Today in History graphic for July 21 featuring the invention of the air conditioner, Apollo 11 leaving the Moon, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and Jesse James' first train robbery.

July 21 in History: The Air Conditioner Is Invented, Apollo 11 Leaves the Moon, and the Space Shuttle Era Ends

Scott Winters July 21, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on July 21 in history as remarkable achievements, historic milestones, technological advances, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on July 21 in History?

Important events on this day include Willis Carrier inventing the modern air conditioner, Apollo 11 lifting off from the Moon to begin its journey home, NASA concluding the Space Shuttle program with the landing of Atlantis, and Jesse James carrying out his first train robbery.

JULY 21 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1873 – Jesse James & the James Gang staged their first train robbery, the Rock Island Express, near Adair, IA. It was reported they stole $6,000, but a gang insider said it was $65,000.

1902 – Willis Carrier designed the first modern air conditioning system in Buffalo, NY.

1930 – The Veterans Administration of the United States was established.

1959 – A U.S. District Court judge in New York, NY ruled that “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” was not a dirty book.

1961 – Captain Virgil “Gus” Grissom became the second American to rocket into a sub-orbital pattern around the Earth. He was flying on the Liberty Bell 7.

1968 – Arnold Palmer became the first golfer to make a million dollars in career earnings after he tied for second place at the PGA Championship.

1969 – Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin lifted off from the Moon after spending more than 21 hours on the lunar surface and reunited with Michael Collins in lunar orbit.

1972 – Comedian George Carlin was arrested for disorderly conduct in Milwaukee, WI for saying on stage the seven words performers were prohibited from saying on television.

1980 – Draft registration began in the United States for 19 and 20-year-old men.

1983 – The world’s lowest temperature in an inhabited location was recorded at Vostok Station, Antarctica at -128.6 F.

1987 – Mary Hart, of TV’s “Entertainment Tonight”, had her legs insured by Lloyd’s of London for $2 million.

1998 – The roof at the Saline County Library collapsed in Benton, AR, from the weight of what apparently was years of accumulated pigeon poop.

2000 – The movie “What Lies Beneath”, starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer, premiered in theaters.

2004 – White House officials were briefed on the September 11 commission’s 575 page final report. The report was released to the public the next day.

2006 – The movie “Clerks II” premiered in theaters.

2007 – The seventh, and last, book of the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” was released.

2009 – The iTunes Music Store reached 8 billion songs sold.

2011 – NASA’s Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) landed at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It was the last flight of the Space Shuttle program.

2014 – The movie “Guardians of the Galaxy” premiered in theaters.

2023 – The “Barbenheimer” phenomenon began as Barbie and Oppenheimer were released in theaters on the same day, inspiring moviegoers to watch both films as a double feature.

2024 – President Joe Biden announced he would no longer seek a second term and withdrew from the 2024 election.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JULY 21:

Helen Merrill – 96 years old (1930) – Singer

Jamey Aebersold – 87 years old (1939) – Saxophonist and educator

John Negroponte – 87 years old (1939) – English-American diplomat, 23rd United States Ambassador to the United Nations

Jim Clyburn – 86 years old (1940) – Politician, former House Majority Whip

Robert Shrum – 83 years old (1943) – Author and political advisor

Timothy Harris – 80 years old (1946) – Author, screenwriter and producer

Garry Trudeau – 78 years old (1948) – Cartoonist

Christina Hart – 77 years old (1949) – Playwright and actress

John Barrasso – 74 years old (1952) – Physician and politician

Eric Bazilian – 73 years old (1953) – Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and producer

Dannel Malloy – 71 years old (1955) – Lawyer and politician, 88th Governor of Connecticut

Michael Connelly – 70 years old (1956) – Author

Jon Lovitz – 69 years old (1957) – Comedian, actor, and producer

Jim Martin – 65 years old (1961) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Mike Bordick – 61 years old (1965) – Baseball player, coach, and sportscaster

Arija Bareikis – 60 years old (1966) – Actress

Brandi Chastain – 58 years old (1968) – Soccer player and sportscaster

Godfrey – 57 years old (1969) – Comedian and actor

Emerson Hart – 57 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Michael Fitzpatrick – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter

