Balloons, Bugs, and Talking Machines!
Get ready for a wild ride through history! November 21st has seen some seriously cool moments, from the skies above Paris to the birth of sound recording. Imagine seeing a Frenchman float by in a giant bag of hot air—that happened today! We’re also celebrating a cartoon superstar’s first day on the job. Let’s see what other awesome stuff popped up on this date!
On this day, history took flight—literally! In 1783, people watched in amazement as the very first humans floated above the ground in a hot air balloon. Just a few years later, another big 'first' happened when a famous inventor showed off a machine that could record and play back a person's voice. It’s a day for amazing human ingenuity!
What Happened on This Day
First Free Flight in a Hot Air Balloon!
Imagine looking up and seeing people floating above the trees! In 1783, Jean-Francois Pilatre de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes made history by soaring over Paris in a giant hot-air balloon made by the Montgolfier brothers. Their flight lasted about 25 minutes and covered nearly six miles! It was a brand-new way to see the world, and even famous inventor Benjamin Franklin was there to watch the spectacle unfold.
Thomas Edison Invents the 'Talking Machine'
Say 'hello' to the phonograph! In 1877, the super-inventor Thomas Edison announced he had created a machine that could record sound and play it back. This was mind-blowing! Before this, sounds just vanished once they were made. Edison’s invention meant music, voices, and stories could be captured forever. It was the ancestor of all the record players and speakers we use today.
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The First 'Bloody Sunday' in Ireland
History can sometimes be very sad. In 1920, tensions were super high in Ireland. Members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) carried out coordinated attacks in Dublin against British agents in what became known as ‘Bloody Sunday.’ Fourteen people were killed in these early morning strikes. This terrible event became a dark moment in the long fight for Irish independence.
Tweety Bird Makes His Tiny Debut!
Guess what? A super famous cartoon character was born on this day! In 1941, the adorable, yellow canary we know as Tweety Bird first appeared in a Warner Bros. cartoon called *A Tale of Two Kitties*. At this point, he didn't look exactly like we know him, but the foundation for that famous, high-pitched 'I tawt I taw a puddy tat!' was set! What a way to start a career!
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Opens Its Giant Arms
Check out this mega-bridge! When the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge opened in New York City in 1964, it was the longest suspension bridge in the entire world—like a giant metal hug connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn! It held that title for a long time. Imagine driving across that massive span for the very first time—it must have felt like floating between two landmasses!
Learn moreFun Facts About November 21
- The first hot air balloon passengers in 1783 were a sheep, a duck, and a rooster!
- Edison's first words recorded on the phonograph were: 'Mary had a little lamb.'
- November 21st is also known as World Television Day and National Stuffing Day!
- North Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution and became the 12th state on this day in 1789.
A Look Back in Time
November 21st often lands right in the middle of autumn, signaling a shift toward winter in the Northern Hemisphere—a great time for cozy indoor events like celebrating the invention of recorded sound! In the mid-18th century, when the first balloon flew, people were excited by new ideas across the globe. In the 20th century, this date saw major political tension with events like 'Bloody Sunday' in Ireland, while in the US, massive infrastructure projects like the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge showed off American engineering power.
Born on This Day
Voltaire
This French writer and philosopher loved to fight for freedom of speech and religion! Voltaire wrote tons of plays, essays, and books, often making fun of unfair rulers. He believed in using logic and wit to challenge silly laws and became a huge voice for the Age of Enlightenment.
Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn is a super famous and funny actress! You might recognize her from classic movies like *Private Benjamin* or her great work in family films. She's known for her fantastic smile and energetic performances. She even won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress!
Troy Aikman
Troy Aikman was an amazing quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in American football! He led his team to win three Super Bowls—that’s like winning the ultimate championship trophy three times! After hanging up his helmet, he became a popular sports commentator.
Björk
Björk is a world-famous singer, songwriter, and artist from Iceland. She's known for her totally unique and often wild fashion and her incredible, powerful voice! Her music mixes electronic sounds with emotional lyrics, making her one of the most creative musicians ever.