July 10 in History: The Grand Hotel Opens, Telstar Launches, and Coca-Cola Classic Returns

Scott Winters July 10, 2026 2 Comments

Discover what happened on July 10 in history, along with notable events, inventions, milestones, and moments that shaped America and the world.

What Happened on July 10 in History?

Important events on this day include the opening of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, the launch of the Telstar communications satellite, the return of Coca-Cola Classic, the admission of Wyoming as the 44th state, and the retirement of Joe Camel.

JULY 10 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1796 – For the first time the America flag few over Michigan as U.S. Troops raised it at Monroe.

1850 – President Millard Fillmore was sworn in, a day after becoming President upon the death of Zachary Taylor.

1866 – Edison P. Clark patented the indelible pencil.

1887 – The Grand Hotel opened on Mackinac Island, MI. The hotel was built in just 93 days. Rates when it opened were $3 to $5 a night. Guests often spent 6-8 weeks and share bathrooms with adjoining rooms.

1889 – A 70 pound meteorite crashed into Allegan, MI. It buried itself a foot and a half into the street.

1890 – Wyoming was admitted as the 44th U.S. state.

1900 – The Victory Recording Company (later RCA Victor) registered “His Master’s Voice” with the U.S. Patent Office. The logo shows “Nipper” the dog looking into a gramophone machine.

1910 – W.R. Brookins became the first to fly an airplane at an altitude of one mile.

1913 – Death Valley, CA hit 134 degrees. That’s the highest temperature ever recorded in the United States.

1928 – The first round trip airplane flight across Lake Michigan took place. Arthur Billings and George Frers flew from Muskegon, MI to Milwaukee, WI and back.

1928 – George Eastman demonstrated color motion pictures for the first time.

1938 – Howard Hughes set a new record by completing a 91 hour airplane flight around the world.

1949 – The first practical rectangular television was introduced. The TV’s picture tube measured 12″ by 16″.

1962 – Telstar launched the world’s first communications satellite into orbit. The satellite would be used to relay TV and telephone signals between United States and Europe.

1978 – TV’s “World News Tonight” premiered on ABC.

1985 – After many complaints about “New Coke”, Coca-Cola resumed selling Coke made with the old formula. It was given a new name: “Coca-Cola Classic.” The company would continue to sell “New” Coke.

1996 – Nickelodeon’s first movie “Harriet The Spy” premiered In theaters

1997 – “Joe Camel” of Camel cigarettes was retired.

1998 – The remains of Air Force First Lt. Michael Blassie were delivered to his family in St. Louis, MO. Prior to 1998, he had been placed in the “Tomb of the Unknown Solder” at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1984 his identity was confirmed with DNA testing

2015 – The Confederate flag was removed from the South Carolina Capitol grounds. It is on display at a state military museum.

2019 – The last Volkswagen Beetle rolled off the line in Puebla, Mexico. The last of 5,961 “Special Edition” cars is on exhibit at the Volkswagen Puebla Museum.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JULY 10:

David Humphreys (soldier) – 274 years old (1752) – Revolutionary War colonel, politician, foreign minister and entrepreneur

Neile Adams – 94 years old (1932) – Filipino-American actress, singer and dancer

Margaret McEntee – 91 years old (1935) – Catholic religious sister and educator

Herbert Boyer – 90 years old (1936) – Businessman, co-founded Genentech

Mavis Staples – 87 years old (1939) – Singer

Helen Donath – 86 years old (1940) – Soprano and actress

Robert Pine – 85 years old (1941) – Actor and director

Hal McRae – 81 years old (1945) – Baseball player and manager

Arlo Guthrie – 79 years old (1947) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actor

Cheryl Wheeler – 75 years old (1951) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Tommy Bowden – 72 years old (1954) – Football player and coach

Andre Dawson – 72 years old (1954) – Baseball player

Tom McClintock – 70 years old (1956) – Lawyer and politician

Béla Fleck – 68 years old (1958) – Banjo player and songwriter

Ellen Kuras – 67 years old (1959) – Director and cinematographer

Urban Meyer – 62 years old (1964) – Football player and coach

Scott McCarron – 61 years old (1965) – Golfer

Ken Mellons – 61 years old (1965) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Tom Meents – 59 years old (1967) – Professional monster truck driver

John Yoo – 59 years old (1967) – South Korean-American lawyer, author, and educator

Marty Cordova – 57 years old (1969) – Baseball player

Gale Harold – 57 years old (1969) – Actor

Gary LeVox – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter

Sofía Vergara – 54 years old (1972) – Colombian-American actress and producer

Andrew Firestone – 51 years old (1975) – Businessman

Brendan Gaughan – 51 years old (1975) – Race car driver

Elijah Blue Allman – 50 years old (1976) – Singer and guitarist

Adrian Grenier – 50 years old (1976) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter

