Welcome to “Today in History,” where we uncover the extraordinary events that have defined July 22 across centuries and continents. From epic battles and groundbreaking discoveries to cultural shifts and moments of human triumph, this date has witnessed a tapestry of stories that resonate with our shared past. Join us as we explore the pivotal moments of July 22, delving into their historical context, global impact, and enduring legacy. Whether you’re a history buff or Hawkins or a casual reader, there’s something here for everyone to discover.
1. The Battle of Falkirk (1298): A Turning Point in Scottish History
The Context: Scotland’s Fight for Independence
On July 22, 1298, the Battle of Falkirk marked a critical moment in the First War of Scottish Independence. Scotland, led by William Wallace, was resisting English domination under King Edward I, known as “Longshanks.” Wallace’s guerrilla tactics and victory at Stirling Bridge in 1297 had galvanized Scottish resistance, but by 1298, Edward I launched a formidable invasion to crush the rebellion.
The Battle
The English army, numbering around 15,000, included heavily armored knights and longbowmen, a technological advantage. Wallace’s smaller force of about 6,000 relied on the schiltron, a tight formation of spearmen, to counter cavalry charges. At Falkirk, Scotland, the English longbowmen rained arrows on the Scottish formations, breaking their ranks. Edward’s cavalry then exploited the gaps, routing Wallace’s army. The defeat was a significant setback, forcing Wallace to revert to guerrilla warfare. He was later captured and executed in 1305, but his legacy inspired Robert the Bruce’s eventual victory at Bannockburn in 1314.
Global Impact and Legacy
The Battle of Falkirk highlighted the devastating effectiveness of the longbow, a weapon that would shape medieval warfare, notably at Agincourt in 1415. For Scotland, the loss underscored the challenges of resisting a larger, better-equipped foe, yet it fueled the independence movement. Today, Falkirk is remembered through monuments and reenactments, and Wallace’s story lives on in popular culture, notably in the film Braveheart.
2. The Founding of Cleveland, Ohio (1796): A City’s Humble Beginnings
The Context: American Expansion
On July 22, 1796, surveyors led by General Moses Cleaveland established the city of Cleveland at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River on Lake Erie’s southern shore. The Connecticut Land Company, seeking to develop the Western Reserve (modern-day northeastern Ohio), chose the site for its strategic location, ideal for trade and settlement in the expanding American frontier.
The Founding
Cleaveland’s team laid out a New England-style town plan with a central public square, envisioning a thriving settlement. Initially named “Cleaveland” after its founder, the name was later simplified to “Cleveland” due to a newspaper’s typesetting error. The early settlement faced challenges like disease and harsh winters but grew steadily as a port and industrial hub, especially after the Ohio and Erie Canal’s completion in the 1830s.
Global Impact and Legacy
Cleveland’s founding marked a key moment in America’s westward expansion, transforming a wilderness outpost into a major industrial city. By the 20th century, it was a hub for steel, shipping, and manufacturing, attracting diverse immigrant communities. Today, Cleveland is known for its cultural institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and its resilience through economic shifts. July 22 is celebrated locally as “Founder’s Day,” with festivals and historical tours.
3. The Birth of Gregor Mendel (1822): The Father of Genetics
The Context: Scientific Discovery
On July 22, 1822, Gregor Johann Mendel was born in Hynčice, in what is now the Czech Republic. A monk and scientist, Mendel’s experiments with pea plants in the 1850s and 1860s laid the foundation for modern genetics, though his work was largely ignored during his lifetime.
The Experiments
In the garden of St. Thomas’s Abbey, Mendel meticulously crossbred pea plants, tracking traits like seed color and plant height across generations. His observations led to the formulation of Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance, including the principles of segregation and independent assortment. These laws explained how traits are passed from parents to offspring, introducing concepts like dominant and recessive genes.
Global Impact and Legacy
Mendel’s work, published in 1866, went unrecognized until 1900, when scientists rediscovered his findings, sparking the field of genetics. His principles underpin modern biology, from understanding hereditary diseases to developing genetically modified crops. July 22 is often celebrated in scientific communities with lectures and exhibits on genetics, and Mendel’s legacy endures in every biology classroom worldwide.
