A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
1774 – Oxygen was isolated from air by a chemist named Carl Wilhelm and scientist Joseph Priestly.
1790 – The first U.S. census was completed. The United States had a total population of 3,929,214 recorded. The areas included in the census were the present states of Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia
1817 – The weekly Detroit Gazette, Michigan’s first successful newspaper, began a 13 year run
1863 – Detroit, MI launched horse-drawn streetcars. It was the first public transportation for the city.
1873 – Andrew S. Hallidie successfully tested a cable car. The design was done for the city of San Francisco, CA.
1876 – Colorado became the 38th state to join the United States.
1893 – Henry Perky and William Ford were awarded the patent for shredded wheat.
1907 – The U.S. Army established an aeronautical division. It later became known as the U.S. Air Force.
1911 – Harriet Quimby of Kinderhook Township, MI, became the first licensed female pilot in the United States.
1914 – Germany declared war on Russia at the beginning of World War I.
1941 – The first Jeep was produced. The little truck, made by the Willys Company, proved so valuable in World War II that General Dwight Eisenhower said the U.S. could not have achieved victory without it.
1956 – The Social Security Act was amended to provide benefits to disabled workers aged 50-64 and disabled adult children.
1957 – The North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) was created by the United States and Canada.
1960 – The world started “Twistin'” when Chubby Checker released his song “The Twist”.
1962 – Spider-Man was introduced in Marvel Comics issue #15.
1971 – TV’s “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour” debuted on CBS.
1973 – The movie “American Graffiti” opened. It was directed by George Lucas.
1978 – Pete Rose, of the Cincinnati Reds, ended his streak of hitting in 44 consecutive games.
1980 – The movie channel Cinemax launched on cable systems.
1981 – MTV made its debut at 12:01 am. The very first video to be shown was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles. See video of the beginning of MTV.
1987 – Mike Tyson beat Tony Tucker to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
1988 – Martin Scorsese’s film “The Last Temptation of Christ” opened in theaters.
1993 – The Great Mississippi and Missouri Rivers Flood of 1993 came to a peak.
1993 – Reggie Jackson was admitted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
1994 – Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley announced that they had married 11 weeks earlier.
1995 – Westinghouse Electric Corporation purchased CBS for $5.4 billion.
1996 – MTV launched another channel known as MTV2.
1997 – The movie about a dog who played basketball, “Air Bud”, premiered in theaters.
1998 – Sandra Crouch was ordained as pastor of her church. This was in spite of the ban on woman ministers by the Church of God in Christ.
2007 – The I-35-W bridge that stretched over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed during rush hour. 13 people were killed in the tragedy. This situation triggered a nationwide awareness of maintenance and age problems with America’s roadway infrastructure.
2023 – Former President Donald Trump was indicted for his role in the January 6 United States Capitol attack, his third indictment in 2023.
BIRTHDAYS:
Robert Cray – 72 a old (1953) – Blues singer
Michael Penn – 67 a old (1958) – Singer (“No Myth”)
Joe Elliot – 66 a old (1959) – Lead singer (Def Leppard)
Adam Duritz – 61 a old (1964) – Singer (Counting Crows)
Tempestt Bledsoe – 52 a old (1973) – Actress (Played Vanessa on TV’s “The Cosby Show”)
Ashley Angel – 44 a old (1981) – Singer, actor (O-Town)
Taylor Fry – 44 a old (1981) – Actress (“Die Hard”, “North”, “A Little Princess”)
Elijah Kelley – 39 a old (1986) – Actor (“28 Days”, “Take the Lead”, “Hairspray”, “Red Tails”, “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”)
TODAY IS:
- National Disc Golf Day: Gather friends and family for a fun and competitive game of disc golf, or meet new people and make new friends by joining an amateur team or league.
- National Spider-Man Day: Swinging between skyscrapers, stopping villains, and saving lives, this web-slinging hero never fails to amaze!
- World Wide Web Day: Connecting us all, this virtual space where we share, learn, and create has revolutionized our world. The possibilities are endless!
