Discover what happened on July 12 in history, along with notable events, inventions, milestones, and moments that shaped America and the world.
What Happened on July 12 in History?
Important events on this day include the authorization of the Medal of Honor, Elvis Presley signing his first recording contract with Sun Records, the debut of Family Feud, the Rolling Stones’ first concert, and the introduction of the Etch-A-Sketch.
JULY 12 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1804 – Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton died, a day after being shot in a duel.
1862 – The Medal of Honor was authorized by the U.S. Congress.
1870 – William W. Lyman patented the first rotary can opener with a cutting wheel.
1912 – The foreign film “Queen Elizabeth” became the first foreign-made film to premiere in America.
1933 – A minimum wage of 40 cents per hour was established for U.S. workers.
1954 – The Major League Baseball Players Association was organized in Cleveland, OH.
1954 – Elvis Presley signed his first recording contract with Sun Records. He then quit his job as a truck driver.
1957 – Leroy E. Burney, the U.S. surgeon general, reported on a direct link between smoking and lung cancer.
1960 – The children’s drawing toy Etch-A-Sketch went on sale.
1962 – The Rolling Stones performed their first concert, at the Marquee Club in London, England.
1973 – A fire destroyed the entire sixth floor of the National Personal Records Center of the United States.
1976 – The game show “Family Feud” made its TV debut. Most famously hosted by the late Richard Dawson, the series continues today, with Steve Harvey as the emcee.
1979 – At Comiskey Park in Chicago, IL, an anti-disco radio promotion turned into a riot. The disturbance caused the White Sox to forfeit the second game of their double-header against the Detroit Tigers.
1982 – “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” earned over $100 million in ticket sales to break all box-office records. The movie did so within a month of it’s release.
1982 – After 59 years, the last Checker taxicab rolled off the assembly line in Kalamazoo, MI.
1984 – Democrat Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to run for Vice President on a major-party ticket as she is named Walter Mondale’s running mate.
1991 – The movie “Boyz in the Hood”, starring Cuba Gooding Jr., was released in theaters.
1991 – The movie “Point Break”, starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze, premiered in theaters.
1996 – Prince Charles and Princess Diana agreed to divorce.
1997 – HBO’s first one hour drama, “Oz”, debuted.
2000 – The movie “X-Men” premiered in New York.
2013 – The movie “Pacific Rim” was released in theaters.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JULY 12:
Elias James Corey – 98 years old (1928) – Chemist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate
Bill Cosby – 89 years old (1937) – Actor, comedian, producer, and screenwriter
Mickey Edwards – 89 years old (1937) – Lawyer and politician
Bill Cooper – 87 years old (1939) – Football player
Swamp Dogg – 84 years old (1942) – R&B singer-songwriter and musician
Delia Ephron – 82 years old (1944) – Author, playwright, and screenwriter
Butch Hancock – 81 years old (1945) – Country-folk singer-songwriter and musician
Carl Lundgren – 79 years old (1947) – Artist and illustrator
Richard C. McCarty – 79 years old (1947) – Psychologist and academic
Ben Burtt – 78 years old (1948) – Director, screenwriter, and sound designer
Walter Egan – 78 years old (1948) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Rick Hendrick – 77 years old (1949) – Businessman, founded Hendrick Motorsports
Joan Bauer – 75 years old (1951) – Author
Brian Grazer – 75 years old (1951) – Screenwriter and producer, founded Imagine Entertainment
Cheryl Ladd – 75 years old (1951) – Actress
Jamey Sheridan – 75 years old (1951) – Actor
Eric Adams – 72 years old (1954) – Singer-songwriter
Robert Carl – 72 years old (1954) – Pianist and composer
Mel Harris – 70 years old (1956) – Actress
Sandi Patty – 70 years old (1956) – Singer and pianist
J. D. Hayworth – 68 years old (1958) – Politician and radio host
Dan Murphy – 64 years old (1962) – Musician
Joanna Shields – 64 years old (1962) – American-English businesswoman
Robin Wilson – 61 years old (1965) – Singer and guitarist
Jeff Bucknum – 60 years old (1966) – Race car driver
Mac McCaughan – 59 years old (1967) – Singer and guitarist
John Petrucci – 59 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Susan Tyler Witten – 56 years old (1970) – Politician
Loni Love – 55 years old (1971) – Comedian, actress, and talk show host
Kristi Yamaguchi – 55 years old (1971) – Figure skater
Gregory Shane Helms – 52 years old (1974) – Professional wrestler
Phil Lord – 51 years old (1975) – Filmmaker and actor
