Fact 1: Famous People Born on December 1st
Many famous people share December 1st as their birthday, from actors to musicians to athletes. Some of the notable names include actress Sarah Silverman, singer-songwriter Bette Midler, and former professional golfer, Lee Trevino.
Fact 2: The First Signs of AIDS were Reported on December 1st
On December 1st, 1981, the first signs of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) were reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It wasn't until two years later that the virus responsible for the disease, HIV, was identified.
Fact 3: First Human Heart Transplant
On December first, 1967, the first human heart transplant was successfully performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa. The patient, Louis Washkansky, lived for only 18 days following the procedure, but the event marked a significant advancement in the medical world.
Fact 4: World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is held annually on December 1st. Launched in 1988, the day aims to unite people globally to show support and solidarity for people living with HIV, bringing attention to the AIDS pandemic.
Fact 5: Rosa Parks Day
December 1st is also celebrated as Rosa Parks Day, marking the date in 1955 when Rosa Parks, an African American woman, refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, to a white person. This act of defiance was an important catalyst in the Civil Rights Movement.
Fact 6: Sir James Cook's Endeavor Discovered Antarctica
Sir James Cook's second voyage of discovery on the Endeavor, resulted in the discovery of Antarctica on December 1, 1840. Cook and his crew were the first people known to have crossed the Antarctic Circle.
Fact 7: Nepal National Day
December 1st marks the national day of Nepal, commemorating the country's inception on this day in 1918. The landlocked country in South Asia with a diverse range of customs and traditions, celebrates the day with processions, cultural shows, and festivities.
Fact 8: The Creation of Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park was officially established by U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant on December 1, 1872, making it the first national park in the U.S. and widely believed to be the first national park in the world.
Fact 9: Iceland Became a Sovereign State
On December 1, 1918, Iceland became a fully sovereign state under a personal union with Denmark, a significant step towards complete independence, which was achieved on June 17, 1944.
Fact 10: The Opening of Aleutian Islands World War II National Monument
The Aleutian Islands World War II National Monument in Alaska was officially established on December 1, 2019, to commemorate and preserve the historic sites from the Aleutian campaign in World War II.
Fact 11: The Birth of Ford’s Model T
December 1, 1913, saw Ford’s first assembly line start rolling, thus heralding the birth of mass production of the Model T—also known as the 'Tin Lizzie'.
Fact 12: Papal Inauguration of Pope Julius II
On December 1, 1503, Pope Julius II, also known as the "Warrior Pope", was inaugurated. His papacy was marked by artistic and architectural achievements, such as the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica.
Fact 13: The Introduction of Bingo in the UK
On December 1, 1961, commercial bingo with cash prizes was introduced in the UK. This marked a significant leap in the popularity of the game in the country.
Fact 14: Haiti's Flag was Adopted
On December 1, 1803, Haiti, a Caribbean nation, officially adopted its flag. The flag consists of two horizontal bands of red and blue and represents the union of the black and mulatto populations of the country.
Fact 15: The First Serialized Story Published in a Newspaper
On December 1, 1869, the first serialized story was published in a newspaper - The New York Ledger, marking the beginning of serialized storytelling in print media.
Fact 16: The Start of Meteorological Winter
Meteorological winter, used by meteorologists for consistent seasonal analysis, begins on December 1.
Fact 17: Portugal’s Restoration Independence Day
On December 1, Portugal celebrates Restoration Independence Day, marking the country's independence from Spain in 1640.
Fact 18: The Launch of Jan Heweliusz’s Star Catalogue
On December 1, 1690, Jan Heweliusz, a Polish astronomer, published his star catalogue. The catalogue, a part of the book "Prodromus Astronomiae", contained his observations of 1,564 stars.
Fact 19: Bayer Obtained a Patent for Aspirin
On December 1, 1899, German company Bayer received a U.S. patent for aspirin, marking a significant advancement in the production and sale of the medication.
Fact 20: The Formation of the Military Order of Malta
On December 1, 1135, the Military Order of Malta (also known as the Knights of Malta), an international relief and welfare organization, was formed. It continues to provide humanitarian aid worldwide and is one of the oldest surviving chivalric orders.