May 27th has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history, spanning various eras and regions. From royal successions and battles to groundbreaking discoveries and modern-day disasters, this date has marked pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history.
Here, we explore 20 notable events that occurred on May 27th, offering a glimpse into the diverse and impactful occurrences of this day.
These events include the founding of cities, major battles, important legal rulings, and enduring natural disasters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of human history.
May 27th – On this Day in History
927 – Death of Simeon I of Bulgaria, the first Bulgarian to be recognized as Emperor
Simeon I, also known as Simeon the Great, ruled as the Tsar (Emperor) of Bulgaria from 893 to 927. Under his reign, Bulgaria became one of the most powerful states in Eastern Europe. Simeon expanded Bulgarian territory and exerted influence over the Byzantine Empire.
His reign is often considered the Golden Age of Bulgarian culture due to significant developments in literature, arts, and architecture. Simeon’s death in 927 marked the end of an era, and he was succeeded by his son Peter I.
1153 – Malcolm IV becomes King of Scotland
Malcolm IV, also known as Malcolm the Maiden, was crowned King of Scotland on May 27, 1153, following the death of his grandfather, King David I. At the time of his coronation, Malcolm was only twelve years old.
His reign was marked by challenges in maintaining the kingdom’s stability and territorial disputes with neighboring England. Despite being young and relatively inexperienced, Malcolm IV managed to assert his authority, although his reign was short-lived as he died in 1165 at the age of 24.
1199 – John is crowned King of England
John, often known as John Lackland, was crowned King of England on May 27, 1199, following the death of his brother, Richard the Lionheart. John’s reign was tumultuous, characterized by conflicts with barons and a loss of significant territories in France.
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His rule led to the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, a pivotal document that limited the power of the monarchy and laid the groundwork for modern constitutional governance. John’s reign ended with his death in 1216, leaving a complex legacy.
1328 – Philip VI is crowned King of France
Philip VI of France, also known as Philip of Valois, was crowned king on May 27, 1328. He was the first king from the House of Valois, succeeding his cousin, Charles IV, the last of the Capetian dynasty. Philip’s accession marked the beginning of the Valois line of French kings.
His reign saw the outbreak of the Hundred Years’ War between France and England, a prolonged conflict that had significant implications for both kingdoms. Philip VI faced numerous challenges during his reign, including military setbacks and political unrest.
1703 – Saint Petersburg is founded by Peter the Great
On May 27, 1703, Tsar Peter the Great founded the city of Saint Petersburg. Located on the Baltic Sea, the city was intended to serve as Russia’s “window to the West.”
Peter the Great envisioned Saint Petersburg as a modern European city, distinct from the traditional Russian capital, Moscow. He supervised the construction of the city, bringing in architects and engineers from Europe.
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Saint Petersburg quickly became a cultural and political center of Russia and served as the capital from 1712 until the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. The city’s establishment marked a significant shift in Russian history towards modernization and increased engagement with Western Europe.
1799 – War of the Second Coalition: Siege of Acre ends when French forces abandon the siege and withdraw
The Siege of Acre was a pivotal battle during the War of the Second Coalition, part of the wider Napoleonic Wars. The French forces, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, attempted to capture the city of Acre (now in modern-day Israel) from March to May 1799.
Acre was defended by Ottoman and British forces, including naval support from the Royal Navy under the command of Sir Sidney Smith.
Despite several assaults, Napoleon’s forces were unable to breach the city’s defenses. The siege ended on May 27, 1799, when Napoleon, recognizing the futility of continued attacks and the worsening condition of his army, ordered a retreat. This marked one of Napoleon’s rare defeats and ended his ambitions in the Middle East.
1813 – War of 1812: American forces capture Fort George
During the War of 1812, the Battle of Fort George took place from May 25 to May 27, 1813. American forces, under the command of General Henry Dearborn and Commodore Isaac Chauncey, launched an amphibious assault on Fort George, a British stronghold located on the Niagara River in Ontario, Canada.
The Americans utilized their naval superiority to land troops and bombard the fort. After intense fighting, British forces, led by General John Vincent, were forced to abandon the fort, retreating to Burlington Heights.
The capture of Fort George provided the Americans with a strategic position in Upper Canada, although they were unable to capitalize fully on their victory.
