June 21 in History: The Constitution Takes Effect, the Ferris Wheel Debuts, and the WNBA Launches

Scott Winters June 21, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on June 21 in history, featuring milestones in American government, innovation, sports, entertainment, space exploration, and memorable events connected to Michigan history.

What Happened on June 21 in History?

Important events on this day include the U.S. Constitution officially taking effect, the debut of the Ferris Wheel at the Chicago World’s Fair, the launch of the WNBA, and SpaceShipOne becoming the first privately developed aircraft to reach space.

JUNE 21 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1788 – The U.S. Constitution went into effect when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it.

1834 – Cyrus McCormick patented the first practical mechanical reaper for farming. His invention allowed farmers to more than double their crop size.

1859 – Andrew Lanergan received the first rocket patent.

1893 – The Ferris Wheel was introduced at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, IL.

1913 – Georgia Broadwick became the first woman to jump from an airplane.

1938 – In Washington, DC, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the $3.75 billion Emergency Relief Appropriation Act.

1939 – Lou Gehrig quit baseball due to illness.

1940 – Richard M. Nixon and Thelma Catherine ‘Pat’ Ryan were married in Riverside, CA.

1942 – Ben Hogan recorded the lowest score (at that time) in a major golf tournament. Hogan shot a 271 for 72 holes in Chicago, IL.

1945 – Pan Am announced an 88-hour round-the-world flight at a cost of $700.

1946 – Bill Veeck Jr., whose father once owned the Chicago Cubs, purchased the Cleveland Indians for $2.2 million.

1948 – Dr. Peter Goldmark of Columbia Records introduced the 33 1/3 rpm long play record at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, NY.

1948 – The First Bill Knapp’s Restaurant Opened in Battle Creek, MI.

1954 – The American Cancer Society reported significantly higher death rates among cigarette smokers than among non-smokers.

1954 – Australian John Landy ran the mile in 3:58. He was the second person to achieve the feat.

1958 – In Arkansas, a federal judge let Little Rock delay school integration.

1963 – Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini was elected as Pope Paul VI.

1963 – In St. Louis, MO, Bob Hayes set a record when he ran the 100-yard dash in 0:09.1.

1964 – Jim Bunning, of the Philadelphia Phillies, pitched the National League’s first perfect game in 84 years, topping the Mets 6-0 on Father’s Day.

1970 – The James C. Veen Observatory, on Kissing Rock Road in Lowell, MI, was dedicated.

1970 – Tony Jacklin became the second British golfer in 50 years to win the U.S. Open golf tournament.

1972 – Pinball machines were legalized in liquor establishments in Michigan.

1973 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states may ban materials found to be obscene according to local standards.

1974 – The U.S. Supreme Court decided that pregnant teachers could no longer be forced to take long leaves of absence.

1977 – Former President Richard Nixon aide H.R. Haldeman entered prison.

1982 – John Hinckley Jr. was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan.

1989 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that burning the American flag as a form of political protest was protected by the First Amendment.

1990 – Little Richard received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

1996 – The Disney animated film “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” debuted in theaters.

1997 – The WNBA made its debut as the New York Liberty defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 67-57.

2002 – The Disney animated feature “Lilo and Stitch” opened in theaters nationwide.

2002 – The movie “Minority Report”, starring Tom Cruise and directed by Steven Spielberg, debuted in theaters.

2003 – The fifth Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” was published by J.K. Rowling. Amazon.com shipped out more than one million copies making the day the largest distribution day of a single item in e-commerce history. The book set sales records around the world with an estimated 5 million copies sold on the first day.

2004 – Ben Affleck became the California State Poker champion, winning $356,000 by beating a pro named Stan Goldstein in a round of no-limit hold ’em.

2004 – SpaceShipOne, designed by Burt Rutan and piloted by Mike Melvill, reached 328,491 feet above Earth in a 90 minute flight. The height is about 400 feet above the distance scientists consider to be the boundary of space. Michael Melvil became the first person to do so in a privately developed aircraft.

2006 – Pluto’s newly discovered moons were officially named Nix and Hydra.

2013 – The U.S. charged Edward Snowden with espionage, theft of government property, unauthorized communication of national defense information and willful communication of classified communications intelligence.

2018 – In Grand Rapids, MI, the yearly ArtPrize competition announced that after their 10 year anniversary, the yearly event would become an every other year event. On the “off” years, they will hold public art projects that will take place from September through October at different places around the city, and include education and cultural programming that is free and open to the public.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JUNE 21:

Bernie Kopell – 93 years old (1933) – Actor and comedian

John W. Dower – 88 years old (1938) – Historian and author

Mariette Hartley – 86 years old (1940) – Actress and television personality

Marjorie Margolies – 84 years old (1942) – Journalist and politician

Brenda Holloway – 80 years old (1946) – Singer-songwriter

Meredith Baxter – 79 years old (1947) – Actress

Michael Gross – 79 years old (1947) – Actor

Wade Phillips – 79 years old (1947) – Football coach

Joey Kramer – 76 years old (1950) – Rock drummer and songwriter

Jim Douglas – 75 years old (1951) – Academic and politician, 80th Governor of Vermont

