This Day In History

On July 17, 1955, Walt Disney realized one of his long-time dreams when he opened his Disneyland amusement park in Anaheim, California. For decades, it was the most-visited park in the world.

On July 16, 1769, Franciscan friar Junipero Serra founded California’s first Catholic mission. This marked the beginning of the Spanish mission system in California, which would go on to shape the culture, history, and landscape of the region for centuries.

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was born on July 15, 1606, in Leiden, the Dutch Republic (present-day Netherlands).

On July 14, 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt committed $30,000 toward a monument to botanist and inventor George Washington Carver.

Acclaimed poet Walter Whitman was born on May 31, 1819, in Huntington, Long Island, New York. Considered one of the most influential American poets, he’s also been called the father of free verse.

Danish author Hans Christian Andersen was born on April 2, 1805, in Odense, Funen, Kingdom of Denmark-Norway. Best known as an author of Fairy Tales, his birthday is celebrated as International Children’s Book Day.

Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Better known as Dr. Seuss, he created some of America’s most popular children’s books and memorable characters still beloved today.

On February 27, 1979, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Literary Arts Series honoring author John Steinbeck. The series has continued for 45 years, honoring 35 writers from a variety of backgrounds.

Baseball player Ty Cobb got his 4,000th hit, a first in the sport’s history, on July 18, 1927. In all, he set about 90 records during his career, some of which still stand today.

On July 18, 1894, the post office issued the first US postage stamp printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). for the next 75 years, the BEP produced nearly all US stamps.

On July 18, 1979, the first National POW/MIA Recognition Day was observed. It’s a day to honor past and present POW/MIAs, rededicate efforts to bring them home, and care for the families still waiting on their return home.

On July 18, 1947, the United Nations established the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) to be administered by the United States. The TTPI was founded to help these small islands recover in the wake of World War II.