Fact 1: The Walnut Street Bridge Connection
Constructed and opened to the public on May 31, 1890, the Walnut Street Bridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee, represents a notable historic landmark. As one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges, it stretches over 2,376 feet, offering views of the Tennessee River. The bridge is renowned for its importance to the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era.
Fact 2: Establishment of The Union of South Africa
On May 31, 1910, the Union of South Africa was founded. This significant date marked the unification of four previously separate British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange River Colony. Thus, May 31 is a significant date in South African history.
Fact 3: "Big Ben" Anniversary
The iconic British landmark, Big Ben, started to keep time on May 31, 1859. This was the first day the famous clock started tracking time, paving the way for it to become the symbolic heart of Britain and arguably the most recognized clock worldwide.
Fact 4: The First US Copyright Law
The U.S. Copyright Act, signed into law by President George Washington on May 31, 1790, was the first federal copyright statute in the United States. This law early established the legislators' commitment to intellectual property protection.
Fact 5: Creation of The World Health Organization's Tobacco Free Initiative
May 31 is recognized as World No Tobacco Day, created by the World Health Organization to highlight the health risks related to tobacco use. The Tobacco Free Initiative was formally launched on May 31, 1998.
Fact 6: The Birth of Walt Whitman
American poet, essayist, and journalist Walt Whitman, known for his poetry collection "Leaves of Grass," was born on May 31, 1819. He radically reshaped American verse, opening up new directions for future poets.
Fact 7: The First Flight Over Mount Everest
On May 31, 1933, the first flight over Mount Everest was accomplished by a British expedition, known as the Houston-Mount Everest Flight Expedition. They took off from Lalbalu, India, making history and expanding the possibilities in the aviation world.
Fact 8: Birth of Lord Frederick Stanley
Born on May 31,1892, Lord Stanley is remembered for having donated the Stanley Cup, the oldest professional sports trophy in North America. Initially, it was given to Canada's top-ranking amateur ice hockey club; later it was awarded to the playoff winner of the National Hockey League.
Fact 9: The Release of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
The legendary album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" by The Beatles was released to the public in the United Kingdom on May 31, 1967. It's often cited as one of the greatest albums in the history of rock music.
Fact 10: Mary Poppins Steps In
The well-loved story, "Mary Poppins," was first published on May 31, 1934. Written by P.L. Travers, the book introduced the world to the practically perfect nanny with captivating magical abilities.
Fact 11: Clint Eastwood's Birthday
Legendary actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood was born on May 31, 1930. Known for his roles in classic westerns like "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly," Eastwood has cemented his place in Hollywood history.
Fact 12: "Don't make a federal case out of it"
The Supreme Court convened for the first time on May 31, 1790. Interestingly, there were no cases to hear, so the inaugural session lasted just 10 days. The first actual Supreme Court decision wouldn't come until August 3, 1791.
Fact 13: The Birth of John Bonham
One of the greatest drummers in rock history, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, was born on May 31, 1948. His powerful and unique drumming style significantly influenced the rock music genre.
Fact 14: The Night of San Lorenzo
According to the Catholic calendar, May 31 is the eve of the feast day of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint. Celebrated with a procession known as the March of Saints, this is an important date in Filipino religious culture.
Fact 15: Three Mile Island Incident
The Three Mile Island Unit 2 reactor, near Middletown, Pennsylvania, partially melted down on March 28, 1979, leading to radioactivity releasing into the environment. The cleanup process was officially completed by May 31, 1993, after 14 years.
Fact 16: The Longest Solar Eclipse
The longest annular solar eclipse of the millennium occurred on May 31, 2003. An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon covers the Sun's center, leaving the Sun's visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire.”
Fact 17: American-Jewish Historical Society
The American Jewish Historical Society was founded on May 31, 1892. This organization aims to foster awareness and appreciation of the American Jewish heritage, acting as a communal repository for more than two centuries of Jewish life in America.
Fact 18: Creation of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, universally recognized by their trademark red serge, was created on May 31, 1873. They serve as the federal and national law enforcement agency of Canada.
Fact 19: The First Electric Traffic Signal
On May 31, 1937, the world's first electric traffic signal was put into place on the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 105th Street in Cleveland, Ohio. This simple invention revolutionized road safety and traffic control.
Fact 20: Death of Jack Dempsey
Famed American professional boxer, Jack Dempsey, passed away on May 31, 1983. Considered as one of the greatest boxers of the 20th century, Dempsey held the World Heavyweight Championship from 1919 to 1926.