What Happened on December 3?

December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities — a United Nations call for inclusion — on the same date doctors performed the first human heart transplant in 1967, Illinois joined the Union in 1818, and the first SMS text said “Merry Christmas” in 1992.

• 1818 — Illinois becomes the 21st U.S. state

  On December 3, 1818, Illinois entered the Union as the twenty-first state — the Land of Lincoln’s official beginning. Read the full story →

• 1847 — Frederick Douglass publishes the first issue of The North Star

  On December 3, 1847, abolitionist Frederick Douglass launched The North Star, an antislavery newspaper named for the guiding star of freedom seekers. Read the full story →

• 1910 — Georges Claude publicly demonstrates neon lighting

  On December 3, 1910, French engineer Georges Claude dazzled Paris with glowing neon tubes — inventing the look of modern city signs. Read the full story →

• 1927 — Laurel and Hardy’s Putting Pants on Philip is released

  On December 3, 1927, the comedy short Putting Pants on Philip helped launch Laurel and Hardy as a beloved film duo. Read the full story →

• 1967 — Christiaan Barnard performs the first human heart transplant

  On December 3, 1967, in Cape Town, South Africa, Dr. Christiaan Barnard transplanted a human heart into Louis Washkansky — a world first. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Julianne Moore (1960) · Brendan Fraser (1968) · Ozzy Osbourne (1948–2025) · Amanda Seyfried (1985)

Days & observances

International Day of Persons with Disabilities · National Roof Over Your Head Day · Make a Gift Day · Illinois Admission Day