A Brief History
This article presents a chronological list of notable events that happened on May 21st. For each date below, please click on the date to be taken to an article covering that date’s event.
Digging Deeper
On May 21, 1703, English writer Daniel Defoe was arrested and jailed for the crime of “seditious libel,” his offense being the writing of a pamphlet critical of rich and powerful English authorities.
On May 21, 1924, a pair of well to do college students from the University of Chicago kidnapped and murdered a 14-year-old boy, just for the thrill of committing murder and getting away with it.
On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton established the American Red Cross in Washington, DC.
On May 21, 1932, Amelia Earhart landed her airplane in Northern Ireland, becoming the first woman to fly non-stop solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
On May 21, 2005, Six Flags Great Adventure became home to the tallest roller coaster in the world.
On May 21, 2011, Christian radio broadcaster Harold Camping had predicted that the world as we know it would end, with the return of Jesus Christ and the advent of the “Rapture,” followed by months of fire and brimstone resulting in the destruction of Earth.
On May 21, 2011, Christian radio broadcaster Harold Camping had predicted that the world as we know it would end, with the return of Jesus Christ and the advent of the “Rapture,” followed by months of fire and brimstone resulting in the destruction of Earth. (NOTE: The link in the date for this entry leads to a different article than the other mention to this same event above.)
On May 21, 2023, movie fans lost a beloved macho British actor when George Raymond Stevenson died at the too early age of 58.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Andrews, John and Matt Baker. Timeline of World History. Thunder Bay Press, 2020.
You can also watch video versions of this article on YouTube.