Christopher Columbus Sets Sail
On August 3, 1492, Christopher Columbus left Spain to find a water route to the fabled gold and spice islands of China. Though he didn’t find what he was looking for, his trip made him famous.
This Day in History
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President Harding Dies Suddenly
Though he had been in poor health for some time, President Warren G. Harding’s death on August 2, 1923, was a shock to the nation, and spurred numerous unfounded rumors.
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Birth of Francis Scott Key, Author of National Anthem
Born on August 1, 1779, in western Maryland, Francis Scott Key witnessed the devastating attack of Fort McHenry which inspired him to pen one of our nation’s most patriotic tunes – “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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Ice Cream Cone is Popularized at St. Louis World’s Fair
The St. Louis World’s Fair (also known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition) ran for seven months in 1904 and saw the introduction of a number of foods we still eat today. These included hamburgers, hot dogs, peanut butter, cotton candy, and ice cream cones.
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Wiley Post Completes First Solo Trip Around the Globe
Wiley Post completed the trip in 7 days, 18 hours, and 49 minutes – 21 hours faster than his previous record.
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Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio Sets 56-Game Hitting Streak
On July 16, 1941, Joe DiMaggio entered the record books hitting in 56 straight games, a record that still stands today.
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Birth of U.S. Army’s Medal of Honor
On July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation creating a Medal of Honor to be awarded “to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection [Civil War].”
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First Women Inducted into the U.S. Air Force
Staff Sergeant Esther McGowin Blake raised her right hand and enlisted in the first minute women were allowed to join the U.S. Air Force on July 8, 1948. In doing so, she paved the way for a new generation of women’s military service.
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America Declares Independence
When the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, the American colonists wanted equal representation and relief from unjust taxes. Fighting continued for over a year before the Continental Congress took steps to separate the colonies from the United Kingdom.
