38 fun facts for July, 8

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
<< July, 7
July, 9 >>
Summary
July 8th is a day of diverse historical events, including the ringing of the Liberty Bell, the first vaccination laws, and the invention of the "Pealescope." From space exploration milestones to moments in sports history, July 8th has been a day of joy, discovery, and wonder for people around the world.
38 Fun facts
  1. In 1776, the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence, is rung in Philadelphia to mark the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The iconic bell is cracked, but the cause of the crack remains a mystery.
  2. On July 8, 1801, the US introduced the first vaccination laws, which aimed to control and prevent the spread of smallpox. This laid the foundation for modern vaccination programs and public health initiatives worldwide.
  3. In 1838, the Iowa Territory was organized, which would later become the state of Iowa in 1846. It was originally part of the Louisiana Purchase, bought from France by the United States in 1803.
  4. July 8, 1844, marks the invention of the "Pealescope" by scientist and inventor Alexander Bache. This device allowed the user to view images in 3D by using a mirror attached to an open book.
  5. On July 8, 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the US arrived in Edo Bay (now Tokyo), Japan, signaling the beginning of Japan’s opening to the Western world after more than 200 years of isolation.
  6. The Wall Street Journal was first published on July 8, 1889. The business-focused newspaper remains one of the most influential publications in the United States, with a daily circulation of over 2 million.
  7. In 1891, the Travelers Insurance Company issued the first automobile insurance policy in the United States on July 8th. This marked the beginning of automobile insurance as we know it today.
  8. The United States government first began issuing paper money in the form of silver certificates on July 8, 1870. These certificates were redeemable for their face value in silver coins.
  9. On July 8, 1907, Florenz Ziegfeld staged his first "Ziegfeld Follies," which would become an annual production showcasing extravagant costumes, amusing skits, and talented performers.
  10. In 1915, the first-ever long-distance radio message was sent from Arlington, Virginia, to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. This milestone demonstrated the potential for global radio communication.
  11. On this day in 1918, Ernest Hemingway was injured in World War I, which later inspired his novel "A Farewell to Arms." He was working as an ambulance driver for the Italian Army at the time.
  12. The first Wimbledon tennis tournament began on July 8, 1877. It is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is still played at its original location in Wimbledon, London.
  13. In 1932, the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached its lowest point during the Great Depression. It closed at 41.22 on this day, causing panic and concern for the global economy.
  14. On July 8, 1947, the Roswell Daily Record reported the recovery of a "flying disk" near Roswell, New Mexico. This story has fueled decades of suspicions and conspiracy theories regarding UFOs and extraterrestrial life.
  15. In 1958, the United States Congress passed the Alaska Statehood Act, allowing Alaska to become the 49th state in the US in January of the following year.
  16. July 8, 1969, marked the first broadcast of the children's television show "Sesame Street" in the United States. The show has entertained and educated millions of children around the world since its debut.
  17. On July 8, 1975, President Gerald Ford announced that the Space Shuttle program would be built. This marked the beginning of the era of reusable spacecraft, paving the way for many significant advancements in space exploration.
  18. In 1994, legendary North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung passed away, leading to his son Kim Jong-Il's succession as the country's ruler.
  19. On July 8, 2009, the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century took place, lasting over 6 minutes and 39 seconds. People across Asia and the Pacific Ocean were able to witness this incredible event.
  20. In 2011, Atlantis launched on NASA's final space shuttle mission, marking the end of the 30-year Space Shuttle program.
  21. In the same year, South Sudan became an independent nation on July 8th, separating from Sudan after decades of conflict and struggle.
  22. July 8 is "National Chocolate with Almonds Day" in the United States, a day to celebrate the delicious combination of chocolate and almonds in various sweet treats.
  23. In 2017, UNESCO declared the historic city of Ahmadabad, India, a World Heritage Site on July 8th. This recognition celebrates the city's unique architecture and cultural heritage.
  24. On July 8, 2018, twelve young soccer players and their coach trapped in a cave in Thailand were successfully rescued after an intense 18-day ordeal that captured the world's attention.
  25. In 1989, tennis player Steffi Graf won her third consecutive Wimbledon title on July 8th. This win solidified her place as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time.
  26. July 8, 1994, relished the release of "Forrest Gump," which would become one of the most iconic and well-loved films of all time, starring Tom Hanks in the title role.
  27. In 1996, hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur released the single "How Do U Want It" on July 8th. The song became one of his most popular hits and showcased his talent as a rapper.
  28. In 2000, American cyclist Lance Armstrong won his second consecutive Tour de France victory on July 8th, further establishing his dominance in the cycling world.
  29. On July 8, 2007, tennis star Roger Federer won his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title. He joined the ranks of Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
  30. In 2012, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) announced the discovery of the Higgs boson particle on July 8th. This groundbreaking discovery confirmed the existence of the "God particle," which is believed to give mass to other particles.
  31. On July 8, 2016, the mobile game phenomenon "Pokémon Go" was released to the public, quickly capturing the hearts of millions worldwide and breaking records in app store downloads.
  32. In 2013, the Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game took place on July 8th. This iconic event showcases the best players in baseball and is a highlight of the summer sports season.
  33. On July 8, 2014, Brazil suffered a crushing 7-1 defeat by Germany in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals held in their home country. The match is remembered for its shocking result and the emotional reaction of Brazilians across the nation.
  34. July 8 is National Blueberry Day in the United States, honoring the healthy, delicious fruit that is a mid-summer staple in desserts, baked goods, and breakfast dishes.
  35. On July 8, 1898, the world's first "ladies-only" motor race in Dublin, Ireland, took place. Women competed in the challenging 13-mile course, driving electric cars and horse-drawn carriages.
  36. In 2003, Japan lifted a ban on imports of American beef on July 8th. This ban had been put in place due to concerns about mad cow disease in US cattle.
  37. July 8, 2000, marks the debut of the reality TV show "Big Brother" in the United States. The show was a hit and has continued to entertain audiences for several seasons.
  38. On July 8, 2010, the Netherlands defeated Uruguay 3-2 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup semi-final match, sending the Dutch team to the final, where they eventually lost to Spain.

Browse all the fun facts per month