What Happened on June 21?

All

events

births

deaths

holidays

EVENTS ON JUNE 21

Explore the most important historical events that happened on June 21, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

American Civil War

Year: 1864

American Civil War: The Battle of Jerusalem Plank Road begins.

Capture of Guam

Year: 1898

The United States captures Guam from Spain. The few warning shots fired by the U.S. naval vessels are misinterpreted as salutes by the Spanish garrison, which was unaware that the two nations were at war.

Wallachian Revolution of 1848

Year: 1848

In the Wallachian Revolution, Ion Heliade Rădulescu and Christian Tell issue the Proclamation of Islaz and create a new republican government.

Maniots

Year: 1826

Maniots defeat Egyptians under Ibrahim Pasha in the Battle of Vergas.

Greek War of Independence

Year: 1824

Greek War of Independence: Egyptian forces capture Psara in the Aegean Sea.

Boxer Rebellion

Year: 1900

Boxer Rebellion: China formally declares war on the United States, Britain, Germany, France and Japan, as an edict issued from the Empress Dowager Cixi.

Supreme Court of the United States

Year: 1915

The U.S. Supreme Court hands down its decision in Guinn v. United States 238 US 347 1915, striking down Oklahoma grandfather clause legislation which had the effect of denying the right to vote to blacks.

Conscription

Year: 1930

One-year conscription comes into force in France.

BIRTHS ON JUNE 21

Discover famous people and historical figures born on June 21, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

Antonia Mesina

Year of birth: 1919

Antonia Mesina, Italian martyr and saint (died 1935)

Hans Gerschwiler

Year of birth: 1920

Hans Gerschwiler, Swiss figure skater (died 2017)

Jane Russell

Year of birth: 1921

Jane Russell, American actress and singer (died 2011)

Paolo Soleri

Year of birth: 1919

Paolo Soleri, Italian-American architect, designed the Cosanti (died 2013)

James Joll

Year of birth: 1918

James Joll, English historian, author, and academic (died 1994)

Josephine Webb

Year of birth: 1918

Josephine Webb, American engineer (died 2017)

Tibor Szele

Year of birth: 1918

Tibor Szele, Hungarian mathematician and academic (died 1955)

Eddie Lopat

Year of birth: 1918

Eddie Lopat, American baseball player, coach, and manager (died 1992)

DEATHS ON JUNE 21

Look back at notable individuals who passed away on June 21, and learn about their lasting influences on history.

Smedley Butler

Year of death: 1940

Smedley Butler, American general, Medal of Honor recipient (born 1881)

Édouard Vuillard

Year of death: 1940

Édouard Vuillard, French painter (born 1868)

Ville Kiviniemi

Year of death: 1951

Ville Kiviniemi, Finnish politician (born 1877)

Gustave Sandras

Year of death: 1951

Gustave Sandras, French gymnast (born 1872)

Charles Dillon Perrine

Year of death: 1951

Charles Dillon Perrine, American astronomer (born 1867)

Thorne Smith

Year of death: 1934

Thorne Smith, American author (born 1892)

Leonard Hobhouse

Year of death: 1929

Leonard Trelawny Hobhouse, English sociologist, journalist, and academic (born 1864)

Theophilus Holmes

Year of death: 1880

Theophilus H. Holmes, American general (born 1804)

HOLIDAYS ON JUNE 21

See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on June 21 around the world.

Go Skateboarding Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada)

Willkakuti

Solstice-related observances (see also June 20): Willkakuti, an Andean-Amazonic New Year (Aymara)

Fête de la Musique

Solstice-related observances (see also June 20): Fête de la Musique

Father's Day

Father's Day (Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Uganda, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates)

International Day of Yoga

International Yoga Day (international)

Engelmund of Velsen

Christian feast day: Engelmund of Velsen

Onesimos Nesib

Christian feast day: Onesimos Nesib (Lutheran)

June