Birthdays & Historical Events – May 22

1761

1761

The first life insurance policy in North America was issued in Philadelphia.

The first life insurance policy in North America is issued in Philadelphia. The policy was written by the Presbyterian Ministers' Fund to financially protect the widows and children of deceased clergymen.

May 22, 1761

1803

1803

The first public library opens in Connecticut.

The first public library opens in Salisbury, Connecticut, becoming the nation's first publicly funded free library.

May 22, 1803

1804

1804

The Lewis and Clark Expedition officially begins to map the West.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition officially begins as the Corps of Discovery. Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark, along with 45 men, traveled up the Missouri River to map the uncharted West.

May 22, 1804

1807

1807

Former Vice President Aaron Burr is indicted of treason.

A grand jury indicts former Vice President Aaron Burr of treason for his suspected conspiracy to seize territory in the American Southwest and Spanish Mexico.

May 22, 1807

1846

1846

The Associated Press is formed in NY City.

The Associated Press is formed in NY City by five daily newspapers to share the high transmission costs of reporting on the Mexican-American War.

May 22, 1846

1849

1849

A future President Abraham Lincoln is issued a patent for a lift boat invention.

The future President Abraham Lincoln is issued a patent for a lift boat invention. He remains the only U.S. President in history to hold a patent.

May 22, 1849

1863

1863

The War Department establishes Bureau of Colored Troops.

The War Department establishes Bureau of Colored Troops to coordinate, train, and manage the influx of African American volunteers into the Union Army during the American Civil War.

May 22, 1863

1906

1906

The Wright Brothers are granted a patent for their "Flying-Machine".

Wilbur and Orville Wright were granted for their "Flying-Machine". The patent protected their foundational three-axis aerodynamic control system, which enabled pilots to effectively steer and maintain the balance of fixed-wing aircraft.

May 22, 1906

1933

1933

World Trade Day/National Maritime Day is celebrated for the first time.

World Trade Day/National Maritime Day is celebrated for the first time to honor American mariners, the U.S. Merchant Marine, and the broader shipping industry.

May 22, 1933

1964

1964

The "Great Society" is launchedto eliminate inequality financially and socially.

President Johnson launches his "Great Society" program to eliminate poverty, the reduction of racial injustice, and the expansion of social welfare, education, and healthcare.

May 22, 1964