Today in history June 27

  1. June 27, 1844 – Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, was killed
    On June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, was killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois. Smith and his brother Hyrum were imprisoned in the Carthage Jail, awaiting trial on charges related to the destruction of a printing press. A mob stormed the jail and shot both brothers, killing them. This event marked a significant turning point for the Latter Day Saint movement, leading to a leadership crisis and eventual migration of followers westward under Brigham Young. The death of Joseph Smith also intensified persecution against members of the church and is remembered as a martyrdom by followers.
  2. June 27, 1954 – The first issue of Sports Illustrated is published
    Sports Illustrated, an American sports magazine, published its first issue on June 27, 1954. The magazine was launched by Time Inc. and quickly became a leading publication for sports fans, known for its in-depth coverage, photography, and analysis. The first issue featured golfer Ben Hogan on the cover and included articles about major sports events and athletes. Sports Illustrated has played a major role in shaping sports journalism and popular culture related to sports over the decades. It introduced features like the annual Swimsuit Issue, which became highly popular and influential.
  3. June 27, 1976 – The first commercial Concorde flight takes off
    On June 27, 1976, the Concorde, a supersonic passenger airliner, made its first commercial flight from London to Bahrain. The Concorde was a joint venture between British and French aerospace companies and was capable of flying at speeds over twice the speed of sound. This flight marked a milestone in aviation history, showcasing advanced technology and dramatically reducing flight times on transatlantic routes. Despite its technological achievements, the Concorde faced economic and environmental challenges, including high operational costs and noise pollution. It remained in service until 2003, symbolizing a unique era of supersonic passenger travel.
  4. June 27, 1893 – Elizabeth Cady Stanton dies
    Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a pioneering American suffragist and social activist, died on June 27, 1893. She was a leading figure in the early women’s rights movement and played a critical role in organizing the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, which launched the organized fight for women’s suffrage in the United States. Stanton was known for her eloquent speeches and writings advocating for women’s legal and social equality. Throughout her life, she collaborated with other prominent activists like Susan B. Anthony to push for voting rights and reforms. Her legacy continues to inspire advocates for gender equality worldwide.
  5. June 27, 1905 – Albert Einstein publishes the theory of special relativity
    On June 27, 1905, Albert Einstein’s paper on the theory of special relativity was published, revolutionizing physics. This theory introduced new concepts about the nature of space and time, showing that they are relative and dependent on the observer’s motion. Special relativity challenged the classical mechanics established by Isaac Newton and laid the groundwork for modern physics. It also led to the famous equation E=mc², linking energy and mass. Einstein’s work on special relativity significantly influenced scientific thought and technology development in the 20th century.
  6. June 27, 1950 – Korean War: The Battle of the Pusan Perimeter begins
    On June 27, 1950, during the Korean War, United Nations forces began defending the Pusan Perimeter in southeastern Korea. The perimeter was a last defensive line against the advancing North Korean army. The battle was crucial because the UN and South Korean troops were outnumbered and outgunned but managed to hold the line, preventing North Korea from conquering the entire peninsula. This defense allowed time for reinforcements, including US troops, to arrive and launch a counteroffensive. The battle is considered a turning point in the Korean War, demonstrating the resilience of UN forces.
  7. June 27, 1939 – The first televised Major League Baseball game
    On June 27, 1939, the first Major League Baseball game was broadcast on television. The game featured the Brooklyn Dodgers playing against the Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. This event marked a major development in sports broadcasting, bringing baseball into the homes of American viewers and expanding the sport’s popularity. Television would soon become a key medium for sports entertainment, changing how fans experienced games. The broadcast was experimental but paved the way for the extensive sports coverage we see today.
  8. June 27, 1919 – The U.S. Congress passes the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote
    On June 27, 1919, the United States Congress passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guaranteed women the right to vote. This amendment was the culmination of decades of activism by suffragists and women’s rights advocates. The passage marked a monumental victory in the struggle for gender equality in the United States. States then began the process of ratifying the amendment, which was fully ratified on August 18, 1920. The 19th Amendment significantly expanded democratic participation and influenced other countries to pursue similar voting rights reforms.
  9. June 27, 1967 – The world’s first human heart transplant is performed
    On June 27, 1967, Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first successful human heart transplant in Cape Town, South Africa. The patient, Louis Washkansky, received the heart of a young accident victim and survived the operation, though he later died of pneumonia. This groundbreaking surgery marked a major advance in medical science and transplantation medicine. It opened new possibilities for treating heart disease and paved the way for improvements in organ transplant techniques and immunosuppressive drugs. The operation was widely covered in the media and inspired hope worldwide.
  10. June 27, 1985 – The Live Aid concerts are announced
    On June 27, 1985, the announcement was made for the Live Aid concerts, a dual-venue benefit event planned for July 13, 1985, to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, Live Aid featured performances by some of the biggest names in music across venues in London and Philadelphia. The concerts were broadcast globally, reaching an estimated 1.9 billion viewers in over 150 countries. Live Aid raised millions of dollars and became a landmark event demonstrating the power of music and media for humanitarian causes. It also helped raise global awareness about famine and poverty in Africa.

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