Explorers, Juries, and The Moon's Last Visitors!
December 13th is a day packed with action! From brave sailors setting off on epic voyages to the very last humans to set foot on the Moon, this date is full of historical firsts and big moments. Get ready to jump aboard our time-traveling ship to see what unfolded!
Did you know that on this day, the colonists in America decided on a system of justice we still use—the jury trial? Compare that to explorers setting sail to see the whole world, or astronauts wrapping up their final trip to the Moon. History on this day is all about setting precedents and reaching new frontiers!
What Happened on This Day
Sir Francis Drake Starts His World Voyage
Imagine sailing off the edge of your map! In 1577, the famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake left Plymouth, England, on a grand adventure. His mission? To sail around the entire globe. Drake was chasing treasure and fame, and his ship, the Golden Hind, managed to complete the incredible journey, making him the second captain ever to circumnavigate the Earth. Talk about a long commute!
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First Jury Trial in the American Colonies
Forget asking just one judge! Back in 1623, settlers at Plymouth Colony decided they wanted a fairer way to settle disagreements. They established the system of a trial by a 12-man jury. This meant a group of regular citizens would listen to the evidence, not just one official. It was a huge step toward the way legal systems work in many places today. That’s a big deal for justice!
The Birth of the National Guard
If you think your school sports team is old, check this out! In 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized three militia regiments to protect themselves. These groups of citizen-soldiers were created for defense. This event is what many consider the official birthday of the National Guard of the United States—a group that’s been around for centuries, ready to help out when needed.
Abel Tasman Spots New Zealand
Way across the world from Europe, a Dutch explorer named Abel Tasman was sailing the Pacific Ocean. On this day, he spotted the South Island of what is now New Zealand. He named it Staten Landt, thinking it was part of a southern continent. Tasman was the very first European known to see this amazing land, opening the door for future exploration of the islands. What an incredible view that must have been!
The Last Steps on the Moon
Only 12 people have ever walked on the Moon, and the last two were Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt of the Apollo 17 mission! On December 13, 1972, they took their final moonwalk before heading back to their lunar module. They spent over seven hours collecting rocks and driving the lunar rover. Since then, no human has visited the Moon—making this day a reminder of one of humanity’s greatest achievements!
Learn moreFun Facts About December 13
- Sir Francis Drake was technically a privateer—a state-sponsored pirate!
- The jury system helps ensure that people are judged by their peers.
- The National Guard still exists and helps out both at home and abroad.
- The Apollo 17 mission left behind a plaque that reads: 'Here Man Completed His First Explorations of the Moon, December 1972 A.D. May Peace Prevail For All Mankind.'
A Look Back in Time
December 13th often falls right in the middle of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, which perhaps explains why some events involved staying indoors (like early court proceedings) or massive journeys to warmer, unknown lands! The 16th and 17th centuries saw massive leaps in exploration as sailors like Drake pushed boundaries, while the 20th century marked a peak in science with the final human visit to the Moon. The mix of old laws being set in America and incredible space travel shows how much history can happen on one date.
Born on This Day
Dick Van Dyke
Get ready to snap your fingers! Dick Van Dyke is a legendary American actor, comedian, and dancer famous for his work in movies like *Mary Poppins* and *Chitty Chitty Bang Bang*, plus *The Dick Van Dyke Show*. He’s won tons of awards and is known for his amazing, cheerful energy on screen!
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Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is one of the most famous singer-songwriters in the world! She started writing songs about her life when she was very young and became a huge star in country music before crossing over to pop. She has written countless chart-topping hits and is known for telling great stories in her music.
Mary Todd Lincoln
Mary Todd Lincoln was the wife of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, making her the First Lady during the American Civil War. She lived through a very difficult time in American history and was known for her strong personality and dedication to her family.
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Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx is a true multi-talented superstar! He is an amazing actor (winning an Oscar for playing Ray Charles), a Grammy-winning musician, a comedian, and a TV host. He truly excels in just about every creative field he tries!