Korey Cooper – 54 years old (1972) – Singer and guitarist

Geoff Jenkins – 52 years old (1974) – Baseball player and coach

Christopher Barzak – 51 years old (1975) – Author and educator

David Dastmalchian – 51 years old (1975) – Actor

Mike Sellers – 51 years old (1975) – Football player

Cori Bush – 50 years old (1976) – Politician

Justin Bartha – 48 years old (1978) – Actor

Josh Hartnett – 48 years old (1978) – Actor

David Carr – 47 years old (1979) – Football player

Tamika Catchings – 47 years old (1979) – Basketball player

Jon Dorenbos – 46 years old (1980) – Football player

Justin Griffith – 46 years old (1980) – Football player

CC Sabathia – 46 years old (1980) – Baseball player

Blake Lewis – 45 years old (1981) – Musician, American Idol contestant

Romeo Santos – 45 years old (1981) – Singer-songwriter

Kellen Winslow II – 43 years old (1983) – Football player

Von Wafer – 41 years old (1985) – Basketball player

Rebecca Ferguson – 40 years old (1986) – American-English singer-songwriter

Jason Thompson – 40 years old (1986) – Basketball player

Betty Gilpin – 40 years old (1986) – Actress

Peter Doocy – 39 years old (1987) – Journalist

KB – 38 years old (1988) – Rapper

DeAndre Jordan – 38 years old (1988) – Basketball player

Rory Culkin – 37 years old (1989) – Actor

Jude Adjei-Barimah – 34 years old (1992) – Italian-American football player

Da$H – 34 years old (1992) – Rapper

Rachael Flatt – 34 years old (1992) – Figure skater

Jonathon Jennings – 34 years old (1992) – Canadian football player

Dante Marini – 34 years old (1992) – Soccer player

Henry Owens – 34 years old (1992) – Baseball pitcher

Miles Ukaoma – 34 years old (1992) – American-born Nigerian hurdler

Maggie Lindemann – 28 years old (1998) – Singer-songwriter

Evan McPherson – 27 years old (1999) – Football player

Bub Carrington – 21 years old (2005) – Basketball player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JULY 21:

National Junk Food Day: Sometimes we just crave something deliciously naughty, like that crispy, savory, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that we secretly love to munch on.
National Lamington Day: A tasty tea-time treat that originated as an April Fool’s Day prank in Australia, Lamingtons are just the chocolate-y, coconut-y sponge cake you need in your life.
Legal Drinking Age Day: Promoting responsible choices, navigating adulthood with a societal threshold for mature decision-making in recreational libation.
Take a Monkey to Lunch Day: Take a Monkey to Lunch Day serves as a reminder that what is happening behind the scenes (or even in forefront!) isn't always what it seems. Based on a weird criminal court case that occurred in Tennessee in the 1920s, this day brings up some controversial themes of evolution, religion...
National Be Someone Day: Taking a few minutes, even just a few seconds, to make a difference in the life of a child is what National Be Someone Day is all about! How to Celebrate National Be Someone Day National Be Someone Day is an important point in ending child abuse. Consider some of...
Invite an Alien to Live with You Day: Invite an Alien to Live with You Day brings a playful twist to the idea of hospitality. Instead of a friend or neighbor, imagine a curious visitor from another galaxy settling into your spare room. They might ask wild questions, explore the fridge with wide eyes, or try your sofa...
World Collie Day: World Collie Day celebrates one of the most loyal and clever dog breeds around. Collies have a special way of standing out with their alert eyes, flowing coats, and calm nature. How to Celebrate World Collie Day Here are fun and thoughtful ways to celebrate World Collie Day, whether you live...
National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day: National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day is all about helping animals in a hands-on way. People grab fabric, thread, or even old t-shirts and start making things—soft beds, colorful toys, little bandanas that say “Adopt Me.” These crafts don’t just look cute. They help animals feel calmer, cozier, and more...
No Pet Store Puppies Day: No Pet Store Puppies Day is a special moment that spreads an important message about pets. This day reminds people that many puppies in pet shops often come from large breeding facilities. Those places keep dogs in cramped, unhealthy spaces and focus on profit, not care. By skipping pet store...
Belgium National Day: Belgium National Day is a vibrant celebration that brings the country together. It’s a day filled with joy, unity, and national pride. Across Belgium, people participate in various festivities that highlight their shared heritage. Belgium National Day commemorates the country’s independence. It marks the moment when Belgium became a sovereign...
National Zoo Keeper Week: Dedicated professionals caring for exotic animals, ensuring their well-being, educating the public, and contributing to conservation efforts.
National Moth Week: Sign up for an event or citizen project during Moth Week to get involved, take and post photos, and get a good look at the interesting varieties of moths out there.
National Parenting Gifted Children Week: The unique joys and challenges of nurturing exceptional talents, fostering creativity, and supporting their emotional growth.