July Facts … Did you know?

Interesting and Little Known History Facts from July

American History Edition

July facts in American history include many historical moments from the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the ninth state ratifying the current United States Constitution in 1788, the ratification of the 14th amendment in 1868, and adding 2 states Idaho (1890) and Alabama (1868).  America has many important dates to remember in July.

July 1, 1862 – Abraham Lincoln signed the first income tax bill.  In a separate action, Congress created the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

July 1, 1863 – The battle of Gettysburg began during the Civil War.

July 1, 1963 – The United States Post Office started using 5 digit zip codes.

July 2, 1776 – The Second Continental Congress voted to approve independence.  John Adams believed July 2nd would be the day that future generations would celebrate as Independence Day.

July 2, 1788 – Congress announced the 9th state ratified the United States Constitution and began setting up the new American governement.  The United States Constitution stands today as the greatest achievement in history of freedom and self-government.  You may read a full text of the United States Constitution here.

July 3, 1775 – George Washington took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, MA.

July 3, 1890 – Idaho became the 43rd state.

July 4, 1776 – The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.  It was not until August 30th that England knew about the Declaration of Independence.  A complete copy of the Declaration of Independence can be read here.

July 4 – Three U.S Presidents died on July 4th.  John Adams and Thomas Jefferson on July 4, 1826 within hours of each other.  James Monroe also died on July 4, 1831.

July 7, 1898 – The United States annexes Hawaii.  It’s not until 1959 that Hawaii became a state.

July 9, 1776 – The Declaration of Independence was read aloud to George Washington’s troops.

July 9, 1868 – The 14th Amendment to the United States Consitution was ratified.  The 14th amendment provides for due process and equal protection under the law.  The 14th amendment has been the justification for many new “rights” and central to numerous court cases since it’s ratification.

July 13, 1787 – The Northwest Ordinance was enacted by Congress.  The Northwest Ordinance created a procress for territories to become states and granted basic constitutional rights (freedom of religion, right to a jury trial) in those territories.

July 13, 1868 – Alabama becomes a state.

July 17, 1902 – The air conditioner was invented by William Carrier.

July 17, 1955 – Disneyland opens in California.

July 18, 1847 – Elias Howe invented the sewing machine.

July 19-20, 1848 – The Seneca Falls Convention for women’s rights includes the topics of voting rights, property rights and divorce.

July 20, 1969 – Neil Armstrong takes the first step for mankind on the moon stating, “That’s one small step for man, one giant step for mankind.”  Landing on the moon culminated a decade of American space advances and the challenge from President Kennedy to land a man on the moon by the end of the decade (1969).

July 31, 1790 – The United States Patent Office was opened.  The first patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins and was signed by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

What is your favorite date in July history?  How do you celebrate the 4th of July?