20 fun facts for April, 21
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
April 21st is a day marked by various celebrations, historical events, and notable births and deaths. From the founding of Rome and the inauguration of Brazil's capital, to the birth of Queen Elizabeth II and the promotion of religious freedom in the Maryland colony, this day has seen a wide array of significant moments in history.
20 Fun facts
- National Tea Day is celebrated in the United Kingdom on April 21st. It is a day to embrace the British tradition of drinking tea and appreciating the rich history and cultural significance of this popular beverage.
- In 1509, Henry VIII ascended to the throne of England on April 21st, following the death of his father King Henry VII. Henry VIII is famously known for his six marriages and the reformation of the English church.
- On April 21, 753 BC, Roman civilisation was founded according to Rome's early legend. As the story goes, it was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a she-wolf.
- In 1960, Brazil inaugurated its new capital city, Brasilia, on April 21st. The city was specifically built as a capital in the central-west region of the country to promote growth and development in that area.
- On April 21, 1836, the Battle of San Jacinto was fought during the Texas Revolution. Texan forces led by General Sam Houston defeated the Mexican army, ultimately leading to Texas gaining its independence from Mexico.
- In 1926, Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21st. The reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms, she is the longest-serving current head of state, having ascended to the throne in 1952.
- On April 21, 1934, the famous "Surgeon's Photograph" of the Loch Ness Monster was published in the Daily Mail newspaper. It was later revealed to be a hoax, but the image still remains synonymous with the Scottish legend.
- In 1948, the United Nations established the World Health Organization (WHO) on April 21 as a specialized agency to address international public health issues.
- On April 21, 1995, Timothy McVeigh, responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing, was arrested while driving away from the scene. The bombing resulted in the deaths of 168 people, making it one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in American history.
- In 1992, the first Earth Day was celebrated on April 21st. This annual event raises awareness about environmental issues and promotes eco-friendly initiatives.
- In 1918, German World War I pilot Manfred von Richthofen, also known as the Red Baron, was shot down and killed on April 21st. The Red Baron was considered the most successful flying ace during the war, with 80 confirmed air combat victories.
- On April 21, 1989, the popular portable video gaming device, Nintendo Game Boy, was released in Japan. It became a massive success, selling over 118 million units worldwide.
- In 1986, television journalist Geraldo Rivera opened Al Capone's secret vault on live TV on April 21st. The heavily promoted event ultimately revealed that the vault was empty, save for a few empty bottles and debris.
- On April 21, 1649, the Maryland Toleration Act was passed, promoting religious freedom in the Maryland colony of America. The act allowed for freedom of worship and recognized various Christian denominations.
- In 1997, Ashrita Furman achieved a world record for the longest distance walked while balancing a milk bottle on his head on April 21st. He walked 80.96 miles over a period of 23 hours and 35 minutes to set the record.
- On April 21, 2014, the hit drama series "Fargo," inspired by the Coen brothers' film of the same name, premiered on FX. The show's first season received critical acclaim and numerous awards.
- In 1967, the popular musical "Hair" premiered off-Broadway on April 21st. The groundbreaking rock musical was notable for its commentary on the sexual revolution, civil rights, and counterculture movement of the time.
- On April 21, 1962, the Seattle World's Fair, also known as the Century 21 Exposition, opened to the public. The fair showcased advancements in science and space, and introduced the iconic Space Needle and Monorail to the Seattle skyline.
- In 2016, beloved musician Prince was found dead at his home in Paisley Park on April 21st. The influential singer-songwriter was known for his eclectic music, flamboyant style, and his enigmatic persona.
- On April 21, 2013, "Species Tulipa Orphanidea," known as the Orphan Tulip, became Greece’s national flower. The tulip is native to Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, and Turkey, and it is characterized by its vivid red and yellow colors.