U.S. Postal System Established
On July 26, 1775, the United States established its postal system with the appointment of Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. This act by the Second Continental Congress was a crucial step in unifying the colonies and ensuring secure communication channels during a pivotal time in American history. The postal service played a vital […]
World’s First “Test Tube” Baby Born
On July 25, 1978, Louise Brown, the world’s first baby conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF), was born in Oldham, England. Her birth marked a monumental breakthrough in fertility treatments, offering hope to countless couples unable to conceive naturally. The success of this medical innovation had profound implications on reproductive technologies and ethics, sparking debates […]
The Nixon Doctrine is Announced
President Richard Nixon announced the Nixon Doctrine on July 25, 1969, during a press conference in Guam. This policy stated that the United States would honor its existing defense commitments but that in the future, countries would have to fight their own wars without the support of American troops. The doctrine was intended to reshape […]
The First Railroad Accident
On July 25, 1832, the first recorded railroad accident in U.S. history occurred on the Granite Railway near Quincy, Massachusetts. A cable on a wagon carrying a load of stone snapped on an incline, causing the wagon to hurtle back down the tracks and collide with another wagon. This accident resulted in one fatality and […]
Lance Armstrong Wins Seventh Tour de France
Lance Armstrong made history on July 24, 2005, by winning his seventh consecutive Tour de France, setting a record for the most victories in one of the most grueling athletic competitions in the world. However, this achievement was later overshadowed by a doping scandal that led to Armstrong being stripped of all seven titles in […]
American Archaeologist Encounters Machu Picchu Ruins
On July 24, 1911, American archaeologist Hiram Bingham III re-discovered the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. Though known to local farmers, these ruins had been largely forgotten by the outside world until Bingham brought them to international attention. Machu Picchu, believed to have been a royal estate or religious retreat for Incan leaders, has […]
Mary Queen of Scots Deposed
On July 24, 1567, Mary, Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate the throne in favor of her one-year-old son, James VI of Scotland (later James I of England). Mary’s reign was marred by political turmoil, controversial marriages, and the murder of her second husband, which led to her imprisonment and eventual execution. Her deposition […]
Miss America Resigns Over Nude Photos
On July 23, 1984, Vanessa Williams resigned as Miss America after nude photos of her were published without her consent. Williams, who was the first African American woman to win the title, faced unprecedented scrutiny and public pressure, sparking debates over privacy, consent, and moral standards in public life. Despite the controversy, Williams went on […]
Detroit Riots of 1967 Begin
The Detroit Riots began on July 23, 1967, after a police raid on an unlicensed bar, sparking five days of some of the most destructive riots in the history of the United States. The violence, looting, and arson resulted in 43 deaths and extensive property damage, highlighting deep-seated racial tensions and economic disparities in urban […]
Former President Ulysses S. Grant Dies
On July 23, 1885, Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and a commanding general during the Civil War, died of throat cancer at the age of 63. Grant’s leadership during the Civil War helped preserve the Union, and his two terms as president were marked by both commendable efforts to reconstruct […]