Step back in time as we journey through the annals of history to explore the significant events that unfolded on December 26, in our blog “Major Historical Events on December 26 – Today in History”. From momentous battles and groundbreaking inventions to cultural milestones and iconic figures, this day has witnessed a tapestry of events that have shaped our world.
Major Historical Events on December 26 – Today in History
Johnny Weissmuller’s Retirement (1928)
Johnny Weissmuller, famous for his role as Tarzan, announced his retirement from amateur swimming in 1928.
FM Radio Patent for Edwin Howard Armstrong (1933)
In 1933, American engineer Edwin Howard Armstrong was granted an FM radio patent, contributing to radio technology.
Formation of Japan’s First Professional Baseball Team (1934)
Japan’s first professional baseball team, the Yomiuri Giants, was formed in 1934, marking a significant moment in Japanese sports history.
Release of “The Philadelphia Story” Film (1940)
“The Philadelphia Story,” a classic film starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart, was released in 1940, earning Academy Awards acclaim.
Founding of the Communist Party of India (1925)
The Communist Party of India was founded in 1925, playing a pivotal role in the country’s political landscape.
Ambrose Bierce’s Mysterious Disappearance (1913)
Ambrose Bierce, known for his mysterious disappearance, sent his last known communication in 1913, a letter to a close friend from Mexico.
Joseph Joffre Becomes Marshal of France (1916)
In 1916, Joseph Joffre became a Marshal of France, a significant honor for his contributions during World War I.
Judy Garland’s Show Business Debut (1924)
At the age of 2½, Frances Gumm, later known as Judy Garland, made her show business debut in 1924, setting the stage for her iconic career.
Battle of Dumfries in the US Civil War (1862)
The US Civil War saw the Battle of Dumfries begin in Virginia in 1862, a significant engagement in the conflict.
Largest Mass Execution in US History (1862)
The largest mass execution in US history occurred in 1862, with 38 Dakota men executed via hanging in Mankato, Minnesota, following the U.S.-Dakota War.
Exhibition of Wood-Pulp Paper in Buffalo (1854)
Wood-pulp paper was first exhibited in Buffalo in 1854, marking an advancement in papermaking technology.
Gold Seekers Arrive in Panama (1848)
In 1848, the first gold seekers arrived in Panama en route to San Francisco during the California Gold Rush.
George Washington Eulogized (1799)
George Washington was eulogized in 1799 by Colonel Henry Lee as “1st in war, 1st in peace & 1st in hearts of his countrymen.”
Battle of Geisberg (1793)
The Battle of Geisberg in 1793 resulted in a French victory over Austrian forces during the French Revolutionary Wars.
Battle of Trenton in the American Revolutionary War (1776)
The pivotal Battle of Trenton took place in 1776 during the American Revolutionary War when George Washington led US troops to defeat Hessians in New Jersey.
Expulsion of Tea Ships from Philadelphia (1773)
The expulsion of tea ships from Philadelphia in 1773 was a precursor to the Boston Tea Party, highlighting colonial resistance to British taxation.
Treaty Between France and Austria (1748)
A treaty between France and Austria regarding the Southern Netherlands was signed in 1748, impacting European geopolitics.
Death of Saint Dionysius, Roman Pope (268)
Saint Dionysius, Roman Pope from 259 to 260, passed away in 268, marking a significant event in church history.
First Performance of “King Lear” by William Shakespeare (1606)
William Shakespeare’s tragedy “King Lear” was first performed before King James I at Whitehall, London, in 1606.
Battle at Westbroek (1481)
The Battle at Westbroek in 1481 resulted in a Dutch army victory over Utrecht during the Hook and Cod Wars.
Uprising of Moriscos in Granada (1568)
The uprising of Moriscos against suppression in Granada occurred in 1568, reflecting religious and social tensions in Spain.
Founding of the First Spanish Settlement in the New World (1492)
Christopher Columbus founded the first Spanish settlement, La Navidad, in the New World in 1492, in what is now Haiti.
Winston Churchill Addresses US Congress (1941)
Winston Churchill delivered a historic address to the US Congress in 1941, warning of the Axis powers’ relentless pursuit of dominance.
Sinking of the German Battle Cruiser Scharnhorst (1943)
The sinking of the German battle cruiser Scharnhorst in 1943 marked a crucial naval victory during World War II.
The Last Airing of “The Shadow” on Radio (1954)
“The Shadow,” a beloved radio show, aired for the last time in 1954, ending an era of suspenseful storytelling.
Opening of the World’s Longest High-Speed Rail Route (2012)
China opened the world’s longest high-speed rail route in 2012, connecting Beijing and Guangzhou, showcasing its infrastructure prowess.
Floods Displace Thousands in South America (2015)
In 2015, devastating floods in South America displaced thousands and were attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Colin O’Brady’s Solo Antarctic Crossing (2018)
Adventurer Colin O’Brady accomplished a solo and unassisted crossing of Antarctica in 2018, demonstrating human endurance.
Teddy Sheringham’s Record-Breaking Goal (2006)
Teddy Sheringham’s goal in 2006 made him the oldest goalscorer in the history of the English Premier League (EPL).
Devastating Tsunami Strikes Indian Ocean (2004)
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a massive earthquake, resulted in widespread devastation and loss of life.
Tragic Death of JonBenét Ramsey (1996)
The tragic death of six-year-old beauty queen JonBenét Ramsey in 1996 remains an unsolved mystery that garnered extensive attention.
Antonov-26 Crash in Armenia (1993)
The Antonov-26 plane crash in Armenia in 1993 claimed the lives of 36 individuals, marking a tragic aviation accident.
Anti-African Student Rebellion in China (1988)
An anti-African student rebellion erupted in Nanjing, China, in 1988, reflecting social tensions and discrimination.
End of “Search for Tomorrow” TV Soap (1986)
The long-running TV soap “Search for Tomorrow” concluded its 35-year run in 1986, marking the end of an era in television.
Founding of the Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist) (1976)
The Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist) was founded in 1976, shaping the country’s political landscape.
Indira Gandhi’s Release from Jail (1978)
India’s former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, was released from jail in 1978, marking a significant political development.
Premiere of “The Exorcist” Horror Film (1973)
“The Exorcist,” a landmark horror film based on William Peter Blatty’s book and screenplay, premiered in 1973, earning critical acclaim.
Captured Iraqi Airways Boeing-737 Incident (1986)
A captured Iraqi Airways Boeing-737 incident in Saudi Arabia in 1986 resulted in casualties and international attention.
TIME’s Man of the Year: The Computer (1982)
TIME Magazine’s 1982 “Man of the Year” was a computer, highlighting the digital age’s influence on society.
Moors Murderers Claim Their Last Victim (1964)
The Moors Murderers, Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, claimed their last victim in 1964, ending a horrifying crime spree.
Skylab 3 Astronauts Walk in Space (1973)
The Skylab 3 astronauts made history in 1973 by walking in space for a record-setting 7 hours during their mission.
Soviet Army Surrounds Budapest (1944)
Budapest was surrounded by the Soviet army in 1944 during World War II, leading to a significant turning point in the conflict.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on December 25 – Today in History
