First Commercial Jet Makes Test Flight
On July 27, 1949, the de Havilland Comet, the world’s first commercial jet airliner, made its maiden test flight, heralding a new era in aviation. Designed and built by the British, the Comet revolutionized air travel by significantly reducing flight times and changing the nature of commercial aviation. Its introduction marked the beginning of jet […]
Mick Jagger is Born
Mick Jagger, iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones, was born on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England. Jagger’s charismatic stage presence and distinctive voice have made him one of the most popular and influential figures in the history of rock and roll. The Rolling Stones, known for their unique sound that blends rock, blues, […]
FBI Founded
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was founded on July 26, 1908, originally established as the Bureau of Investigation (BOI) within the Department of Justice. Its formation was intended to handle investigations for the Department, particularly those requiring a meticulous approach to law enforcement which state or local authorities could not manage. Over the decades, […]
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 […]