Fact 1: Historical Significance
December 30 holds a significant place in history. On this day in 1853, the United States purchased a 29,670 square mile portion of Mexico through the Gadsden Purchase. This arrangement led to the expansion of U.S. territory and contributed to the shaping of the modern U.S. map.
Fact 2: Exotic Celebrations
In the Philippines, December 30 is celebrated as Rizal Day. This national holiday honors José Rizal, a national hero considered the greatest martyr of the country. On this day, the Filipinos pay tribute to the hero through various ceremonies, parades, and wreath-laying at Rizal Park in Manila.
Fact 3: Peak of Basketball
December 30 is a crucial day in the NBA history. Wilt Chamberlain, an American basketball player, scored 78 points on December 30, 1961, the third highest in a single game in the National Basketball Association (NBA) history.
Fact 4: A Day of Peace
December 30 holds additional importance in Ireland. The annual event "Day of Peace and Reconciliation" is organized on this day, where Irish people commemorate the acts of violence during the political conflict known as "The Troubles".
Fact 5: Advent of the Diary
Anne Frank, the Jewish girl whose diary stands as a potent symbol of the Holocaust, received her famous diary as an early birthday gift on December 30, 1941. Her diary continues to give readers around the world a very personal glimpse into the horrors of the Holocaust.
Fact 6: Remarkable Births
December 30 is the birth date of many notable personalities, including the famous golfer Tiger Woods, actor Jude Law, and sports journalist and television personality, Skip Bayless.
Fact 7: A Popular Birthday in Sports
December 30 seems to have special significance in sports, as there are an unusually high number of professional athletes born on this day including LeBron James and Tiger Woods.
Fact 8: Astronomical Importance
On December 30, 1924, astronomer Edwin Hubble announced the existence of other galaxies in the universe, reshaping our understanding of the cosmos.
Fact 9: A Day for Inventors
On this day in 1879, Thomas Edison demonstrated incandescent lighting to the public for the first time, ushering in a new era in human history.
Fact 10: A Titanic Evidence
On December 30, 1907, the first key that opened the binoculars' storage room on the ill-fated RMS Titanic was sold at an auction.
Fact 11: Premieres and Launches
Several famous TV series and movies have premiered on December 30, adding glamour to the day. This includes the release of the movie "The Godfather Part III" in 1990.
Fact 12: Banking Beginnings
The United States' First National Bank opened on December 30 in 1816, leading to the foundation of the modern banking system in the country.
Fact 13: A Day for the Muses
In 1816, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin wedded on December 30. The couple contributed immensely to English literature.
Fact 14: Changes in Rule
On December 30, 1922, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was established, marking a substantial shift in global politics that lasted for decades.
Fact 15: Sad Goodbyes
The famous author of "1984" and "Animal Farm", George Orwell, passed away on December 30, 1950, leaving a permanent mark on the literary world with his powerful and potent works.
Fact 16: Trials of War
December 30,1947 saw the beginning of the trial of Japanese war criminals, connected with the infamous Unit 731 that conducted heinous medical experiments during World War II.
Fact 17: A Major Earthquake
On December 30, 1939, the Erzincan Earthquake occurred in Turkey. Measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale, it is one of the deadliest earthquakes ever recorded.
Fact 18: Significant Scientific Experiment
The first radio broadcast of atmospheric reentry was made by the Explorer VIII on December 30, 1960, giving valuable data for space exploration.
Fact 19: Breaking Billboard Records
On December 30, 1995, Mariah Carey’s "One Sweet Day" became the longest-running U.S. number-one song.
Fact 20: For the Love of Comics
The creator of the famous comic strip “Peanuts,” Charles M. Schulz, was born on December 30, 1922. This comic strip has left a lasting legacy and continues to bring joy to millions around the world.