July 4

Scott Winters July 4, 2025 0 Comments

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:

1776 – The amended Declaration of Independence, prepared by Thomas Jefferson, was approved and signed by John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress in America.

1802 – The U.S. Military Academy officially opened at West Point, NY.

1803 – The Louisiana Purchase was announced in newspapers. The property was purchased, by the U.S. from France, was for $15 million (or 3 cents an acre). The “Corps of Discovery,” led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, began the exploration of the territory on May 14, 1804.

1817 – Construction began on the Erie Canal, to connect Lake Erie and the Hudson River.

1834 – A year after the first settlers arrived, residents of Grand Rapids, MI celebrated July 4th for the first time.

1845 – American writer Henry David Thoreau began his two-year experiment in simple living at Walden Pond, near Concord, MA.

1848 – In Washington, DC, the cornerstone for the Washington Monument was laid.

1859 – Grand Rapids, MI folks were thrilled by an Independence Day balloon ascension by Prof. William Bannister. This event was considered the birth of flight in Grand Rapids. Many residents were perched on roofs to follow the balloon’s flight of 3 miles to the west.

1865 – “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” was published.

1876 – The city of Grand Rapids, Michigan celebrated its 50th anniversary. A wooden Grand Arch memorial was designed by Col. Joseph Penney and erected by Mr. C.H. Gifford in downtown Grand Rapids.

1881 – Tuskegee Institute opened in Alabama.

1884 – Bullfighting was introduced in the U.S. in Dodge City, KS.

1886 – The first rodeo in America was held at Prescott, AZ.

1886 – The people of France offered the Statute of Liberty to the people of the United States.

1892 – The first double-decked street car service was inaugurated in San Diego, CA.

1895 – The song “America the Beautiful” was first published.

1899 – The biggest of all Grand Rapids Police raids occurred when 145 liquor dealers were arrested on charges of violating a state law by selling alcoholic beverages on a legal holiday. The law was frequently disregarded in Grand Rapids on Independence Day.

1910 – Race riots broke out all over the United States after African-American Jack Johnson knocked out Jim Jeffries in a heavyweight boxing match.

1916 – The very first Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest was held at Coney Island.

1929 – A early morning storm caused two giant wave incidents to strike west Michigan beaches. The seiches cause several deaths (nine at Grand Haven beach). Witnesses reported the waves exceeded 20 feet.

1934 – Boxer Joe Louis won his first professional fight.

1934 – At Mount Rushmore, George Washington’s face was dedicated.

1939 – There was not a dry eye in the house of 61,808 fans at Yankee Stadium, in New York, NY, as Lou Gehrig, recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, informed the crowd that he considered himself the “luckiest man on the fact of the earth”, and then announced his retirement from major league baseball.

1955 – The first king cobra snakes born in captivity in the U.S. hatched at the Bronx Zoo in New York, NY.

1957 – The U.S. Postal Service issued the 4¢ Flag stamp.

1959 – The 49-star U.S. flag became official.

1960 – The 50-star U.S. flag made its debut in Philadelphia, PA.

1966 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Freedom of Information Act, which went into effect the following year.

1970 – Casey Kasem hosted radio’s “American Top 40” for the first time.

1976 – The U.S. celebrated its Bicentennial.

1997 – The Mars Pathfinder, an unmanned spacecraft, landed on Mars. A rover named Sojourner was deployed to gather data about the surface of the planet.

1997 – Ferry service between Manhattan and Staten Island was made free of charge. Previously, the charge had ranged from 5 cents to 50 cents.

2004 – In New York, NY, the cornerstone of the Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center) was laid on the former World Trade Center site.

2005 – NASA’s Deep Impact spacecraft took pictures as a space probe smashed into the Tempel 1 comet. The mission was aimed at learning more about comets that formed from the leftover building blocks of the solar system. The Deep Impact mission launched on January 12, 2005.

2006 – The Space Shuttle Discovery launched STS-121 to the International Space Station. The event gained media attention because it was the only shuttle launch in the program’s history to occur on the United States’ Independence Day.

2009 – The Statue of Liberty’s crown reopened to visitors. It had been closed to the public since 2001 due to security concerns following the September 11 attacks.

2019 – Mad Magazine announced it would stop publishing after 67 years.