4. Wiley Post’s Solo Flight Around the World (1933): A Feat of Aviation
The Context: The Golden Age of Aviation
On July 22, 1933, American aviator Wiley Post completed the first solo flight around the world, landing his plane, Winnie Mae, in New York after a journey of 7 days, 18 hours, and 49 minutes. The 1930s were a time of daring aviation feats, with pilots like Charles Lindbergh pushing the boundaries of flight technology.
The Flight
Post’s 15,596-mile journey began on July 15, 1933, from Floyd Bennett Field in New York. Flying a Lockheed Vega equipped with an autopilot and radio compass, he made 11 stops across Europe, Asia, and North America, battling fatigue, weather, and mechanical issues. His solo achievement surpassed his earlier 1931 circumnavigation with navigator Harold Gatty, proving the potential of long-distance solo flight.
Global Impact and Legacy
Post’s flight captivated the world, showcasing advances in aviation technology and inspiring future explorers. Tragically, Post died in a 1935 crash with humorist Will Rogers, but his legacy endures. The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum displays Winnie Mae, and July 22 is marked by aviation enthusiasts with fly-ins and commemorative events.
5. The Bombing of Oslo and Utøya Attacks (2011): A Dark Day in Norway
The Context: Rising Extremism
On July 22, 2011, Norway faced its deadliest attack since World War II when far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik detonated a car bomb in Oslo’s government district, killing 8, and then massacred 69 people, mostly teenagers, at a Labour Party youth camp on Utøya island. The attacks shocked a nation known for its peace and openness.
The Attacks
Breivik’s Oslo bomb targeted government buildings, causing widespread damage. He then traveled to Utøya, posing as a police officer, and opened fire on campers for over an hour. His manifesto revealed a hateful ideology targeting multiculturalism and progressive politics. The attacks killed 77 people and injured hundreds, leaving Norway in mourning.
Global Impact and Legacy
The tragedy prompted global discussions on extremism, security, and social cohesion. Norway responded with a commitment to openness and democracy, rejecting Breivik’s divisive ideology. Annual memorials on July 22 honor the victims, with ceremonies, concerts, and educational programs promoting tolerance. The event remains a somber reminder of the need to combat hate.
6. Other Notable July 22 Events
- 1099: The First Crusade culminated in the capture of Jerusalem, a bloody chapter in medieval history that shaped Christian-Muslim relations for centuries.
- 1934: Bank robber John Dillinger, dubbed “Public Enemy No. 1,” was killed by FBI agents outside Chicago’s Biograph Theater, marking the end of a notorious crime spree.
- 1946: The Zionist group Irgun bombed Jerusalem’s King David Hotel, killing 91 people, a pivotal moment in the lead-up to Israel’s independence.
- 2003: Saddam Hussein’s sons, Uday and Qusay, were killed by U.S. forces in Mosul, Iraq, a significant moment in the Iraq War.
Cultural and Modern Significance of July 22
July 22 is a date of contrasts, embodying triumphs like Post’s flight and Mendel’s birth, alongside tragedies like the Utøya attacks. These events reflect the breadth of human experience—courage, ingenuity, conflict, and resilience. In 2025, July 22 is marked globally with diverse commemorations:
- Scotland: Reenactments and lectures on the Battle of Falkirk.
- Cleveland: Founder’s Day events, including historical tours and festivals.
- Science communities: Tributes to Mendel through genetics symposia.
- Norway: Memorials for the 2011 victims, emphasizing unity and healing.
- Aviation circles: Fly-ins honoring Wiley Post’s legacy.
Connecting the Past to the Present
The events of July 22 offer lessons for today. The Battle of Falkirk speaks to the enduring fight for self-determination, seen in modern independence movements. Cleveland’s founding reflects urban growth challenges, relevant to today’s city planning. Mendel’s discoveries drive genetic research, from CRISPR to personalized medicine. Post’s flight inspires space exploration, like NASA’s Artemis program. The 2011 attacks underscore the ongoing battle against extremism, evident in global efforts to counter online radicalization.
July 22’s Enduring Legacy
July 22 is a microcosm of history’s highs and lows. From medieval battlefields to modern tragedies, from scientific breakthroughs to aviation feats, this date reminds us of humanity’s capacity for greatness and its need for vigilance. As we reflect on these moments, we’re inspired to learn from the past, whether it’s embracing innovation like Mendel and Post or fostering unity in the face of division, as Norway did in 2011.
Join us at “Today in History” for more stories that illuminate our past and shape our future. Which July 22 event resonates with you? Share your thoughts, and explore our archives for more historical journeys!