The history of crossword puzzles

 The history of crossword puzzles dates back over 100 years. Here are some key moments in the history of crossword puzzles:

1. **1913**: The first known published crossword puzzle was created by a journalist named Arthur Wynne from Liverpool. It appeared in the New York World newspaper on December 21, 1913.

2. **1920s**: Crossword puzzles gained popularity and were featured in almost all American newspapers. They began to assume their familiar form during this period.

3. **1933**: The term "crossword" first appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary.

4. **1942**: The New York Times, whose puzzle is now famous, published its first crossword.

5. **20th Century**: Crossword puzzles became a popular pastime, especially during troubled times like World War I. They provided solace and a diversion for people.

The crossword puzzle craze grew, and crosswords were published in various forms and content. They became a beloved American pastime, and solving crosswords became a craze. The crossword world continues to evolve, with new puzzles and variations being created.