1860 – Giuseppe Garibaldi begins his attack on Palermo, Sicily
Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian nationalist and revolutionary leader, commenced his assault on Palermo, the capital of Sicily, on May 27, 1860. This action was part of the Expedition of the Thousand, a campaign to unify Italy under the banner of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
Garibaldi and his volunteer force, known as the Redshirts, landed in Marsala earlier in May and marched towards Palermo. Despite being outnumbered, Garibaldi’s forces employed guerrilla tactics and local support to launch a successful attack.
After several days of fierce street fighting, Palermo surrendered on June 6, 1860. This victory was a significant step towards the unification of Italy.
1873 – Heinrich Schliemann discovers “Priam’s Treasure” in Hisarlik (Troy)
On May 27, 1873, German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann claimed to have discovered “Priam’s Treasure” at the ancient site of Hisarlik, believed to be the location of Troy. Schliemann’s excavations unearthed a collection of gold, silver, and bronze artifacts, which he attributed to King Priam of Homeric legend.
The discovery included diadems, necklaces, and other precious items, leading to significant interest and controversy in the academic community. Schliemann’s methods and identification of the treasure were later criticized for their lack of scientific rigor.
Nevertheless, the find brought significant attention to the field of archaeology and the study of ancient civilizations.
1905 – Russo-Japanese War: The Battle of Tsushima begins
The Battle of Tsushima, also known as the Battle of the Japan Sea, commenced on May 27, 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War. This naval battle was fought between the Imperial Japanese Navy, led by Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō, and the Russian Baltic Fleet, commanded by Admiral Zinovy Rozhestvensky.
The Japanese fleet intercepted the Russian fleet near the Tsushima Strait. The battle was a decisive victory for Japan, with the Russian fleet suffering catastrophic losses. The defeat effectively ended Russia’s hopes of controlling the seas around East Asia and contributed to the conclusion of the Russo-Japanese War.
The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of modern naval warfare tactics and had significant geopolitical implications, altering the balance of power in the region.
1927 – The Ford Motor Company ceases manufacture of the Model T and begins to retool plants to make the Ford Model A
On May 27, 1927, the Ford Motor Company officially ended production of the Model T, one of the most iconic and influential automobiles in history. The Model T, introduced in 1908, revolutionized transportation and manufacturing with its affordability and assembly line production method.
Over 15 million units were sold, making it the best-selling car of its time. The cessation marked a significant transition as Ford prepared to introduce the Model A.
The new model featured more modern amenities and design improvements to compete with other automakers. The transition period included a six-month retooling of factories, demonstrating Ford’s commitment to innovation and modernization in the automotive industry.
1930 – The 1,046 ft (319 m) Chrysler Building in New York City, the tallest man-made structure at the time, opens to the public
The Chrysler Building, a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture, officially opened to the public on May 27, 1930. Designed by architect William Van Alen, the building was constructed for the Chrysler Corporation and quickly became a symbol of modernity and progress.
At 1,046 feet, it briefly held the title of the world’s tallest building, surpassing the Eiffel Tower and later being overtaken by the Empire State Building.
The Chrysler Building is renowned for its distinctive spire, ornamentation, and sleek design. It remains an iconic feature of the New York City skyline and an enduring symbol of the architectural innovation of the 20th century.
1933 – The Walt Disney Company releases the cartoon “The Three Little Pigs”
On May 27, 1933, Walt Disney Productions released the animated short film “The Three Little Pigs.” Directed by Burt Gillett, the cartoon became an instant hit, known for its catchy song “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” The film’s success was significant during the Great Depression, providing audiences with a sense of optimism and entertainment.
“The Three Little Pigs” also showcased advancements in animation, including character development and storytelling. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1934 and remains one of Disney’s classic animations, influencing future productions and solidifying Disney’s reputation as a leader in animation.
1937 – The Golden Gate Bridge opens to pedestrian traffic, creating a vital link between San Francisco and Marin County, California
The Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most iconic engineering feats of the 20th century, opened to pedestrian traffic on May 27, 1937. The bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County.
Designed by Joseph Strauss, the suspension bridge was considered an engineering marvel due to its length, height, and the challenging conditions of its construction site. The bridge’s opening was celebrated with a week-long series of events, and on the first day, approximately 200,000 people walked across it.
