July 2024 – Historic Moments Today

July 4th: The Declaration of Independence Adopted & Statue of Liberty Gifted

4Jul

By Dr. Sylvia K. Crawford, MA in JournalismNo Comments

July 4th: The Declaration of Independence Adopted & Statue of Liberty Gifted

What Happened On July 4th? July 4th stands as a key date in American history, symbolizing both the nation's birth and a lasting international friendship. On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, asserting the American colonies' right to self-governance and freedom from British rule. More than a century later, on July 4, 1884, France gave the United States the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing liberty and the strong bonds between the two nations. Both events, occurring on the same date, highlighted the enduring values of freedom and solidarity that defined the American spirit. A Declaration of Defiance Months of rising tensions with Britain led to the Declaration of Independence. The battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775 had ...

July 3rd: The Battle Of Gettysburg Concluded With 51,000 Casualties

3Jul

By Dr. Charles E. Whitman, Jr., Historian at LargeNo Comments

U.S. History

July 3rd: The Battle Of Gettysburg Concluded With 51,000 Casualties

What Happened On July 3rd? As dawn broke on July 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg reached its conclusion, altering the trajectory of the Civil War in favor of the Union. This decisive day ended a ferocious three-day conflict, which became synonymous with some of the fiercest fighting of the war. The Pennsylvania countryside bore witness to a clash that would determine the nation's future. Gathering Storms The days preceding the final confrontation were met with incessant combat. On July 1st, General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia engaged with General George G. Meade's Union Army of the Potomac, resulting in substantial casualties on both sides. The following day was marred by brutal attacks at strategic locations such as Little Round Top, Devil's Den, ...

July 2nd: An Alligator Fell From The Charleston Skies

2Jul

By Professor Mei X. Chen, M.A., Literature ScholarNo Comments

Arts & Culture

July 2nd: An Alligator Fell From The Charleston Skies

What Happened On July 2nd? July 2, 1843, seemed like any other summer day in Charleston, South Carolina. However, by afternoon, dark clouds gathered over the city, foretelling a severe thunderstorm. Now, what happened next was far from ordinary. Amidst the storm’s fury, an alligator fell from the sky. Charleston Braces For A 'Gator-ific" Storm Temperatures soared that day, pressing the heavy air down on the city. By mid-afternoon, the sky turned a shade of gray, and the first rumbles of thunder echoed across the rooftops. Residents hurried to close their windows and secure their belongings, preparing for a typical summer storm. However, this storm would prove anything but typical. A Gator From The Heavens As the storm raged, witnesses reported seeing a small alligator fall...

July 1st: The First Sony Walkman Released In Stores

1Jul

By Dr. Sylvia K. Crawford, MA in JournalismNo Comments

Science & Industry

July 1st: The First Sony Walkman Released In Stores

What Happened On July 1st? On July 1, 1979, a new device changed the way that people experienced music. The first Sony Walkman, a compact, portable cassette player, hit the shelves in Japan and soon became a global sensation. This small device transformed personal audio consumption and started a new era in the music industry. Visionary Beats Sony co-founder Masaru Ibuka envisioned a device that would allow individuals to listen to their favorite music wherever they went without disturbing others. At the time, portable music options were limited, bulky, and lacked high-quality sound. Ibuka aimed to create a lightweight, high-quality device that would change music enjoyment on the go. Sony's engineers adapted an existing product, the Pressman, a portable tape recorder for journa...