1. 1788 – U.S. Constitution Ratified by New Hampshire
On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, making it the law of the land. This pivotal moment marked the official formation of the United States under a new, stronger federal framework, replacing the weaker Articles of Confederation. The Constitution introduced the separation of powers, checks and balances, and a Bill of Rights that continues to shape American democracy.
Historical Significance: This ratification solidified the United States as a constitutional republic and laid the foundation for the country’s legal and political institutions.
Interesting Fact: New Hampshire’s ratification was a close vote—just 57 to 47—highlighting the fierce debate surrounding federal vs. state power.
2. 1948 – Columbia Records Introduces the LP (Long-Playing Record)
On June 21, 1948, Columbia Records unveiled the first successful long-playing record (LP), revolutionizing the music industry. Unlike the short-playing 78 RPM records, the new 33⅓ RPM LP allowed for 20 minutes of audio per side, making full-length albums feasible for the first time.
Historical Significance: The LP transformed how people consumed music and enabled the concept of an “album” as an artistic whole. It paved the way for the golden era of recorded music in the 1950s and beyond.
Interesting Fact: The first LP released was a recording of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, performed by Nathan Milstein.
3. 1964 – Freedom Summer Begins in Mississippi
On this day in 1964, the Freedom Summer campaign launched as civil rights activists from across the U.S.—many of them students—headed to Mississippi to register Black voters and challenge systemic racism. It was a bold push against Jim Crow laws and voter suppression.
Historical Significance: Freedom Summer was a major catalyst for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. It also exposed the deep resistance to racial equality in the South.
Interesting Fact: Just days after Freedom Summer began, three activists—James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner—were murdered, drawing national outrage.
4. 1982 – John Hinckley Jr. Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was found not guilty by reason of insanity on June 21, 1982. The verdict shocked the nation and sparked widespread debate about the use of the insanity defense in criminal trials.
Historical Significance: The verdict led to substantial changes in federal and state laws regarding the insanity plea, including a shift of the burden of proof to the defense.
Interesting Fact: Hinckley claimed he shot Reagan to impress actress Jodie Foster, with whom he had an obsession.
5. 2004 – SpaceShipOne Makes Historic Flight
On June 21, 2004, SpaceShipOne became the first privately funded human spaceflight to reach space, soaring to 100 km (62 miles) above Earth. Piloted by Mike Melvill, it was a milestone in commercial space exploration.
Historical Significance: This achievement marked the dawn of the private space industry and inspired the creation of companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin.
Interesting Fact: SpaceShipOne won the $10 million Ansari X Prize later that year for flying to space twice in two weeks.
