Government
Beginning of the French Revolution
On July 14, 1789, revolutionaries stormed the Bastille in Paris, marking the start of the decade-long French Revolution.
Northwest Ordinance Revolutionizes Addition of New States to the Union
The United States passed the Northwest Ordinance on July 13, 1787 to establish a set of steps all future states would have to follow. It was ground breaking at the time and led to the organized and rapid expansion of America.
Birth of John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams, 6th president of the United States, was born on July 11, 1767, in the town of Braintree (present-day Quincy), Massachusetts.
The U.S. Annexes Hawaii
On July 7, 1898, President William McKinley signed legislation annexing Hawaii, paving the way for it to become a US state.
President Garfield Assassinated
On July 2, 1881, an assassin shot President James Garfield just four months into his presidency.
First U.S. Postage Stamp Goes on Sale
On July 1, 1847, America’s first postage stamps were issued.
Yosemite Land Grant
On June 30, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Land Grant, which made Yosemite Valley the first piece of land set aside by the US government for preservation and public use.
Death of Henry Clay
Esteemed statesman Henry Clay died on June 29, 1852, after nearly 50 years in politics.
Signing of United Nations Charter
On June 26, 1945, 50 nations signed the United Nations Charter.