June 3 in History: America’s First Spacewalk, Graceland Opens, and the Army is Created

Scott Winters June 3, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on June 3 in history, along with notable events that shaped military history, space exploration, sports, and American culture.

What Happened on June 3 in History?

Important events on this day include the creation of the United States Army, America’s first spacewalk, the opening of Graceland as a tourist attraction, and Mike Ilitch purchasing the Detroit Red Wings.

JUNE 3 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1784 – Congress formally created the United States Army to replace the disbanded Continental Army. On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress had created the Continental Army for purposes of common defense and this event is considered to be the birth of the United States Army.

1800 – John Adams moved to Washington, DC. He was the first President to live in what later became the capital of the United States.

1851 – The New York Knickerbockers became the first baseball team to wear uniforms.

1856 – Cullen Whipple patented the screw machine.

1888 – “Casey at the Bat”, the poem by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, was first published in the San Francisco Examiner.

1932 – Lou Gehrig set a major league baseball record when he hit four consecutive home runs.

1943 – Hurley Smith, of Bellaire, Michigan, patented the Pocket Protector.

1956 – The city of Santa Cruz, CA, officially banned rock and roll music at public gatherings. Calling it “detrimental to both the health and morals of our youth and community.” The unpopular ban was rescinded a few months later.

1959 – The first class graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

1964 – The Rolling Stones debuted on U.S. television on the TV show “Hollywood Palace”, hosted by Dean Martin.

1964 – Governor George Romney signed a bill that made it a requirement to have photographs on Michigan Driver’s Licenses.

1965 – Edward White became the first American astronaut to do a “space walk” when he left the Gemini 4 capsule.

1965 – James McDivitt became the first Astronaut from Michigan to travel into Space.

1970 – Har Gobind Khorana and colleagues announced the first synthesis of a gene from chemical components.

1980 – The NBA Board of Governors voted to make the 3-point goal a permanent part of pro basketball.

1982 – Elvis Presley’s mansion in Memphis, TN, “Graceland”, opened as a tourist attraction.

1982 – Mike Ilitch purchased the Detroit Red Wings.

1988 – The movie “Big”, starring Tom Hanks, debuted in theaters.

1991 – Willie Nelson began selling his “Who’ll Buy My Memories – The IRS Tapes” album through phone orders. It was later released in stores. The album was made up of songs that had been seized by the government and would go towards paying off his $16 million tax bill.

1992 – President Bill Clinton appeared on TV’s “The Arsenio Hall Show” and played his saxophone.

1994 – The movie “Renaissance Man”, directed by Penny Marshall and starring Danny DeVito, Gregory Hines, James Remar and Cliff Robertson, premiered in theaters.

1999 – Dennis Muren received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2001 – HBO’s “Six Feet Under” debuted on television.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JUNE 3:

John Norman – 95 years old (1931) – Philosopher and author

Billy Cunningham – 83 years old (1943) – Basketball player and coach

Hale Irwin – 81 years old (1945) – Golfer and architect

Suzi Quatro – 76 years old (1950) – American-English singer-songwriter and guitarist

Jill Biden – 75 years old (1951) – Educator, First Lady of the United States

Deniece Williams – 75 years old (1951) – Singer-songwriter

Louis H. Schiff – 71 years old (1955) – retired American judge, law school professor

Danny Wilde – 70 years old (1956) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Jeff Colyer – 66 years old (1960) – Politician, 47th Governor of Kansas

Lawrence Lessig – 65 years old (1961) – Lawyer, academic, and author, founded the Creative Commons

Peter Vidmar – 65 years old (1961) – Gymnast

Kerry King – 62 years old (1964) – Guitarist and songwriter

Mike Gordon – 61 years old (1965) – Bassist and vocalist

Bill Callahan – 60 years old (1966) – Singer-songwriter

Anderson Cooper – 59 years old (1967) – Journalist and author

John Hodgman – 55 years old (1971) – Humorist

Jamie McMurray – 50 years old (1976) – Race car driver

Travis Hafner – 49 years old (1977) – Baseball player

Katie Hoff – 37 years old (1989) – Swimmer

Jade Cargill – 34 years old (1992) – Professional wrestler

Otto Porter Jr. – 33 years old (1993) – Basketball player

Harrison Bader – 32 years old (1994) – Baseball player

Jalen Suggs – 25 years old (2001) – Basketball player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JUNE 3:

