26 fun facts for July, 3

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
On July 3, significant events such as the founding of Quebec City (1608) and Croatia joining the European Union (2013) have taken place. The day also marks the celebration of various national and international events, including American Redneck Day, International Plastic Bag Free Day, and World Youth Skills Day.
26 Fun facts
  1. On July 3, 1608, the city of Quebec was founded by Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer and diplomat. Quebec City is now the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec.
  2. July 3, 1767, marked the birth of Pitcairn Island, a British Overseas Territory in the Pacific Ocean. Settlers from the infamous HMS Bounty established the island's first settlement.
  3. The first public zoo in the United States, the Central Park Zoo, opened on July 3, 1860. It is still one of the main attractions in Central Park, New York City.
  4. On July 3, 1844, the last pair of great auks, flightless birds native to the North Atlantic, were killed in Iceland. Since then, they have been declared extinct.
  5. On July 3, 1848, American inventor Peter Cooper obtained a patent for his invention "Jell-O." Today, Jell-O is a popular dessert enjoyed worldwide.
  6. John Hay, who would later become the U.S. Secretary of State, was born on July 3, 1838. Hay served under presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
  7. Tom Cruise, the famous American actor known for his roles in "Top Gun," "Mission: Impossible," and "Jerry Maguire," was born on July 3, 1962.
  8. July 3, 1969, was the date of the infamous concert by The Rolling Stones at London's Hyde Park. It was a free event dedicated to founding member Brian Jones, who died two days earlier.
  9. On July 3, 1971, the influential musician Jim Morrison, the lead singer of The Doors, was found dead in his apartment in Paris, France.
  10. U.S. President Zachary Taylor died on July 3, 1850, due to a sudden illness after eating cherries and milk. His death remains a mystery, as some theories suggest he was poisoned.
  11. The famous Wimbledon tennis tournament, held in London, England, has often commenced around July 3.
  12. On July 3, 2013, Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi, was overthrown in a military coup led by General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
  13. July 3rd marks American Redneck Day, a day to celebrate Southern American culture, its traditions, and its unique charm.
  14. On July 3, 1952, Puerto Rico enacted Law 600, which allowed the drafting of a constitution for the island, leading it to become a U.S. commonwealth.
  15. Air France was established on July 3, 1933, following the merging of several French aviation companies. Today, Air France is one of the world's largest airlines.
  16. On July 3, 1988, the USS Vincennes, a U.S. Navy cruiser, shot down an Iranian airliner, Iran Air Flight 655, killing all 290 people on board. The United States later claimed it was a tragic mistake.
  17. July 3, 2021, marked the 27th edition of the annual European Tree Climbing Championship.
  18. On July 3, 2013, Croatia officially joined the European Union, becoming its 28th member state.
  19. French fashion designer Christian Lacroix's first couture show was held in Paris on July 3, 1987.
  20. July 3 is National Fried Clam Day in the United States, a day to enjoy this popular seafood dish.
  21. The famous French Revolution began on July 3, 1789, with the storming of the Bastille in Paris, marking the beginning of a revolutionary era.
  22. July 3rd is International Plastic Bag Free Day, a day to raise awareness about the importance of reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.
  23. Compliment Your Mirror Day is observed on July 3, encouraging people to appreciate their unique qualities and value themselves.
  24. On July 3, 1930, the first FIFA World Cup took place in Uruguay, with the host country winning the championship.
  25. In 2013, UNESCO designated July 3 as World Youth Skills Day, which aims to promote skill development programs for the global youth population.
  26. In 2021, the Asheville Yoga Festival was held from July 3-5, celebrating the culture and practice of yoga with workshops, music, and art in Asheville, North Carolina.