History: What Happened Today?

1. In 1787, the Continental Congress enacted the Northwest Ordinance. This was significant because it created new states as a means to expand the US westward, rather than expanding existing states. They also banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.
2. In 1832, the source of the Mississippi River was discovered to be Lake Itasca, Minnesota.
3. In 1837, Queen Victoria of England becomes first monarch to live in Buckingham Palace.
4. In 1898, Guglielmo Marconi patented the radio.
5. In 1923, the Hollywood sign was dedicated, originally reading HOLLWOODLAND, but the last 4 letters were removed in 1949.
6. In 1930, the first ever World Cup competition began in Uruguay.
7. In 1951, the worst flood in US history at the time plagued Eastern Kansas, with more than 30 inches of rain falling in one month.
8. In 1977, New York City experienced a 25 hour power outage or "blackout".
9. In 1985, President Ronald Reagan temporarily transferred power to Vice President George H.W. Bush before undergoing surgery.
10. In 1985, Live Aid, a 16-hour concert was held in London, Philadelphia, Moscow and Sydney, raised over $125 million in famine relief for Africa and was viewed by more than a billion viewers in 110 nations. It is still raising money, because people still purchase the recordings.
11. Famous Birthdays: John Jacob Astor IV (American businessman), Cameron Crowe (film director), Louise Mandrell (country singer),

For famous birthdays and other daily events in history, visit our Daily Dose Activities.

Click Here for Yesterday in History: July 12

Click Here for Tomorrow in History: July 14

For more history resources on Internet 4 Classrooms, visit our Social Studies and History index. For Pre K-8th Grade Level History and Social Studies Resources, visit our Grade Level Index.