- National Girlfriends Day: National Girlfriend Day is a vibrant celebration that shines a light on the precious bonds shared among women. This day honors not only the romantic connections but also the platonic ones that offer support, joy, and a vital sense of community to women everywhere. Across the country, it's recognized as...
- Colorado Day: Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, this state offers outdoor adventures galore, from mountain hikes to scenic drives.
- International Blues Music Day: Soulful melodies echoing stories of resilience, pain, and joy, transcending generations with raw emotion and powerful rhythm.
- National Raspberry Cream Pie Day: Heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and of course raspberries combine to make the perfect Raspberry Cream Pie filling, sure to impress your friends and family.
- National Mustard Day: Looking for a flavor that adds a zing to your meal? Sometimes spicy, sometimes tangy, this condiment might just be what you're looking for!
- National Pinball Day: Get lost in the kinetic dance of lights and steel, navigating obstacles, chasing scores—a pinball symphony of thrill.
- World Lung Cancer Day: Help raise awareness and support research into lung cancer, so we can prevent, treat, and eventually cure one of the most common and deadly cancers.
- Pachamama Day: Pachamama Day is a vibrant celebration dedicated to honoring Mother Earth, a central figure in Andean culture. Pachamama, which means "Mother Earth" in the Quechua language, is viewed as the life-giving force responsible for nature’s abundance. This day reflects the deep connection between humans and nature, where communities come together...
- National Woman Astronomers Day: Unveiling cosmic mysteries, fearless minds navigate celestial realms, revealing the profound contributions of women in astronomy.
- National Spritz Day: Savoring a bubbly, refreshing concoction with a zestful twist, elevating your beverage experience to pure effervescence.
- World Scout Scarf Day: Dig out your old Girl or Boy Scout scarf and show your pride for this generations-old tradition that has taught so many kids important survival skills and more.
- Play Ball Day: Play Ball Day is a vibrant celebration, buzzing with the energy of children and families engaging in baseball and softball. Created by Major League Baseball and USA Baseball, the day focuses on encouraging youngsters to participate in these sports. It's a fantastic opportunity for kids to develop their skills, enjoy...
- Yorkshire Day: If you’re from the county or city of Yorkshire, join in on the events that commemorate all the local traditions, from food to military practices and more.
- Albariño Day: Albariño Day is a once-annual occasion when enthusiasts around the world happily uncork their bottles and celebrate. This special day pays a well-deserved tribute to the Albariño grape. This beautiful Spanish white grape gives a distinct flavor to some of the finest wines. Despite its roots in the Spanish countryside...
- International Childfree Day: Flip the script on “parent of the year” by nominating or voting for a male and female “non-parent” of the year, sponsored by the National Organization for Non-Parents.
- Start-Up Day Across America: Start-Up Day Across America is a dynamic event celebrating the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation. It’s a day when communities and leaders come together to support and recognize the startups and entrepreneurs who are fueling economic growth and bringing fresh ideas into the market. How to Celebrate...
- Homemade Pie Day: Homemade Pie Day is a joyful occasion that sparks excitement among pie lovers and baking enthusiasts alike. It stands out as a celebration of the rich, flavorful, and often heartwarming experience of baking and enjoying pies. This special day emphasizes the charm and satisfaction of home cooking, bringing together families...
- National Mountain Climbing Day: Scaling heights, conquering challenges, the crisp air, and breathtaking vistas—a symphony of nature's grandeur unfolds in ascent.
- National Planner Day: Get your planner organized and up-to-date, or start keeping a planner in order better track your commitments and goals, and juggle your busy life.
- Respect For Parents Day: Let your parents know how much you respect and appreciate them, and take some time to show your own kids how to treat others with respect by example.
- Sandcastle Day: Head to a lake, river, sea or even sandbox near you and let your inner child out by building the greatest sandcastle of all time, turrets and all.
- National Sunflower Day: Vibrant blooms, facing the sun, symbolizing joy, optimism, and resilience, painting landscapes with their golden hues.