BIRTHDAYS:

Eva Marie Saint – 101 years old (1924) – Actress (“On the Waterfront”, “North by Northwest”, “A Hatful of Rain”, TV’s “People Like Us”)

Ed Bernard – 86 years old (1939) – Actor (TV’s “Police Woman”, “The White Shadow”)

Karolyn Grimes – 85 years old (1940) – Actress (Played Zuzu in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “The Bishop’s Wife”)

Geraldo Rivera – 82 years old (1943) – TV personality

Jeremy Spencer – 77 years old (1948) – Guitarist (Fleetwood Mac)

John Waite – 73 years old (1952) – Singer (“Missing You”, The Babys, Bad English)

Kirk Pengilly – 67 years old (1958) – Saxophonist, guitarist (INXS)

Signy Coleman – 65 years old (1960) – Actress (TV’s “The Young and the Restless”, “Guiding Light”)

Mark Slaughter – 61 years old (1964) – Vocalist (Slaughter)

William Goldsmith – 53 years old (1972) – Drummer (Foo Fighters)

Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino – 43 years old (1982) – Reality star (MTV’s “Jersey Shore”)

TODAY IS:

National Caesar Salad Day: Dig into the world’s favorite salad: just big leaves of romaine lettuce, shaved romano or parmesan cheese, croutons, optional anchovies, and of course Caesar dressing.
Alice in Wonderland Day: Follow Alice's adventures down the rabbit hole and into a whimsical world full of peculiar creatures, magic, and wonder.
National Barbecued Spareribs Day: Go out for spare ribs, or host a barbecue with friends and family and make this popular cut of meat just right, grilled to perfection and topped with BBQ sauce.
Independence From Meat Day: Good for your body, good for the planet, even good for the budget: see what the vegetarian and vegan lifestyle is all about by taking a day “independent” from meat.
Jackfruit Day: Jackfruit hails originally from South Asia, but is slowly making its name as a healthy, sustainable substitute for meat and animal products in many dishes.
National Hillbilly Day: National Hillbilly Day is a lively occasion that honors the unique culture and spirit of Appalachia. This day gives everyone a chance to appreciate the rich traditions and resilient character of hillbillies. Often misunderstood, hillbillies are known for their independence, resourcefulness, and strong community ties. This celebration highlights the theme of...
Invisible Day: How many times have you wished to be invisible? Invisible Day offers us a chance to explore that fantasy, but with a twist that's more about inner peace than vanishing acts. It's a day that invites us to step back from our daily grind and find solace in solitude, acknowledging those...
Filipino-American Friendship Day: The Filipino-American Friendship Day celebrates the strong ties that have been built between the two nations over many years. Filipino-American Friendship Day serves as a reminder of the complex yet strong relationship that has evolved between the two countries, from a tumultuous beginning to a partnership that both nations now...
Comic Sans Day: Comic Sans Day encourages everyone to break from the usual and embrace a lighter, more playful side of design. Once a year, people around the world have a little fun with a font that’s both entertaining and berated. It's a day to appreciate the quirks and unique charm of Comic...
Sidewalk Egg Frying Day: Sidewalk Egg Frying Day brings a sizzling twist to the hot July 4th celebrations in the United States. This playful holiday captures the peak of summer heat, where sidewalks become hot enough to experiment with cooking eggs on them. How to Celebrate Sidewalk Egg Frying Day Hold a Friendly Competition Gather friends...
Caribbean Community Day: Caribbean Community Day honors the unity of nations from across the Caribbean. It marks a day when member states pause to celebrate ties that bring them together. People feel a strong sense of belonging as they take part in events that highlight shared culture, language, and hope. This creates an...
Indivisible Day: Indivisible Day emerged from a blend of history and modern movements, focusing on maintaining a healthy separation between church and state. It’s a day marked not just by reflection but also by a spirited call for awareness about the independence of belief and governance. How to Celebrate Indivisible Day Pledge a Toast...
Independence Day: Get ready to wave your flag and sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" as millions of Americans honor the founding of a nation on Independence Day. Join the celebration with parades, BBQs, and fireworks!
Alice Springs Show Day: Alice Springs Show Day is a lively and vibrant event that brings the whole community together. This annual celebration is one of the biggest events in the region, featuring a mix of fun activities and displays. Locals and visitors alike look forward to this day for its unique blend of...
Wimbledon: Wimbledon stands out as one of the most iconic and prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. The event draws attention not only for the high level of competition but also for its rich traditions. Players, fans, and even members of the British Royal Family come together to celebrate the sport...
Sweetness Week: Sweetness Week is an annual celebration that brings a special kind of joy to Argentina. During this time, people exchange kisses and sweet treats, turning it into a playful and romantic affair. How to Celebrate Sweetness Week Sweetness Week is a playful chance to spread joy and sugar. Here are some...