40 fun facts for July, 7

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
July 7th is a day filled with important events and celebrations around the world. From the construction of the Hoover Dam to Japan’s Tanabata Star Festival, remarkable milestones in science, culture, and history make July 7th an exciting day to remember.
40 Fun facts
  1. On July 7, 1930, construction on the Hoover Dam began in the United States. This massive project took over four years to complete, and it remains one of the most significant engineering feats in American history.
  2. Independence Day in Solomon Islands is celebrated on July 7. On this day in 1978, the country gained independence from British colonial rule after 80 years.
  3. On July 7, 1959, Venus was observed for the first time in detail by U.S. Naval Observatory. This feat paved the way for future space missions and research on the planet.
  4. July 7 marks the celebration of World Chocolate Day. This commemorative day encourages people to indulge in their favorite chocolate treats while raising awareness of issues facing cocoa farmers worldwide.
  5. In Japan, Tanabata or the Star Festival is observed on July 7. This celebration signifies the romantic story of two celestial lovers (Vega and Altair) who can only meet once a year on this day.
  6. On July 7, 1898, the Hawaiian Islands were annexed by the United States. This marked a significant event in the history of both Hawaii and the U.S., resulting in the eventual statehood of Hawaii in 1959.
  7. In 1928, on July 7, sliced bread was sold for the first time ever by the Chillicothe Baking Company in Missouri. This culinary innovation led to the popular saying "the best thing since sliced bread."
  8. On July 7, 1865, four conspirators involved in the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln were hanged. This event marked a significant turning point in American history as the country sought to heal from the wounds of the Civil War.
  9. July 7, 1954, marks the release of Elvis Presley's first single, "That's All Right." This record sparked the beginning of the rock and roll era, with Elvis becoming an iconic figure in the music industry.
  10. On July 7, 1952, the first long-range oceanic jet crossing took place when a De Havilland Comet flew non-stop from London, England, to Johannesburg, South Africa. This event signified a milestone in aviation history.
  11. The Beatles released their hit song "All You Need Is Love" on July 7, 1967. The song became a cultural icon and was included in various films and television shows for years to come.
  12. July 7, 1924, marks the day when the first cloverleaf interchange was opened in Woodbridge, New Jersey. This design proved to be an efficient method for managing traffic flow and has been replicated throughout the world.
  13. On July 7, 1947, a UFO was reportedly found in Roswell, New Mexico. This story has led to decades of conspiracy theories and speculation about extraterrestrial life.
  14. July 7, 1877, is the day when Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera, "The Sorcerer," premiered in London. This production marked the beginning of the famous duo's partnership which produced some 14 comic operas together.
  15. On July 7, 2012, the United Nations declared the ancient city of Timbuktu in Mali a World Heritage in Danger due to ongoing military conflicts in the area. This cultural site remains at risk for future generations.
  16. On July 7, 1946, the first post-WWII bikini was showcased at a poolside fashion show in Paris. This item of clothing quickly gained popularity and made a significant impact on women's swimwear.
  17. July 7, 2011, marks the official day when South Sudan gained independence from Sudan. This event followed a long struggle for autonomy, making South Sudan the world's newest country at the time.
  18. On July 7, 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War began with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. The conflict lasted until September 9, 1945, and played a major role in the events leading up to World War II.
  19. July 7, 1911, saw the birth of Gian Carlo Menotti, an Italian-American composer known for his operas, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning works The Consul and The Saint of Bleecker Street.
  20. The largest wildflower meadow in the United Kingdom was opened on July 7, 2013, at the London Olympic Park. This meadow is a testament to the collaborative efforts of landscape architects, horticulturalists, and biodiversity experts.
  21. On July 7, 2007, the New 7 Wonders of the World were announced in Lisbon, Portugal. These modern wonders were chosen via an internet poll of over 100 million votes from people around the world.
  22. July 7, 2005, marks the date when London was targeted by terrorists during the "7/7 bombings." The city and its people came together to commemorate and honor the victims in the years that followed.
  23. On July 7, 1991, South Africa was readmitted to the International Olympic Committee after a 21-year ban for its apartheid policies. This marked a significant step towards a more inclusive global sports community.
  24. July 7, 1846, saw the beginning of the U.S. Navy's expedition to explore the Dead Sea. Led by Lt. William F. Lynch, the team conducted one of the first American-led scientific explorations in the region.
  25. Marc Chagall, renowned Russian-French artist and pioneer of modernism, was born on July 7, 1887. His unique style blended surrealism, expressionism, and other artistic traditions, leaving a lasting impact on the world of art.
  26. July 7th marks Czech conductor and composer Karel Husa's birthday. Born in 1921, Husa won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1969 for his work "String Quartet No. 3," and he remained influential in contemporary classical music.
  27. On July 7th, 1896, the Lumière brothers showcased six short films in Bombay, marking the birth of Indian cinema. This event laid the foundation for what would become one of the world's largest film industries.
  28. David Hockney, an influential British painter and printmaker, was born on July 7, 1937. Throughout his extensive career, Hockney has made significant contributions to the Pop Art movement and the contemporary art scene worldwide.
  29. July 7th, 1892, marks the birth of Will James, a noted cowboy artist and writer. His evocative and detailed sketches of cowboy life in Montana gained him significant acclaim during his lifetime.
  30. The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed on June 7, 1494, was ratified by King Ferdinand II of Aragon on July 7 of that same year. This treaty divided the New World between Spain and Portugal, marking a significant moment in the Age of Discovery.
  31. Tennis player Gottfried von Cramm was born on July 7, 1909. He played a key role in the prominence of German tennis during the 1930s and was a seven-time major title winner.
  32. Born on July 7, 1940, painter and novelist Róyndar Egilsson contributed substantially to the development of Faroese art and literature. Over his lifetime, he wrote over 50 novels and created numerous works of art.
  33. Pierre Cardin, an influential Italian-born French fashion designer, was born on July 7, 1922. Cardin was known for his avant-garde style and innovative designs, which helped shape modern fashion.
  34. The 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution was officially ratified on July 7, 1965. This amendment outlines the process for a presidential successor in the event of death, resignation, or removal from office.
  35. July 7th marks the birth of American composer and conductor Gustav Meier. Born in 1929, Meier had an illustrious career in music, receiving numerous awards and honors for his engagements and mentoring of young conductors.
  36. Born on July 7, 1906, American animator and MGM cartoon studio co-founder Harman Ising contributed greatly to the development of early animation techniques. The duo created the popular characters Bosko and Foxy during their careers.
  37. Satchel Paige, an influential and highly regarded American baseball pitcher, made his Major League debut at the age of 42 on July 7, 1948. Paige was the first black pitcher to play in the American League.
  38. Director and producer Abbas Kiarostami, known for his unique contributions to Iranian cinema, was born on July 7, 1940. Kiarostami's films have earned numerous international accolades, paving the way for other Iranian filmmakers to gain global recognition.
  39. On July 7, 1941, the United States Navy granted authorization for the establishment of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) program. As a result, women were allowed to hold support positions in the military for the first time.
  40. Celestial Lovers Day is celebrated on July 7 in honor of the Tanabata festival in Japan, which brings together the two stars Altair and Vega. This romantic occasion provides an opportunity for people to appreciate love and the beauty of the night sky.