Tracie Spencer – 50 years old (1976) – Singer-songwriter and actress
Steve Howey – 49 years old (1977) – Actor
Brock Lesnar – 49 years old (1977) – Mixed martial artist and wrestler
Topher Grace – 48 years old (1978) – Actor
Michelle Rodriguez – 48 years old (1978) – Actress
Kristen Connolly – 46 years old (1980) – Actress
Jason Wright – 44 years old (1982) – Football player, businessman, and executive
Jonathan Lewis – 42 years old (1984) – Football player
Natalie Martinez – 42 years old (1984) – Actress
Patrick Beverley – 38 years old (1988) – Basketball player
LeSean McCoy – 38 years old (1988) – Football player
Nick Palmieri – 37 years old (1989) – Ice hockey player
Hilary Knight – 37 years old (1989) – Ice hockey player
Rachel Brosnahan – 36 years old (1990) – Actress
Erik Per Sullivan – 35 years old (1991) – Actor
Jordyn Wieber – 31 years old (1995) – Gymnast
Jordan Romero – 30 years old (1996) – Mountaineer
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JULY 12:
- Etch A Sketch Day: Dig out your old childhood toys and find that bright red device you probably spent hours on. Get creative and try your hand at Etch a Sketching as an adult.
- Vardavar: Vardavar, a beloved Armenian festival, transforms the streets into a lively scene of water-filled fun. During this celebration, people of all ages splash each other with water, creating a refreshing and playful atmosphere. Buckets, hoses, and even water guns are used as everyone gets in on the action. The day...
- National Pecan Pie Day: Make your own gooey, tasty pecan pie. Start from scratch or buy a frozen crust, then cook up the filling out of pecans, butter, sugar, eggs, and some spices.
- National Eat Your Jello Day: Delight in the wobbly joy of a gelatinous marvel that brings smiles and culinary creativity to gatherings and desserts.
- Paper Bag Day: Unleashing practical versatility, these folded carriers hold life's essentials, reliable companions in the rhythm of daily existence.
- International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms: Defending against nature's turbulent dance, where winds showcase Earth's dynamic forces through swirling sands and atmospheric drama.
- Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day): The Battle of the Boyne, also known as Orangemen’s Day, is a significant event in Irish history that holds deep meaning for many, particularly within the Protestant community. It symbolizes a moment of triumph and is remembered with vibrant parades, music, and celebration. The day itself stirs feelings of pride and...
- National Simplicity Day: From taxes to technology, life gets complicated and stressful. Declutter your life and mind by stepping away from it all and settling in with a book or cup of tea.
- National Different Colored Eyes Day: Appreciate the striking beauty of heterochromia, or having two different colored eyes, a common phenomenon among dogs, cats, and humans alike.
- Malala Day: Malala Day shines a light on the power of one voice to spark change. It honors Malala Yousafzai, a young girl who stood up for her right to learn when others tried to silence her. Her story is about bravery and refusing to accept a world where education is denied based...
- National Hair Creator’s Day: National Hair Creator’s Day celebrates the artists behind every stylish cut and daring color. It honors hair professionals who turn strands into works of art. On this day, creativity takes center stage. It praises those who use scissors, brushes, and imagination to shape looks. It brings attention to an often...
- Night of Nights: Night of Nights is an annual tribute to the final commercial Morse code message ever sent in the United States. It honors the art of radio telegraphy and the people who once tapped out messages using dots and dashes. Enthusiasts gather to listen as Morse signals echo through the airwaves again...
- Barn Day: Barn Day honors the sturdy shelters that serve as the heart of farms. People gather to appreciate barns as vital spaces for animals, hay, tools, and memories of shared work. It brings to mind friendly community events and the simple joy of rural life. The celebration feels lively and grounded...
- Cancel Culture Awareness Day: Cancel Culture Awareness Day calls attention to a growing issue—how quickly people can turn against someone online. One comment, one clip, one old post can spark a flood of anger. Often, the full story gets lost in the rush. This day reminds us that behind every headline or trending hashtag...
- New Conversations Day: Stop being content with boring chitchat about the weather and sports, and dig into real, meaningful conversations with people on New Conversations Day.
- 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...
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