What Happened on May 22?

May 22 is International Day for Biological Diversity — and the date the SS Savannah began the first steam-powered transatlantic crossing in 1819, SpaceX's Dragon docked with the ISS in 2012, and the Great Steel Strike began in 1919.

• 1819 — The SS Savannah departs on the first steam-powered transatlantic voyage

  The hybrid sailing ship SS Savannah left Savannah, Georgia, on May 22, 1819 — becoming the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Read the full story →

• 1906 — The Wright brothers receive a fundamental patent for their flying machine

  On May 22, 1906, the U.S. Patent Office granted Orville and Wilbur Wright Patent No. 821,393 for a 'Flying-Machine' — covering their breakthrough three-axis control system. Read the full story →

• 1919 — The Great Steel Strike begins across the United States

  On May 22, 1919, tens of thousands of steelworkers walked off the job demanding an eight-hour day, better pay, and union recognition. Read the full story →

• 1960 — The strongest earthquake ever recorded strikes Chile

  A magnitude 9.5 earthquake hit southern Chile on May 22, 1960 — the most powerful quake ever instrumentally measured, triggering tsunamis across the Pacific. Read the full story →

• 1964 — President Johnson delivers 'Great Society' speech at the University of Michigan

  Speaking in Ann Arbor on May 22, 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson outlined his 'Great Society' vision — ambitious programs to fight poverty, improve education, and protect the environment. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) · Laurence Olivier (1907–1989) · Naomi Campbell (1970) · Ginnifer Goodwin (1978)

Days & observances

International Day for Biological Diversity · National Maritime Day · National Buy a Musical Instrument Day · World Goth Day