First Flight of the B-17 Flying Fortress
On July 28, 1935, Boeing’s Model 299, as it was called at the time, embarked on its first flight from a Seattle airfield. The plane would go on to be one of the most famous used during World War II.
This Day in History
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Bugs Bunny Makes His Cartoon Debut
On July 27, 1940, the world first met Bugs Bunny and heard him utter his now famous phrase, “Eh, what’s up, Doc?”
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Launch of Apollo 15
On July 26, 1971, Apollo 15 was launched, bringing the fourth American crew to the Moon’s surface. Apollo 15 would become the first of three extended missions to the moon, known as K missions. The mission was more focused on science than previous landings had been. It also marked the first use of the lunar rover.
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General of the Army Rank Created for Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant became a household name and was considered a hero following his leadership during the Civil War. In recognition of this, Congress created an entirely new rank for him on July 25, 1866 – the four-star General of the Army of the United States.
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Exploration of Machu Picchu
On July 24, 1911, Hiram Bingham became one of the first Americans to explore the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu. Relatively unknown to the outside world at the time, his expedition brought it international attention, changing our understanding of ancient civilizations in South America.
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US Opens First Post Office in Alaska
On July 23, 1867, the United States opened its first post office in Alaska— months before the US formally took possession of the territory. While Alaska’s official transfer was still being prepared, the US was already laying down its presence—and the post office was a powerful symbol of that.
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Birth of Stephen Vincent Benét
Stephen Vincent Benét was born on July 22, 1898, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. A two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, he’s best known for his historically inspired poems, short stories, and novels.
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Wild Bill Hickok Wins the First Western Showdown
Standing in the dusty town square of Springfield, Missouri, on July 21, 1865, Wild Bill Hickok fired a single shot, killing Davis Tutt in what’s considered America’s first Western showdown.
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First International Special Olympics
On July 20, 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver held the first International Special Olympic Games in Chicago, Illinois.
