was burned to the ground, resulting in the deaths of up to […]

Big Ben Chimes for the First Time

On May 31, 1859, Big Ben, the great bell located in the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, rang out over the city for the first time. The bell is part of a striking and chiming clock set known for its accuracy and massive bell. It has since […]

Publication of “One Hundred Years of Solitude”

Gabriel García Márquez’s masterpiece, “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” was first published in Argentina on May 30, 1967. This novel introduced the world to Magical Realism, blending the real with the fantastic to tell the multi-generational story of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. The book became an instant classic, profoundly influencing […]

Andrew Jackson’s Fatal Duel

The future seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, killed Charles Dickinson in a duel on May 30, 1806. The duel arose from a horse racing bet and an ensuing insult to Jackson’s wife. Jackson, who received a bullet near his heart, managed to stay standing long enough to kill Dickinson with his return […]

The Martyrdom of Joan of Arc

On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc, a peasant girl who became a French military leader inspired by visionary religious experiences, was burned at the stake for heresy in Rouen, France. At just 19, she was executed after a politically motivated trial overseen by an ecclesiastical court. Joan’s martyrdom became a symbol of resilience and […]

Danica Patrick Makes History at the Indy 500

Danica Patrick became the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500 on May 29, 2005. Her performance in one of auto racing’s most prestigious events not only broke gender barriers but also placed her firmly in the spotlight of a sport traditionally dominated by men. Patrick finished the race in fourth place, the highest finish […]

Conquering Mount Everest

On May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. This historic achievement symbolized the triumph of human endurance and courage over the world’s most daunting natural obstacles. The successful ascent […]

Birth of John F. Kennedy

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, commonly known as JFK, was born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts. He would go on to become the 35th President of the United States, known for his charismatic leadership during the Cold War, particularly his eloquent advocacy for democracy and peace. Kennedy’s presidency, though tragically cut short by his assassination […]

Barry Bonds Surpasses Babe Ruth

On May 28, 2006, Barry Bonds hit his 715th home run, surpassing Babe Ruth on the all-time home run list of Major League Baseball, second only to Hank Aaron at that time. This event took place at AT&T Park in San Francisco during a game against the Colorado Rockies. Bonds’ achievement was marred by controversy […]

Launch of the Appeal for Amnesty Campaign

On May 28, 1961, the “Appeal for Amnesty, 1961” campaign was launched following the publication of an article titled “The Forgotten Prisoners” in The Observer by lawyer Peter Benenson. This campaign called for the release of individuals imprisoned worldwide for their beliefs, igniting the formation of what would become Amnesty International. This organization would grow […]