The calendar is filled with days that seem to pass without much notice, but December 14? This date is like a Hollywood blockbuster. Tragedy, triumph, bizarre twists, and even shoethrowing protests—this day has it all. Buckle up as we take you through the wildest events that make December 14 a date to remember.
1542: Mary, Queen of Scots, Takes the Crown at Just Six Days Old
Imagine being thrust into a royal role while still learning to cry properly. That’s exactly what happened to Mary Stuart. On December 14, 1542, this tiny infant became Mary, Queen of Scots, after her father, King James V of Scotland, died. Talk about inheriting the family business early.
But Mary’s life was anything but smooth sailing. She grew up surrounded by political schemes, religious turmoil, and betrayals (hello, Game of Thrones, but real). Her story ended with her execution, but on this fateful December day, her reign began—and Scotland got its youngest ruler ever.
1287: The St. Lucia’s Flood Redraws the Map
Nature doesn’t care about your holiday plans. On December 14, 1287, a catastrophic flood swept through the Netherlands and parts of Germany. The St. Lucia’s Flood was so devastating that it killed around 50,000 people and completely reshaped the coastline.
Here’s the kicker: back then, many people believed the flood wasn’t just random bad weather. Nope, they were convinced it was divine punishment for human sins. Imagine someone blaming their soggy socks on your questionable life choices. While the science behind the flood is less judgmental, the event stands as one of the deadliest natural disasters in European history.
1819: Alabama Joins the U.S. with a Wobbly Capital
On December 14, 1819, Alabama became the 22nd state in the United States. But let’s talk about its first capital, Cahawba. It wasn’t just any capital—it was named after a nowextinct Native American village. Sounds poetic, right? Well, the site turned out to be a terrible choice because it flooded. A lot.
By the 1820s, people were like, “Yeah, maybe let’s not build important things in a floodplain?” Cahawba was eventually abandoned, becoming a ghost town. Today, it’s a historical site, a perfect reminder of how not to pick real estate.
1911: Roald Amundsen Eats His Way to the South Pole
The phrase “whatever it takes” hits differently when you learn about Roald Amundsen’s 1911 South Pole expedition. On December 14, he and his team became the first humans to reach the South Pole. Yay, right? But here’s where things get… gnarly.
To survive, they ate their sled dogs. Yes, you read that right. It was a brutal but effective strategy for conserving resources and calories in the harsh Antarctic environment. While it’s easy to cringe at this method today, it underscores the lengths people went to in the name of exploration.
1939: The Soviet Union Gets the Boot from the League of Nations
When it comes to awkward breakups, the Soviet Union and the League of Nations set a gold standard. On December 14, 1939, the Soviets were formally expelled from the League for attacking Finland.
Kicking out a major global power? That’s not something you see every day. This diplomatic drama highlighted just how dysfunctional the League of Nations was—spoiler: it would fold entirely just a few years later.
1947: NASCAR Is Born in Daytona Beach, Florida
Cue the revving engines and Southern drawls—on December 14, 1947, NASCAR was founded in Daytona Beach, Florida. What started as a bunch of moonshine runners racing their soupedup cars has grown into one of the most popular motorsports in the world.
The roots of NASCAR are as wild as its races. Early drivers were often bootleggers who needed fast cars to outrun law enforcement. That rebellious spirit still fuels the sport today, even if the moonshine’s been swapped for corporate sponsorships.
1960: A Deadly Plane Crash Rocks New York City
December 14, 1960, brought one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history when two planes collided over New York City. The crash killed 134 people, leaving the city in shock and spurring changes to aviation safety regulations.
While tragic, the event led to significant improvements in air traffic control. It’s a grim reminder of how disasters often pave the way for progress.
1961: Tanzania Joins the United Nations
Tanzania’s path to nationhood has a unique twist. The country is actually a combination of two territories: Tanganyika and the Zanzibar Archipelago. On December 14, 1961, this East African nation became a member of the United Nations, stepping onto the global stage as a symbol of postcolonial independence.
1958: Soviets Reach the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility
Okay, we’ve talked about the South Pole, but the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility? Now we’re getting niche. This point in Antarctica is one of the most remote places on Earth, surrounded by miles of unforgiving ice and frigid temperatures.
On December 14, 1958, a Soviet team led by Yevgeny Tolstikov became the first to reach this icy middle of nowhere. Temperatures there average a bonechilling 73°F (58°C), so if you’re thinking about visiting, maybe pack an extra sweater.
2004: France Unveils the World’s Tallest Bridge
Leave it to the French to combine engineering brilliance with a touch of drama. On December 14, 2004, the Millau Viaduct was inaugurated in southern France. This isn’t just any bridge—it’s the tallest in the world, soaring higher than the Eiffel Tower.
The Millau Viaduct is an architectural marvel that also happens to look straight out of a scifi movie. Driving over it is like cruising through the clouds, a far cry from your average commute.
2008: The Shoe That Sparked a Thousand Memes
Not all protests are created equal. During a press conference in Iraq on December 14, 2008, journalist Muntadhar alZaidi hurled his shoes at U.S. President George W. Bush, calling it a farewell “kiss” for the American invasion of Iraq.
Bush dodged the shoes with surprising agility, but the moment went viral, inspiring memes, debates, and even a bronze shoe sculpture in Iraq. It was the ultimate “not today” moment in political history.
Why December 14 Matters
December 14 might seem like an ordinary day, but it’s packed with stories that span the spectrum of human experience. From royal toddlers to rebellious bootleggers, from tragic disasters to architectural triumphs, this date reminds us that history isn’t just about the big moments—it’s about the weird, the wonderful, and the utterly unexpected.
So next time you’re flipping through the calendar, give December 14 a nod. It’s earned it.