The following day, it opened to vehicular traffic. The Golden Gate Bridge quickly became a symbol of San Francisco and a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.
1940 – World War II: The Dunkirk evacuation begins
The Dunkirk evacuation, also known as Operation Dynamo, commenced on May 27, 1940, during World War II. The operation was a massive effort to evacuate Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, where they were trapped by advancing German forces.
Over the course of nine days, a flotilla of naval vessels, merchant ships, and civilian boats, including the famous “Little Ships of Dunkirk,” rescued approximately 338,000 British and French troops.
Despite being a tactical retreat, the successful evacuation boosted Allied morale and allowed the British Army to continue fighting. The “Dunkirk spirit” became synonymous with resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
1941 – World War II: The German battleship Bismarck is sunk in the North Atlantic killing almost 2,100 men
On May 27, 1941, the German battleship Bismarck was sunk in the North Atlantic by the British Royal Navy. The Bismarck, one of the largest battleships ever built by Germany, had become a significant threat after sinking the British battlecruiser HMS Hood on May 24, 1941.
The British Admiralty launched a massive hunt to locate and destroy the Bismarck. After being damaged by aircraft from the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, the Bismarck was unable to escape. British battleships HMS King George V and HMS Rodney, along with cruisers and destroyers, engaged the Bismarck.
The battleship was heavily damaged by shellfire and torpedoes and eventually sank, resulting in the loss of nearly 2,100 of its crew members. The sinking of the Bismarck was a significant victory for the Allies in the naval war.
1962 – A dump fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania, ignites a blaze in underground coal deposits that continues to burn today
On May 27, 1962, a landfill fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania, spread to an abandoned coal mine, igniting a coal seam. This accidental fire grew into a massive underground blaze that has been burning ever since.
Efforts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful, and it continued to spread, eventually leading to the evacuation of most of the town’s residents. The fire caused dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases to be released, and the ground became unstable due to subsidence.
Centralia’s population dwindled from over 1,000 residents to fewer than a dozen by the early 21st century. The town’s eerie, deserted appearance and the ongoing fire have made it a symbol of industrial disaster.
1995 – Actor Christopher Reeve is paralyzed from the neck down after falling from his horse in a riding competition
On May 27, 1995, actor Christopher Reeve, best known for his role as Superman, suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury after being thrown from his horse during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia. The fall resulted in Reeve being paralyzed from the neck down, requiring a wheelchair and ventilator for the rest of his life.
Despite his injury, Reeve became an advocate for spinal cord injury research and disability rights. He established the Christopher Reeve Foundation, which funds research on paralysis and works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities.
Reeve’s courage and advocacy work inspired many and brought significant attention to issues of spinal cord injuries and disabilities.
1997 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules that Paula Jones can pursue her sexual harassment lawsuit against President Bill Clinton while he is in office
On May 27, 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case of Clinton v. Jones that sitting President Bill Clinton could be sued for actions that allegedly occurred before he took office. Paula Jones had filed a lawsuit against Clinton, accusing him of sexual harassment while he was the Governor of Arkansas.
The Supreme Court’s decision was unanimous, rejecting Clinton’s argument that a sitting president should have temporary immunity from civil lawsuits. This ruling allowed Jones’s case to proceed, leading to a significant legal battle and the eventual exposure of Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky.
The scandal resulting from these revelations led to Clinton’s impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1998, though he was acquitted by the Senate.
2006 – The May 2006 Java earthquake kills over 6,600 people, leaves 200,000 homeless, and ruins many cultural heritage sites on the Indonesian island of Java
On May 27, 2006, a powerful earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Java, with a magnitude of 6.4. The epicenter was near the city of Yogyakarta, a region known for its rich cultural heritage. The earthquake caused widespread devastation, killing over 6,600 people and injuring tens of thousands more.
Approximately 200,000 people were left homeless as buildings, homes, and infrastructure were destroyed. The quake also caused significant damage to important cultural and historical sites, including the Prambanan Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The disaster prompted a massive humanitarian response, with relief efforts focusing on providing emergency aid, medical care, and rebuilding efforts. The earthquake highlighted the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the need for improved disaster preparedness and response.