Death of Robert A. Taft
Senator Robert A. Taft, son of America’s 27th president, died on July 31, 1953, in New York City. He was considered one of the five greatest US Senators.
American History
National Postal Museum Opens
On July 30, 1993, the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum opened in Washington, DC. It’s home to the National Philatelic Collection, one of the world’s largest and most valuable stamp collections.
US and Japan Sign Treaty of Amity and Commerce
On July 29, 1858, the US signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Japan, opening trade between the two nations. The treaty marked the end of more than 200 years of Japanese isolationism.
Happy Birthday Jackie Kennedy
Jacqueline Lee Bouvier was born on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York. As first lady from 1961-63, she worked to restore the White House and historic landmarks, among other projects.
Executive Order 9981
On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, calling for the end of racial discrimination in the US armed forces.
Birth of Bernardo de Gálvez
Bernardo Vicente de Gálvez y Madrid, Viscount of Galveston and Count of Gálvez, was born on July 25, 1746, in Macharaviaya, Málaga, Spain. A hero of the Revolutionary War, he later served as Spanish Governor of Louisiana and Viceroy of New Spain.
Death Of Roger Sherman
Roger Sherman, the only man in US history to sign America’s four most important documents (the Articles of Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution) died on July 23, 1793.
Viking 1 Lands on Mars
On July 20, 1976, Viking 1 became the first man-made object to land on Mars. It was one of the first spacecraft to conduct prolonged scientific studies on the surface on another planet.
1980 Summer Olympics
On July 19, 1980, the Summer Olympic Games opened in Moscow, Soviet Union. They were the first Olympics to be held in Eastern Europe. The US was among 65 countries that boycotted the games, and the numerous stamps issued to commemorate the games were removed from sale until after the Olympics were finished.