Zachary Taylor and Richard Nixon Marry Future First Ladies
June 21, 1810, and June 21, 1940, marked the wedding days of two future U.S. Presidents to their first ladies. Zachary Taylor, who would become the 12th President of the United States, married Margaret Mackall Smith, while Richard Nixon, who would become the 37th President, married Thelma Catherine “Pat” Ryan. These unions not only shaped […]
U.S. Constitution Ratified
On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth and last necessary state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, thereby officially enacting it. The ratification marked a monumental step in the unification and governance of the young nation, establishing the framework for the federal government and the rights of the states. The Constitution has since stood […]
“Jaws” Released in Theaters
On June 20, 1975, the movie “Jaws” was released in theaters across the United States. Directed by Steven Spielberg, “Jaws” is considered a watershed moment in film history, effectively creating the summer blockbuster genre. The film’s success was driven by its thrilling narrative, innovative cinematography, and memorable musical score. “Jaws” not only had a profound […]
Boxer Rebellion Begins in China
The Boxer Rebellion, a violent anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising, began in earnest on June 20, 1900, when Boxers, supported by the Qing Dynasty, laid siege to the Legation Quarter of Beijing where foreigners and Chinese Christians sought refuge. This conflict was driven by widespread resentment against foreign influence, economic distress, and imperialist exploitation. The Boxer […]
West Virginia Enters the Union
On June 20, 1863, amidst the turmoil of the Civil War, West Virginia was admitted to the Union as the 35th state, the only state to form by separating from a Confederate state (Virginia). This event was marked by years of disagreement over secession and significant differences in economic and social structures between the western […]
Construction Begins on the Global Seed Vault
Construction began on the Global Seed Vault on June 19, 2006, in Svalbard, Norway. Often referred to as the “Doomsday” Seed Vault, this facility is designed to store duplicates of seeds from the world’s crop collections. It serves as a backup to protect against the accidental loss of diversity in traditional genebanks due to mismanagement, […]
First Nickelodeon Opens
The first nickelodeon, a form of movie theater that charged a nickel for admission, opened on June 19, 1905, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These early theaters played short films and were a step in making motion pictures accessible to the wider public, paving the way for the modern movie industry. The nickelodeon was revolutionary in democratizing […]
Juneteenth – Abolition of Slavery Announced in Texas
On June 19, 1865, the abolition of slavery was announced in Texas, the last state in the Confederacy where emancipation was proclaimed, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. This day, now celebrated as Juneteenth, has become an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, symbolizing freedom […]
Sally Ride Becomes First American Woman in Space
Sally Ride shattered space and gender boundaries on June 18, 1983, when she became the first American woman to travel into space. As a crew member on the Space Shuttle Challenger, STS-7 mission, Ride’s accomplishment not only highlighted the capabilities of women in STEM fields and space exploration but also inspired countless girls to pursue […]
Napoleon Defeated at Waterloo
On June 18, 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte faced a crushing defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium. This decisive battle marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars and led to Napoleon’s final exile to the remote island of Saint Helena. The coalition forces, led by the Duke of Wellington from Britain and General Gebhard Leberecht […]