- National Jamaican Patty Day: Have you ever tried a Jamaican patty? These savory pastries are a staple in Caribbean cuisine. They are loved for their flaky, golden crust and richly spiced filling, usually featuring beef, chicken, or vegetables. National Jamaican Patty Day is a vibrant celebration of one of Jamaica's most popular culinary exports...
- National Minority Donor Awareness Day: National Minority Donor Awareness Day plays is crucial in saving lives by addressing the urgent need for organ donors among minorities. This day underscores the stark health disparities faced by minorities, especially in organ transplantation. Communities of color represent a significant portion of those waiting for transplants yet remain underrepresented...
- National Yorkie Day: National Yorkie Day is a fun excuse to celebrate one of the tiniest dogs with the biggest personalities. Yorkshire Terriers may be small, but they sure know how to take up space in a room—and in your heart. People who love them use this day to gush over their dogs’...
- Food Day Canada: Food Day Canada is all about enjoying good food made close to home. It’s a big, delicious thank-you to the people who grow, catch, bake, and cook what ends up on our plates. On this day, kitchens fill with the smell of fresh herbs, sizzling butter, and warm bread. Farmers' markets...
- International Can-It Forward Day: There’s something deeply satisfying about sealing your own jar of jam or pickles. That’s what International Can-It-Forward Day is all about—taking the time to preserve fresh food and share the results. It’s a celebration of flavor, creativity, and a bit of old-school charm. Whether you’re new to canning or already have...
- Rounds Resounding Day: Join forces with friends or family and engage in one of the oldest forms of cooperative singing: the round. Sing “Row Row Row Your Boat”, or find a new song.
- Swiss National Day: Swiss National Day brings the whole country together in a way few other days can. It’s when flags fly from balconies, church bells ring out, and communities gather in parks, town squares, and open fields. The mood feels light but meaningful. There’s laughter, music, and the familiar scent of food...
- National VFR Day: Have you ever thought about what happens after the sirens fade or the battlefield quiets down? National VFR Day brings attention to the emotional toll that veterans and first responders carry long after the action ends. These brave people often keep going, even while struggling inside. This day encourages everyone to...
- National Summit Day: National Summit Day is a celebration dedicated to honoring mountain peaks and the individuals who ascend them. Enthusiasts of all skill levels take to trails, embracing the challenge of reaching summits, whether towering mountains or local hills. This day encourages everyone to experience the joy and accomplishment that comes from standing...
- Lughnasa: Lughnasa marks the arrival of the harvest, bringing a time of gratitude and gathering. Named after the god Lugh, this festival honors the connection between people and the land. Freshly picked grains and fruits remind everyone of nature’s generosity, turning fields into symbols of hard work and reward. The season’s...
- National Promise to Care Day: National Promise to Care Day spotlights the dedicated individuals working in urgent care. These professionals commit daily to timely and effective medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions. This day acknowledges their hard work and enhances awareness about the valuable services offered by urgent care centers. Celebrated across the nation, this day emphasizes...
- International Mahjong Day: International Mahjong Day is a tribute to this timeless game and the connections it creates. More than just competition, it’s about bonding over a shared love for the tiles. Mahjong isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. The clatter of tiles, the quiet tension before a winning move, the laughter shared...
- Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
- World Breastfeeding Week: Nurturing a bond like no other, this natural act of love fosters the health and well-being of both mother and child.
- National Eisteddfod of Wales: The National Eisteddfod of Wales is a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture, bringing together the best of the nation's music, literature, and performance arts. Each year, the festival moves to a different location within Wales, alternating between the north and south. This week-long event attracts thousands of visitors who immerse...
- Love Parks Week : Enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery, and leisure activities that rejuvenate the mind and body in nature's embrace.
- International Clown Week: Exploring playful characters, spreading joy with colorful costumes, and delighting audiences with whimsical performances and antics.
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For additional information check out websites like: www.on-this-day.com, www.born-today.com, www.famousbirthdays.com, www.daysoftheyear.com, and www.nationaldaycalendar.com.

