What Happened on December 26 in History?
December 26 is marked by significant cultural transitions and some of the most profound natural and political shifts in modern history.
Major Historical Events
Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004): A massive 9.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra triggered a devastating tsunami that killed an estimated 230,000 people across 14 countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand.
Dissolution of the USSR (1991): The Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union met and formally voted the country out of existence, marking the end of the Cold War.
Battle of Trenton (1776): During the American Revolutionary War, George Washington led his troops across the Delaware River to surprise and defeat 1,000 Hessian troops in Trenton, New Jersey.
Isolation of Radium (1898): Marie and Pierre Curie announced the isolation of radium, a groundbreaking discovery in the field of radioactivity.
Largest Mass Execution in U.S. History (1862): Following the Dakota War, 38 Dakota Indians were hanged in Mankato, Minnesota, by order of President Abraham Lincoln.
First Black Heavyweight Champion (1908): Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns in Australia to become the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion.
Culture & Entertainment
Kwanzaa (1966): The seven-day holiday celebrating African American heritage and culture was first observed, created by Maulana Karenga.
The Exorcist (1973): One of the most influential horror films of all time premiered in theaters, eventually becoming the first horror movie nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award.
Babe Ruth Trade (1919): The Boston Red Sox reached an agreement to sell Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, a move that allegedly triggered the "Curse of the Bambino".
Thanksgiving Law (1941): President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as the federal Thanksgiving Day.
Notable Births & Deaths
Births: Mao Zedong (1893), founder of the People's Republic of China; Charles Babbage (1791), "father of the computer"; and actor/musician Jared Leto (1971).
Deaths: Former U.S. Presidents Harry S. Truman (1972) and Gerald Ford (2006); anti-apartheid leader Desmond Tutu (2021); and primatologist Dian Fossey (1985).
Global Holidays
Boxing Day: Traditionally a day of gift-giving and charity, it is celebrated as a public holiday in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations.
St. Stephen's Day: A Christian feast day honoring the first Christian martyr, celebrated in many European countries including Ireland, Italy, and Germany.
