From pivotal battles to groundbreaking social changes, the first week of July has shaped history in remarkable ways. This seven-day span witnessed the turning point of the Civil War at Gettysburg, the birth of American independence, and landmark moments in civil rights, science, and culture. Whether it’s the signing of the Civil Rights Act, the debut of the bikini, or the tragic 7/7 London attacks, these dates remind us of humanity’s capacity for both triumph and tragedy. Join us as we explore two defining milestones for each day—events that continue to echo through time.
July 1
1863 – The Battle of Gettysburg begins during the American Civil War, marking a turning point for the Union.
1963 – The U.S. ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system is introduced by the Postal Service to improve mail sorting.
July 2
1776 – The Second Continental Congress votes for independence from Britain, leading to the Declaration of Independence.
1964 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act into law, outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
July 3
1863 – The Battle of Gettysburg ends with a Union victory, the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War.
1971 – Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, is found dead in Paris at age 27.
July 4
1776 – The Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Continental Congress, marking the birth of the United States.
1826 – Former U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams die on the same day, the 50th anniversary of independence.
July 5
1865 – The Salvation Army is founded in London by William Booth.
1946 – The bikini swimsuit is introduced by French designer Louis Réard in Paris.
July 6
1885 – Louis Pasteur successfully tests his rabies vaccine on a human patient, Joseph Meister.
1957 – Althea Gibson becomes the first Black tennis player to win Wimbledon.
July 7
1930 – Construction begins on Hoover Dam, one of the largest U.S. infrastructure projects.
2005 – A series of terrorist bombings in London (7/7 attacks) kill 52 people and injure hundreds.
