27 fun facts for May, 22
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
May 22nd is a day filled with diverse and interesting events, from the celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity to the birth of famous individuals like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Morrissey, and Naomi Campbell. This day also marks historical events such as the founding of Townsend, Delaware and the first telegraphed news dispatch sent from the White House.
27 Fun facts
- In 1762, Swedish inventor Anders Celsius died. He was best known for the development of the Celsius temperature scale, which is widely used today to measure temperature in various scientific applications.
- English actor and writer Sir Laurence Olivier was born on this day in 1907. He is considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century and is remembered for his roles in such films as "Hamlet," "Richard III," and "Spartacus."
- In 1807, the city of Townsend, Delaware was founded. The quaint and historic city is located in New Castle County and is known for its beautiful and diverse architecture, as well as its close-knit community.
- In 1843, the Thousand Islands Bridge, linking New York and Ontario, Canada, was dedicated. This bridge crossing the St. Lawrence River is one of the most picturesque spots in the region and a popular tourist destination.
- In 1844, the first telegraphed news dispatch was sent from the White House to the Baltimore Patriot newspaper. This marked a major change in how news was reported and shared with the public.
- On May 22nd, 1859, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His classic stories have continued to captivate and entertain readers for over a century.
- On this day in 1897, the Blackwall Tunnel under the River Thames in London was officially opened. This historic engineering feat improved the transportation infrastructure of London and led to an increase in trade and industry across England.
- International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated on May 22nd annually. This day highlights the importance of biodiversity and its vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of the Earth and all its inhabitants.
- In 1990, Microsoft released Windows 3.0, an improved version of their multimedia-supporting operating systems. It became a sensation, with millions of copies sold and establishing Microsoft's dominance in the software industry.
- In 1998, on this day, the movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" starring Johnny Depp premiered in the United States. The film is an adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's novel of the same name and has become a cult classic.
- May 22nd is National Vanilla Pudding Day in the United States. This delicious dessert is celebrated with various recipes and events held across the country, showing appreciation for a beloved treat.
- American singer-songwriter and musician Morrissey was born on this day in 1959. He gained fame as the lead vocalist for the band The Smiths and is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 1980s.
- In 2012, Japanese mountaineer Tamae Watanabe became the oldest woman to climb Mount Everest at the age of 73. This record-breaking feat is a testament to her strength, determination, and courage.
- American actor Harvey Milk, who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, was born on this day in 1930. Milk served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and was a champion for LGBTQ+ rights.
- In 1963, on this day, the United States launched the Mercury Atlas 9 mission. Astronaut Gordon Cooper orbited Earth for 22 times in 34 hours, marking the longest space flight by an American at the time.
- May 22nd is Sovereign's Day in Haiti. This public holiday is observed with various events and celebrations held across the country to honor the nation's rich history and culture.
- In 1927, German physicist Werner Heisenberg formulated the uncertainty principle. This fundamental concept in quantum mechanics states that it is impossible to simultaneously know both the position and velocity of a particle with certainty.
- In 1936, "The Green Hornet," a popular radio show, made its debut. The masked crime-fighter became a staple of American radio and had a lasting impact on the superhero genre.
- American model and actress Naomi Campbell was born on May 22nd, 1970. She is considered one of the original supermodels who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, and has had a successful career in fashion, film, and television.
- In 2003, actor and wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson married Dany Garcia. The couple, who have one child together, later divorced amicably in 2007 but continue to work together professionally.
- May 22nd is National Maritime Day in the United States. This annual observance celebrates the contributions of the maritime industry and its workers who have played a crucial role in the nation's growth and development.
- In 1967, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," a popular children's television show, premiered on the National Educational Television network. The series aimed at promoting creativity and imagination, and ran for more than 30 years with the motto, "Won't you be my neighbor?"
- The Central City Opera House in Central City, Colorado, was dedicated in 1878. The historic building remains one of the oldest functioning opera houses in the United States.
- World Paloma Day is celebrated internationally on May 22nd. The Paloma, a tequila-based cocktail made with grapefruit soda, is the most popular cocktail in Mexico and is enjoyed by people around the world.
- In 1942, the Mexican Army repelled an attempted invasion by the Free French Navy at the Battle of Martinique. This successful defense helped ensure Mexico's neutrality during World War II.
- American football player Johnny Manziel was born on this day in 1992. He became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012 and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2014.
- In 1990, Bangladesh was hit by a devastating cyclone, named Tropical Storm One. This tragic event caused the deaths of approximately 138,000 people and affected millions more in the region.