What Happened on June 21?
June 21 is International Yoga Day and the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere — also the date Nellie Tayloe Ross made history as America's first woman governor in 1925, New Hampshire ratified the Constitution in 1788, and the UN declared International Yoga Day in 2015.
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1788 — New Hampshire ratifies the U.S. Constitution — making it law
On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution — the threshold needed for the new government to take effect. Read the full story →
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1925 — Nellie Tayloe Ross serves as America's first woman governor
In 1925, Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming became the first woman to serve as a state governor in U.S. history — breaking a barrier in American politics. Read the full story →
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1948 — Columbia Records introduces the long-playing vinyl LP
On June 21, 1948, Columbia Records unveiled the 33⅓ RPM long-playing album — letting listeners enjoy full symphonies and albums on one disc. Read the full story →
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1964 — Three civil rights workers disappear in Mississippi
On June 21, 1964, activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner vanished in Neshoba County, Mississippi, while registering Black voters — their murders shocked the nation. Read the full story →
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2004 — SpaceShipOne completes the first privately funded manned spaceflight
On June 21, 2004, pilot Mike Melvill flew SpaceShipOne above 100 kilometers — the first commercial spacecraft to carry a human into space. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Prince William (1982) · Chris Pratt (1979) · Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980) · Benazir Bhutto (1953–2007)
Days & observances
International Day of Yoga · Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere) · World Music Day (Fête de la Musique) · National Selfie Day