Creation of the Veterans Administration
On July 21, 1930, President Hoover signed legislation forming the Veterans Administration, often called simply, the VA.
American History
American Bankers Association
On July 20, 1875, the first convention of the American Bankers Association (ABA) was held in Saratoga Springs, New York. The ABA works on behalf of banks of all sizes and is the largest financial trade group in the US.
First Women’s Rights Convention in the US
On July 19, 1848, the Women’s Rights Convention, also known as the Seneca Falls Convention, opened in New York. The convention’s attendants issued a declaration calling for equal rights, including the right to vote.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
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.
Happy Birthday, Hiram Bingham IV
American diplomat Hiram Bingham IV was born on July 17, 1903, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Over a short period during World War II, he helped more than 2,500 refugees escape France.
First Successful Test of Atomic Bomb
On July 16, 1945, members of America’s Manhattan Project held their first successful test of the atom bomb in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Niagara Falls State Park
On July 15, 1885, The Niagara Reservation State Park (later renamed Niagara Falls State Park) became America’s first state park.
Happy Birthday Gerald Ford!
Leslie Lynch King Jr., better known as Gerald Rudolph Ford, was born on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was the only US president not elected to the presidency or vice presidency.
Northwest Ordinance Revolutionizes Addition of New States to the Union
The United States passed the Northwest Ordinance on July 13, 1787 to establish a set of steps all future states would have to follow. It was ground breaking at the time and led to the organized and rapid expansion of America.