Birth of John Sloan
Artist John French Sloan was born on August 2, 1871, in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. He was a renowned painter who helped found the Ashcan School and participated in the famed 1913 Armory Show.
Famous Americans
Birth of Henry Ford
Industrialist and auto manufacturer Henry Ford was born on July 30, 1863, in Greenfield Township, Michigan. He was a pioneer in the automotive industry, starting a company that’s still in business today.
Death of Brien McMahon
Connecticut senator and chairman of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy Brien McMahon died on July 28, 1952, in Washington, DC.
Department of State Established
On July 27, 1789, the Department of Foreign Affairs was created, which was later renamed the Department of State. It was the first department established under the US Constitution and its primary role is to help the President develop and carry out a foreign policy.
Ben Franklin Appointed America’s First Postmaster General
On July 26, 1775, former deputy postmaster general of the American colonies, Ben Franklin, was made the first postmaster general of the United States. He revolutionized mail service in the young nation at a crucial time in our history.
Birth of Thomas Eakins
Artist Thomas Cowperthwait Eakins was born on July 25, 1844, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known for his realistic paintings, Eakins is often considered one of the greatest painters of his time.
Happy Birthday, Amelia Earhart!
Aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas. Earhart advanced the role of women in aviation during the early days of flight. She was the first woman to fly the Atlantic Ocean solo (and the first person to do it twice), receive the Distinguished Flying Cross, and fly nonstop coast-to-coast across the US.
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
On July 23, 1966, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park was established in Vincennes, Indiana. The park honors this Revolutionary War hero and his role in the expansion of the Northwest Territory.
Happy Birthday, Ernest Hemingway
Author Ernest Miller Hemingway was born on July 21, 1899, in Oak Park, Illinois. Hemingway is considered one of America’s great 20th century novelists, inspiring a generation of writers with his understated, minimal prose.