What Happened on December 19?

December 19 is National Hard Candy Day — crunch a peppermint classic — on the same date Dickens published A Christmas Carol in 1843, Washington entered Valley Forge in 1777, and Apollo 17 splashed down in 1972.

• 1732 — Benjamin Franklin publishes the first Poor Richard's Almanack

  On December 19, 1732, Benjamin Franklin issued the first Poor Richard's Almanack — packed with weather tips, calendars, and witty sayings. Read the full story →

• 1776 — Thomas Paine publishes The American Crisis — 'These are the times that try men's souls'

  On December 19, 1776, Thomas Paine's pamphlet The American Crisis appeared, urging weary Patriots not to give up the Revolution. Read the full story →

• 1777 — Washington's army enters winter quarters at Valley Forge

  On December 19, 1777, George Washington led the Continental Army into Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, for a brutal winter encampment. Read the full story →

• 1843 — Charles Dickens publishes A Christmas Carol

  On December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens released A Christmas Carol — the ghostly tale that reshaped how people imagine Christmas kindness. Read the full story →

• 1972 — Apollo 17 splashes down — ending NASA's crewed Moon landings

  On December 19, 1972, Apollo 17's astronauts returned to Earth, closing the era of humans walking on the Moon — for now. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Édith Piaf (1915–1963) · Cicely Tyson (1924–2021) · Jake Gyllenhaal (1980) · Alyssa Milano (1972)

Days & observances

National Hard Candy Day · Look for an Evergreen Day · National Oatmeal Muffin Day · United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation