First Crossword Puzzle is Published in the New York World

The first crossword puzzle, an important milestone in puzzles and popular culture, was published by Arthur Wynne in the New York World newspaper.

• Dates: The first crossword puzzle was published on December 21, 1913.
• Details: Arthur Wynne, a British journalist working in New York City, created the first crossword puzzle, which he called a “word-cross.” It was diamond-shaped, with numbered squares and no black squares, and was published in the Sunday edition of the New York World newspaper. The puzzle quickly gained popularity, and other newspapers soon began to publish crossword puzzles.
• Trivial Facts: The name “crossword” was an accidental typesetting error that transposed the original name “word-cross.” The mistake appeared in subsequent publications, and the new name eventually stuck.
• Effects on Pop Culture: Crossword puzzles became a popular pastime and a staple in newspapers and magazines worldwide. They are still enjoyed by millions of people today, both in print and digital formats. Crosswords have been featured in various forms of entertainment, such as movies, books, and television shows, and have inspired other types of word puzzles and games.
• Prominent People: Arthur Wynne is considered the “father of the crossword puzzle” for his groundbreaking creation. Other notable figures in crossword puzzle history include Margaret Petherbridge Farrar, who became the first crossword puzzle editor for The New York Times in 1942, and Will Shortz, the current crossword editor for The New York Times, who is also known for his appearances on National Public Radio (NPR).
• Countries Involved: The first crossword puzzle was published in the United States, but the concept quickly spread to other countries. Today, crossword puzzles can be found in newspapers and magazines around the world, with each country often putting its unique spin on the format and clues.

The publication of the first crossword puzzle by Arthur Wynne in the New York World newspaper in 1913 marked the beginning of a popular pastime that continues to engage and entertain people globally. The crossword puzzle has become a cultural icon, influencing various forms of entertainment and inspiring countless other word puzzles and games.