July 2023 – History of the Day

Archive: Jul 2023

First woman nominated for the U.S. Vice Presidency

July 12, 1984: Democrat Walter Mondale selected Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate in his presidential campaign, making her the first woman ever nominated for the Vice Presidency. Their presidential bid failed, however, and Ronald Reagan, alongside his VP nominee, George H. W. Bush. Geraldine Ferraro American politician Geraldine…

Medal of Honor Authorized for the U.S. Army

July 12, 1862: The highest medal for valor in combat available for members of the U.S. armed forces, the Medal of Honor, was authorized for Navy Sailors and Marines first in 1861. The following year in 1862, it was also authorized for Army Soldiers. Since its establishment, the Medal of…

Wild Bill’s first gunfight

July 12, 1861: At the age of 24, Bill Hickok began his legendary gunslinging career with a gunfight against three men in Nebraska. Reports spread rapidly, exaggerating the story. Harper’s New Monthly Magazine quoted him as saying, “I was wild, and I struck savage blows.” That earned him the nickname…

First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson dies at age 94

July 11, 2007: Former Second Lady and First Lady of the United States, Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson, passed away in West Lake Hills, Texas, at the age of 94 after a series of health problems. Lady Bird Johnson served as Second Lady from 1961 to 1963 and as First…

Babe Ruth’s First Major League Baseball Game

July 11, 1914: After throwing a no-hitter in a semi pro game, Babe Ruth was signed by the Baltimore Orioles owner-manager Jack Dunn. After a stellar spring showcase with the Orioles, Dunn sold Ruth, along with two other players, to the Boston Red Sox for $30,000. Babe Ruth started for…

Burr-Hamilton Duel

July 11, 1804: Founding father and first Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton was mortally wounded by Vice President Aaron Burr during a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey. The longtime political rivals were unable to resolve their dispute amicably, leading to the pair meeting on the dueling ground. Alexander Hamilton…

The Rolling Stones topped U.S. charts for the first time

July 10, 1965: British rock band the Rolling Stones topped U.S. charts for the first time with the single (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction. The song reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying the band's success and impact on the music industry. "Satisfaction" became a timeless…

Telstar 1 launched

July 10, 1962: Telstar 1 launched, marking a significant milestone in electronic communications. As the first communications satellite, it paved the way for transmitting live television signals and telephone conversations across the Atlantic Ocean. Telstar 1's launch marked the beginning of a new era in global communication.

Death Valley, U.S experiences the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth

July 10, 1913: Death Valley holds the record for the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth, reaching a scorching 134 degrees Fahrenheit in 1913. The park experiences very little precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of only about 2.36 inches.

Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig stopped the annual All-Star Game in the 11th inning

July 9, 2002: The annual MLB All-Star Game took place, which later became known as the “All-Star Game fiasco.” The game ended in a 7-7 tie after 11 innings, as both teams ran out of available pitchers. This unprecedented result sparked controversy and disappointment among players, fans, and officials, as…