Amelia Earhart’s Landmark Flight
On May 21, 1932, Amelia Earhart successfully completed a solo flight across the Atlantic. This achievement marked her as the first woman to fly the distance alone, covering 2,026.5 miles in 14 hours and 54 minutes. She expressed that the flight was something she wanted to do for herself, noting her husband’s support in her aviation endeavors. Upon landing in Chicago later, she was honored during an event marking George Washington’s bicentennial, where she received a medal for her trans-Atlantic flight.
When questioned about her professional name, Earhart declared her intention to be recognized by her maiden name, emphasizing that women in aviation should retain their professional identities as writers do. Her views reflected the ongoing discussion about women’s roles in professional settings.
Charles Lindbergh’s Historic Landing
On May 21, 1927, Charles Lindbergh made headlines by completing the first nonstop solo flight from New York to Paris. He landed at 10:21 p.m. after a grueling journey lasting 33 hours and 29 minutes. The achievement was a significant milestone in aviation history and made Lindbergh an internationally celebrated figure.
Other Historical Events in Chicago
- 1924: The infamous trial of Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb, who committed the murder of Bobby Franks, was dubbed the “crime of the century.” Their attempt to execute a “perfect murder” ended with their confession and sentencing.
- 1943: The Chicago White Sox played the fastest nine-inning night game in American League history, defeating the Washington Senators 1-0 in 1 hour and 29 minutes, setting a precedent in the sport.
- 2017: An Asprey & Co. mystery clock valued at $425,000 was stolen during an antiques exhibition at the Merchandise Mart.
Weather Records
According to the National Weather Service, notable weather on May 21 includes:
- High temperature of 92 degrees in 1977
- Low temperature of 31 degrees in 2002
- Precipitation of 1.96 inches in 2018
- Trace snowfall in 1969
Historic Shipwreck: The Thomas Hume
In 1891, the schooner Thomas Hume departed Chicago headed for Muskegon, Michigan but was lost during its voyage. The ship, alongside its crew, disappeared and was only discovered years later by divers from the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association.