Fact 1: The Day That Changed Aviation Forever
On May 22, 1906, the Wright Brothers received patent US821393A for their "Flying Machine." This patent helped to seal their place in history as pioneers of aviation. Ironically, this historic day occurred almost three years after their first successful powered flight in December 1903.
Fact 2: The Founder of Modern Turkey Was Born
On May 22, 1881, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who is regarded as the founder of the Republic of Turkey, was born. Known for his progressive policies and modernization reforms, Atatürk's birth anniversary is remembered as National Youth and Sports Day in Turkey.
Fact 3: The Great Emigration Commenced
On this day in 1843, the first major wagon train heading for the Pacific Northwest set out on the Oregon Trail with one thousand pioneers from Elm Grove, Missouri.
Fact 4: The Day The First Atlas Was Published
The world's first atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, was published by Abraham Ortelius on May 22, 1570. This historical collection of maps is still valued by historians and cartographers.
Fact 5: A Masterpiece Was Stolen
Francisco Goya's iconic painting "The Portrait of the Duke of Wellington" was stolen from the National Gallery in London on May 22, 1961. The painting was eventually recovered.
Fact 6: A Timeless Classic Was Published
On May 22, 1859, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the legendary fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, was born. He published the first Sherlock Holmes story, "A Study in Scarlet," in 1887.
Fact 7: A Legendary Footballer Was Born
Arguably one of the best footballers of the 21st century, Brazilian striker Kaka, was born on May 22, 1982. He was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007.
Fact 8: The Day NHL Established a Milestone
The National Hockey League (NHL) played the first indoor ice hockey game in the United States on May 22, 1920. This day marked a turning point in the sport's history and the popularity of ice hockey in the US.
Fact 9: The Day That Changed the Course of the Vietnam War
On May 22, 1969, the Nixon Doctrine was announced. This policy played a significant role in 'Vietnamization,' where the war burden was transferred from the US to South Vietnam.
Fact 10: A Great Explorer Was Born
Noted Norwegian explorer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Fridtjof Nansen, was born on May 22, 1861. He is best known for his explorations of the Arctic and his efforts in humanitarian relief work.
Fact 11: A Historic Day in Baseball
On May 22, 1963, Mickey Mantle hit a ball off the façade of Yankee Stadium, allegedly the closest anyone has come to hitting a fair ball out of the stadium.
Fact 12: The Day Film Production Went East
On May 22, 1912, the first feature-length film made in Hollywood, "The Squaw Man," was completed. Cecil B. DeMille and Jesse Lasky created the film, helping to establish Hollywood as the center of the American film industry.
Fact 13: A Titanic Milestone
The White Star liner 'S.S. Nomadic', the last surviving ship of the White Star Line — the shipping company known for the ill-fated Titanic, was launched on May 22, 1911.
Fact 14: A Day of Firsts in Radio
On May 22, 1979, the first compact disc (CD) manufacturing plant was opened in Germany. This marked a decade-long transition from traditional LPs to CDs for consumer music consumption.
Fact 15: The Birth of the Oldest School in America
On this day in 1639, the oldest elementary school in America, "Mather School," was founded in Boston, Massachusetts.
Fact 16: A Present-day Apocalypse
Lars von Trier's apocalyptic drama "Melancholia" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2010. The film earned Kirsten Dunst a Best Actress award at the festival.
Fact 17: The Day of Cars
The first car production plant in Asia, Toyota Motor Corporation, was established on this day in 1935.
Fact 18: The Day of Tennis Greatness
On May 22, 1987, tennis legend Novak Djokovic was born. Over his career, the Serbian player has held the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings for over 300 weeks.
Fact 19: A Significant Day in Literature
On May 22, 1813, German author and playwright Richard Wagner was born. Wagner's compositions, particularly his operas, are still performed worldwide.
Fact 20: The Day An Era Ended
On May 22, 1843, the first wagon train, with 1,000 pioneers, departed from Missouri for the Oregon Territory, marking the end of the era of the American fur trade.