World Cider Day: Celebrate World Cider Day by exploring crisp apple ciders, learning their rich history, visiting orchards and cideries, and toasting this beloved drink.
Mabo Day: Discover Mabo Day, honoring Eddie Koiki Mabo, Indigenous land rights, and the fight against terra nullius with storytelling, culture, and community action.
National Repeat Day: Celebrate National Repeat Day by replaying favorite moments, revisiting special places, and finding joy in doing beloved experiences all over again.
National Tailors Day: Discover the art of a perfect fit on National Tailors Day, honoring skilled tailors who craft, alter, and refine clothing to help people look and feel their best.
Insect Repellent Awareness Day: Discover why Insect Repellent Awareness Day highlights safe bug protection, disease prevention, and smart ways to keep families bite-free outdoors.
National Chocolate Macaroon Day: Celebrate National Chocolate Macaroon Day by baking, sharing, and savoring rich chocolate-covered coconut treats while exploring their sweet, centuries-old heritage.
National Egg Day: Discover National Egg Day, celebrating eggs as a nutritious, versatile food. Explore health benefits, fun facts, experiments, and tasty ways to enjoy them.
Love Conquers All Day: Celebrate Love Conquers All Day by honoring the power of love to overcome obstacles, deepen relationships, inspire poetry, and connect hearts through music.
World Bicycle Day: World Bicycle Day celebrates cycling as affordable, healthy, and sustainable transport, promoting fitness, cleaner air, safer streets, and poverty reduction worldwide.
Global Running Day: Celebrate Global Running Day by lacing up, hitting the pavement, and joining a global community that champions fitness, mental health, and joyful movement.
Chimborazo Day: Celebrate Chimborazo Day by honoring Ecuador’s highest peak, closest to the stars, with outdoor adventures, cultural discovery, and nature-friendly activities.
National Simp Day: Celebrate National Simp Day by reclaiming “simp” as a positive, honoring kind, emotionally aware men and challenging toxic masculinity with genuine affection.
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: Securing healthcare integrity, ensuring resources reach those in need, and safeguarding against deceptive practices for a healthier community.
America The Beautiful Week: America The Beautiful Week lights up the first week of June. It's a special time to appreciate the song "America the Beautiful" and to honor the love for the country. This week encourages us to reflect on the natural beauty and patriotic spirit that defines America! How to Celebrate America...
National CPR and AED Awareness Week: Have you ever needed to use CPR or an AED in an emergency? National CPR and AED Awareness Week, celebrated during this time in early June, shines a spotlight on the importance of these life-saving skills. This special week is all about educating people on how to respond to a cardiac...
National Stuffed Shrimp Scholars Day: Stuffed shrimp and smart choices don’t always go hand in hand, but National Stuffed Shrimp Scholars Day makes that combo fun. It’s a fresh, playful celebration where people enjoy this favorite dish while learning how to make it better for their bodies. Families gather in kitchens, kids wear pink and green...
Canadian Environment Week: Canadian Environment Week is a lively celebration highlighting Canada's commitment to the environment. This special event invites everyone to appreciate nature, raise awareness, and take action to protect the planet. This week coincides with global events like World Environment Day and Clean Air Day, making it a perfect time for...
World Clubfoot Day: Imagine a newborn with tiny feet turned inward, a condition known as clubfoot. This birth defect causes one or both feet to point downward and inward, making walking difficult if untreated. However, with early intervention using the non-surgical Ponseti Method, which involves gentle manipulation and casting, children can achieve normal...
International Sommelier Day: For some wine lovers and students of wine, becoming a sommelier can feel like a dream come true! To have a position where it’s literally your job to run a wine cellar, choose a wine list, recommend pairings and train staff about wine? Sure it’s a high calling and there...
British Tomato Fortnight: British Tomato Fortnight is an exciting time that celebrates the peak season for homegrown tomatoes in the UK. This event highlights the wonderful flavors and health benefits of British tomatoes, encouraging everyone to enjoy this versatile fruit in various dishes! How to Celebrate British Tomato Fortnight Host a Tomato Tasting...
Stepparents Week: Stepparents Week is a special time to honor those who step into the role of parenthood with open hearts. Celebrated anually, this event recognizes the vital contributions of stepmoms and stepdads. It's all about the love, guidance, and care they provide to children, who are not their own by birth...