May 22 in History

Significant events that happened on this day.

Today

Historical Events

2010

Laszlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins, the first known commercial bitcoin transaction

At today's values, those pizzas cost approximately $600 million, making them the most expensive pizzas in history. Hanyecz posted on a Bitcoin forum a...

2002

The remains of Chandra Levy were found in Rock Creek Park, ending a year-long search that had captivated American media

The 24-year-old intern's disappearance had become a major political scandal involving Congressman Gary Condit. Her case received massive media coverag...

1978

The first 'take-your-daughter-to-work' day-like event was held in New York City

The Ms. Foundation organized this early version to expose girls to career opportunities beyond traditional gender roles. Only about 800 girls particip...

1973

President Nixon admitted that his staff engaged in a cover-up of the Watergate break-in

Major

In a televised address, Nixon took responsibility for the scandal while denying personal knowledge of the illegal activities. He accepted the resignat...

1972

Ceylon officially changed its name to Sri Lanka

The island nation adopted a new constitution and reclaimed its ancient Sanskrit name meaning 'resplendent land.' This was part of a broader movement t...

1942

Mexico declared war on Germany, Italy, and Japan after German U-boats sank two Mexican oil tankers

The sinking of the Potrero del Llano and Faja de Oro convinced Mexico to join the Allies in World War II. Mexico sent an air squadron called the Aztec...

1939

Germany and Italy signed the 'Pact of Steel,' a military alliance that committed them to support each other in war

Major

Mussolini coined the name 'Pact of Steel' because he thought 'Pact of Blood' sounded too ominous. The agreement obligated Italy to join Germany in any...

1892

Dr. Washington Sheffield invented the collapsible toothpaste tube, revolutionizing dental hygiene

Before this innovation, toothpaste came in jars, which was messy and unhygienic. Sheffield got the idea from watching artists use paint tubes. His son...

1843

A wagon train of about 1,000 settlers departed from Missouri on the first major wagon train journey along the Oregon Trail

Major

Known as the 'Great Migration of 1843,' this massive caravan was the first to successfully bring wagons all the way to Oregon. The journey took five m...

1807

Former Vice President Aaron Burr was indicted for treason for allegedly plotting to create an independent nation in the American Southwest

Just three years after killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel, Burr was accused of trying to create his own empire in Spanish territories. He was acquit...

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