This Day in History

Continental Congress Adopts the Declaration of Independence

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain. Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, this document articulates the fundamental ideas of national sovereignty and human rights that have become foundational to the American identity. The adoption of the Declaration of […]

Pilgrim Stampede Kills 1,400

A tragic incident occurred on July 3, 1990, when a deadly stampede happened in a pedestrian tunnel leading from Mecca towards Mina and the Plains of Arafat in Saudi Arabia. The disaster resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 pilgrims who were participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This incident remains one of the deadliest […]

Idaho Becomes the 43rd State

On July 3, 1890, Idaho was admitted to the Union as the 43rd state of the United States. The state’s admission marked a period of rapid growth and development in the American West, characterized by mining, agriculture, and the expansion of the railroads. Idaho’s statehood is a celebration of its rich resources and diverse landscapes, […]

Battle of Gettysburg Ends

The Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most critical and bloodiest battles of the American Civil War, concluded on July 3, 1863, after three days of fierce combat. This battle marked a turning point in the war, with the defeat of General Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army by Union forces under the command of Major […]

President Johnson Signs Civil Rights Act

The Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, representing a watershed moment in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. This comprehensive legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, ended segregation in public places, and banned employment discrimination. It […]

Amelia Earhart Disappears

Amelia Earhart, a pioneering aviator and symbol of daring and adventure, disappeared over the central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island on July 2, 1937, while attempting to circumnavigate the globe. Her disappearance remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th century and has spurred countless theories and searches. Earhart’s legacy as a trailblazer […]

President James A. Garfield Shot

On July 2, 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. The attack was motivated by Guiteau’s delusional belief that his imagined political influence had been spurned by Garfield’s administration. Garfield succumbed to infections related to the bullet wounds more than two […]

1997: Hong Kong Returned to China

On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong was officially returned to Chinese sovereignty, ending more than 150 years of British colonial rule. This event occurred in accordance with the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, which stipulated that Hong Kong would operate under a “one country, two systems” principle, preserving its legal and economic systems for 50 years […]

PG-13 Rating Debuts

The PG-13 movie rating was introduced by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) on July 1, 1984. This new category was created in response to concerns from parents about films that contained levels of violence and maturity not suitable for younger viewers but not severe enough to warrant an R rating. The first film […]

Canada Day – Formation of Canada

On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act came into effect, uniting the three separate colonies of the Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single Dominion within the British Empire called Canada. This day, now celebrated as Canada Day, marked the birth of Canada as a nation, with its own […]