December 21

    What happened on December 21 in history

    6 events fall on December 21, from 1620 to 1988. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

    Events on December 21

    1. 1620

      The Pilgrims land at Plymouth

      The Mayflower party comes ashore in Massachusetts.

      Read about Mayflower Landing at Plymouth RockPlay the Exploration & revolution round

    2. 1898

      The Curies announce radium

      They report a new element in pitchblende.

      Read about First Modern Olympic Games, AthensPlay the 19th century round

    3. 1913

      The first crossword puzzle

      The New York World prints a word-cross by Arthur Wynne.

      Read about RMS Titanic SinkingPlay the 20th century round

    4. 1937

      Snow White premieres

      The first feature-length animated film opens in Los Angeles.

      Play the 20th century round

    5. 1968

      Apollo 8 launches

      The first crewed flight to leave Earth orbit sets out for the Moon.

      Read about Woodstock Music FestivalPlay the 20th century round

    6. 1988

      Lockerbie

      Pan Am 103 is destroyed over a Scottish town.

      Play the 20th century round

    Guess where and when

    Explore a 360° historical scene and place it on the map and the timeline. Free, no sign-up.

    Play today's challenge