James Rolfe – 46 years old (1980) – Actor, director, and producer

Jessica Simpson – 46 years old (1980) – Singer-songwriter, actress, and fashion designer

Alex Arrowsmith – 44 years old (1982) – Guitarist and producer

Juliya Chernetsky – 44 years old (1982) – Ukrainian-American television host

B. J. Crombeen – 41 years old (1985) – Ice hockey player

Antonio Brown – 38 years old (1988) – Football player

Heather Hemmens – 38 years old (1988) – Actress, director, and producer

Trent Richardson – 36 years old (1990) – Football player

Isabela Merced – 25 years old (2001) – Actress

Mason Thames – 19 years old (2007) – Actor

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JULY 10:

National French Fry Day: What could be better than potato fried in oil? Visit your favorite fast food joint, restaurant, or try frying up your own French fries. Don’t forget ketchup!
National Kitten Day: These furry little friends will make your heart melt. With their curious nature and soft fur, they're sure to bring joy into your life!
Matariki: Matariki is a special time in New Zealand when the night sky lights up with the Pleiades star cluster. This event marks the beginning of the Māori New Year, and people across the country come together to reflect, plan, and enjoy the beauty of the stars. The celebrations hold deep...
World Kebab Day: Perfectly cooked meat, vegetables, and seasonings on an easy-to-eat, low-mess stick. Visit a restaurant or food vendor and enjoy a kebab, or make your own.
National Piña Colada Day: Rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice are all it takes to whisk you away to a tropical location. Have yourself a mini-vacation by sipping on a piña colada.
Don’t Step On A Bee Day: In addition to being careful not to step on any bees, see how you can help save these crucial creatures from disease and other threats of extinction.
Chronic Disease Awareness Day: Constant health battles, unseen struggles on a daily basis, a silent quest for understanding, empathy, and support.
Collector Car Appreciation Day: Preserving automotive heritage, these cherished vehicles embody the spirit of bygone eras and captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
Teddy Bear Picnic Day: Based on the early 20th Century pop song “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic”, this day is all about spending time on a picnic with friends, family, and teddy bears.
Pick Blueberries Day: Activities like picking blueberries can be loads of fun for the whole family–and a great way to eat fresh, delicious fruit in the summertime. It’s time to learn about and celebrate Pick Blueberries Day! History of Pick Blueberries Day Native to North America, blueberries originally grew wild and were likely...
Global Energy Independence Day: Global Energy Independence Day was established to encourage more people around the world to promote and use alternative sources of energy, including solar, wind, and geothermal, as well as other technologies still in the development stages. History of Global Energy Independence Day While this event is fairly recent, its background can be...
National Capybara Day: Join in on the fun and celebrate the world largest, and also most affectionate, rodent – the capybara. That’s right, folks, it’s time for National Capybara Day! How to Celebrate National Capybara Day Learn Fun Facts About Capybaras One of the best ways to get involved with this special day is...
Clerihew Day: Clerihew Day celebrates a playful form of four-line verse that mixes name and humor. A clerihew names a person in its opening line and then delivers a quirky or funny twist about them. Rhymes come in neat pairs (AABB), but lines wander in length to amplify the fun. This light-hearted...
Chronic Disease Day: Living with a chronic disease can feel like carrying an invisible weight. Chronic Disease Day shines a light on this daily struggle, reminding the world that millions wake up each morning facing pain, fatigue, or uncertainty. These conditions—like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma—don’t take breaks. They affect how people work...
Great British Pea Week: Try your hand at growing your own peas, or see what tasty recipes you can make with this versatile veggie, from pea soup to bacon and pea gnocchi and more.
Fiesta de la Tirana: Fiesta de la Tirana is a vibrant celebration held in northern Chile. It transforms the small town of La Tirana into a bustling center of energy, color, and sound. Thousands of people come together, filling the streets with traditional costumes, lively dances, and rhythmic music. It's a festival where faith...
National Transplant Week: National Transplant Week highlights the vital role organ donation plays in saving lives. It's a time to consider the impact of giving and receiving transplants. The week aims to raise awareness and encourage more people to consider becoming donors. It's a reminder of the life-changing potential within us all. Celebrating this...
Running of the Bulls: The Running of the Bulls draws people from around the world. This thrilling spectacle involves a group of bulls charging through narrow streets, guided by daring runners. The excitement is electric, and thousands watch and participate. It's a day filled with anticipation, adrenaline, and community spirit. Whether you're a participant...