Nils Lofgren – 75 years old (1951) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Ginny Ruffner – 74 years old (1952) – Artist

Mark Kimmitt – 72 years old (1954) – General and politician, 16th Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

Rick Sutcliffe – 70 years old (1956) – Baseball player and broadcaster

Berkeley Breathed – 69 years old (1957) – Author and illustrator

Tom Chambers – 67 years old (1959) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Marcella Detroit – 67 years old (1959) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Kathy Mattea – 67 years old (1959) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Kate Brown – 66 years old (1960) – Politician, 38th Governor of Oregon

Kip Winger – 65 years old (1961) – Rock singer-songwriter and musician

Mike Sherrard – 63 years old (1963) – Football player

Doug Savant – 62 years old (1964) – Actor

Lana Wachowski – 61 years old (1965) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Gretchen Carlson – 60 years old (1966) – Model and TV journalist, Miss America 1989

Jim Breuer – 59 years old (1967) – Comedian, actor, and producer

Derrick Coleman – 59 years old (1967) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Pierre Omidyar – 59 years old (1967) – French-American businessman, founded eBay

Carrie Preston – 59 years old (1967) – Actress, director, and producer

Eric Reed – 56 years old (1970) – Pianist and composer

Tyronne Drakeford – 55 years old (1971) – Football player

Juliette Lewis – 53 years old (1973) – Actress and singer-songwriter

Rob Kelly – 52 years old (1974) – Football player

Brian Simmons – 51 years old (1975) – Football player

Mike Einziger – 50 years old (1976) – Guitarist and songwriter

Al Wilson – 49 years old (1977) – Football player

Matt Kuchar – 48 years old (1978) – Golfer

Chris Pratt – 47 years old (1979) – Actor

Richard Jefferson – 46 years old (1980) – Basketball player

Garrett Jones – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player

Brandon Flowers – 45 years old (1981) – Singer-songwriter

Brad Walker – 45 years old (1981) – Pole vaulter

Jussie Smollett – 44 years old (1982) – Actor and singer

Edward Snowden – 43 years old (1983) – Activist and academic

Kris Allen – 41 years old (1985) – Musician, singer and songwriter

Lana Del Rey – 41 years old (1985) – Singer-songwriter

Allyssa DeHaan – 38 years old (1988) – Basketball and volleyball player

Alejandro Ramírez – 38 years old (1988) – Chess player

Thaddeus Young – 38 years old (1988) – Basketball player

MAX – 34 years old (1992) – Singer, songwriter, actor, dancer and model

Hungrybox – 33 years old (1993) – Argentine-American esports player

Scottie Scheffler – 30 years old (1996) – Golfer

Rebecca Black – 29 years old (1997) – Singer-songwriter

Derrius Guice – 29 years old (1997) – Football player

Isabel Atkin – 28 years old (1998) – British-American freestyle skier

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JUNE 21:

