Opening of the 1976 Summer Olympics
On July 17, 1976, Queen Elizabeth II presided over the opening ceremonies of the Games of the XXI Olympiad in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. These were the first and only Summer Olympics held in Canada.
This Day in History
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National Parks Issue
On July 16, 1934, the first stamp in the National Parks Series was issued, honoring Yosemite National Park. The series was issued to raise awareness of America’s national parks, and was part of the Infamous Farley’s Follies…
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The Second Battle of the Marne
On July 15, 1918, the Germans launched the Second Battle of the Marne. The battle resulted in a major Allied victory, bringing a much-needed morale boost following a string of losses to the Germans.
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Beginning of the French Revolution
On July 14, 1789, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille in Paris, marking the start of the decade-long French Revolution. The end of the revolution would mark the start a constitutional monarchy.
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Death of John C. Frémont
Explorer and soldier John C. Frémont died on July 13, 1890, in New York City. Nicknamed “The Pathfinder,” Frémont led several expeditions to the American West, served in the Civil War, and was a promising presidential candidate.
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Birth of George Eastman
Entrepreneur George Eastman was born on July 12, 1854, in Waterville, New York. Eastman invented the first successful film roll, making photography accessible for everyone and contributing to the development of motion pictures.
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Skylab Returns to Earth
On July 11, 1979, Skylab, the first manned US space laboratory, returned to Earth after six years in space. The success of the Skylab project encouraged the continued inclusion of humans in space study.
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Happy Birthday James A. Whistler
James Abbott McNeill Whistler was born on July 10, 1834, in Lowell, Massachusetts. A celebrated American artist, he’s best known for his painting many call “Whistler’s Mother.”
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Happy Birthday to Peter Francisco
Pedro Francisco, also known as the “Virginia Giant,” the “Giant of the Revolution,” and the “Virginia Hercules,” was born on July 9, 1760, in Porto Judeu, Terceira, Portugal. A hero of the Revolutionary War, many of his exploits were larger than life.