World Music Day: From Beethoven to Taylor Swift, there’s music for everyone. Revisit your old favorites or discover new artists from different cultures on World Music Day.
National Peaches ‘N’ Cream Day: Incredibly simple but oh so delicious, the combination of peaches and cream is sure to delight your friends and family, not to mention your own taste buds.
International Yoga Day: Yoga benefits both your mental and physical health, and can be done just about anywhere. Sign up for a class, or perhaps find a Youtube tutorial to get started.
Go Skateboarding Day: In addition to looking incredibly cool, skateboarding is great for your health and a fun social outlet. Go out and practice your kick flip until you can nail it.
National Turkey Lovers’ Day: No need to wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy a delicious turkey. This is your chance to do up a bird in the oven, gather your friends and family, and dig in.
National Cookie Dough Day: Unbaked delight with a mix of sweetness and texture, a culinary temptation awaiting the oven's transformative touch.
National Smoothie Day: A delicious and refreshing drink that's perfect for any time of day, packed with nutrients and flavor — it's the ultimate healthy indulgence!
National Selfie Day: Get out your phone or camera and start snapping selfies. Post your favorites, and let yourself feel comfortable in your own skin and proud of your photos.
Wagyu Day: With its tender texture, this premium beef creates a melt-in-your-mouth sensation, leaving taste buds in a state of pure delight.
National Yard Games Day: Engage in spontaneous outdoor fun, enjoying lively activities that bring joy and laughter to moments shared with friends.
National Arizona Day: Arizona has a way of pulling people in with its wide-open deserts, towering red rocks, and famously bright skies. National Arizona Day is all about soaking in that magic, whether the celebration happens through travel, storytelling, or simply paying closer attention to what makes the state so distinct. It’s a...
World Humanist Day: Consider your own agency and actions as a human, and how you might benefit yourself and others by striving to do good, be kind, and participate in society.
National Energy Shopping Day: National Energy Shopping Day is a practical nudge to look at a monthly expense that often runs on autopilot. Energy arrives with the flip of a switch, so it is easy to assume the plan behind it is fixed, too. In many places, it is not. This day spotlights the...
World Giraffe Day: Donate to help preserve the strange, long-necked majestic creatures known as giraffes. Visit a preserve, and see if you can meet one in person.
World Motorcycle Day: Rev your engines and get ready to feel the wind rushing in your face. Get out on the road and experience the freedom of open air on World Motorcycle Day.
Suffolk Day: Nestled in picturesque landscapes, this vibrant county charms with its breathtaking countryside and fascinating history.
National Dachshund Day: Celebrating the charm and tenacity of those lovable, elongated canine companions, adding joy and laughter to everyday moments.
National Flexible Working Day: Embracing adaptable schedules, fostering productivity and work-life balance, amplifying efficiency and satisfaction in professional endeavors.
National Seashell Day: Listen to the ocean's memory with these treasures from the shore! Whether on display or as a craft, seashells are always charming.
World Lambrusco Day: World Lambrusco Day is a fun and bubbly celebration of Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine from northern Italy. It’s not just about sipping wine—it’s about enjoying the bold, fruity flavors that make Lambrusco stand out. The wine is lively, full of character, and easy to love. On this day, people raise...
National Daylight Appreciation Day: On the longest day of the year, appreciate all the benefits of daylight. From mood boosts and Vitamin D to more time for outdoor activities, sunlight is our friend.
Father’s Day: Father's Day is all about showing dads how much they mean to us. It's a chance to celebrate everything they do—whether it's offering advice, sharing laughs, or just being there when we need them. Dads often work behind the scenes, and this day gives us a reason to shine a...
Shades for Migraine: Shades for Migraine is a global awareness campaign that invites people to wear sunglasses in public, showing solidarity with those who face severe light sensitivity during migraine episodes. That day encourages friends, family, and colleagues to rally around sufferers. It builds bridges when people share their stories in posts or...
International Vanlife Cooking Day: Creative culinary adventures unfold in compact mobile kitchens, turning camper van travels into delicious gastronomic journeys.
National Day of the Gong: National Day of the Gong begins with a single strike that fills the air with deep, rolling echoes. A gong isn’t just an instrument—it’s a force that vibrates through your chest, quieting the noise in your head. Whether in meditation, music, or ceremony, its sound carries power, drawing people into...
World Hydrography Day: World Hydrography Day brings attention to the hidden world beneath the water’s surface. Oceans, rivers, and lakes hold secrets that hydrography helps uncover. This science maps the underwater landscape, ensuring that ships navigate safely and that researchers better understand marine environments. Without it, travel on the water would be riskier...
Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day: Learn about the various cultures and traditions of Canada’s Indigenous People, or join an event or ceremony to see how they have been preserved over time.
Summer Solstice: It's the day with the most sunshine, the longest day of the year. Celebrate the official start of summer with outdoor fun!
National Play Catch Week: Connecting through a simple toss, a timeless game fosters bonds, laughter, and shared moments of pure joy.
National Craft Spirits Week: National Craft Spirits Week is a lively celebration of small-batch distillers across the country. Walk into a distillery during National Craft Spirits Week, and the air feels different. There’s the scent of oak, spice, and citrus. Bottles line the walls, each with its own label and story. This week isn’t about...
National Lightning Safety Awareness Week: National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, celebrated in June, sparks crucial conversations about a powerful natural phenomenon. This week is vital because lightning strikes can be deadly, causing significant injuries and fatalities each year. Despite its potential dangers, lightning often doesn't receive the attention it deserves compared to other weather-related threats. How to...
English Wine Week: English Wine Week is a vibrant celebration of the burgeoning English wine industry. It's an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the diversity and quality of wines produced across the country. Vineyards open their doors, offering a range of activities like tours, tastings, and special events. This week is not...
International Phace Syndrome Awareness Week: PHACE Syndrome Awareness Week brings attention to a rare condition that often starts with a bright red birthmark on a child’s face. This mark can signal deeper medical problems involving the brain, heart, eyes, or arteries. Parents usually notice the birthmark first, but doctors soon find more going on. That moment...
Windjammer Days: Windjammer Days is a lively celebration where elegant tall ships sail into Boothbay Harbor’s calm waters. The day bursts with energy as colorful vessels glide in and gather off Cabbage Island. Crowds line the shore, cheering and snapping photos as sails unfurl and boats drift under bright skies. That harbor...
National Roller Coaster Week: National Roller Coaster Week highlights the thrill of sharp turns, steep drops, and fast rides. Parks stay packed as people chase that quick burst of fear and fun. Some come for their first ride, others for their hundredth. Either way, they’re there for the same reason—to feel something real for...
Animal Rights Awareness Week: Animal Rights Awareness Week is a significant event celebrated every year during the third week of June. This week is dedicated to educating people about the importance of animal rights globally. It provides a platform to discuss how animals are unfairly used in industries such as entertainment, cosmetics, and science...
Learning Disability Week: Understanding diverse learning needs empowers educators to create inclusive environments where every student can thrive and succeed.