Discover what happened on July 27 in history as remarkable achievements, historic milestones, technological advances, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on July 27 in History?
Important events on this day include the creation of America’s first federal government agency, Bugs Bunny’s official cartoon debut, Tony Hawk landing the first successful 900 on a skateboard, the dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the first woman commanding a Space Shuttle mission.
JULY 27 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1789 – The Continental Congress established the Department of Foreign Affairs, the first executive department of the new federal government. It was renamed the Department of State later that year.
1909 – Orville Wright set a record for the longest airplane flight. He was testing the first Army airplane. He was in the air 72 minutes.
1940 – Warner Bros. released A Wild Hare, the cartoon widely regarded as Bugs Bunny’s official debut.
1965 – The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act was signed into law. The law required health warnings on cigarette packages.
1974 – The House Judiciary Committee voted to recommend the first article of impeachment against President Richard Nixon.
1980 – The effects of an earthquake centered in Kentucky were felt across parts of Michigan, including Detroit’s Tiger Stadium, where spectators noticed the upper decks sway.
1981 – Adam Walsh, the 6 year old son of John Walsh, was kidnapped in Hollywood, FL. He was found murdered two weeks later.
1995 – The Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC.
1996 – In Atlanta, GA, a pipe bomb exploded at Centennial Olympic Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics. One woman was killed and a cameraman suffered a heart attack trying to flee the scene. 111 were injured.
1999 – The U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery completed a five-day mission. It was commanded by Air Force Col. Eileen Collins. She was the first woman to command a Shuttle mission.
1999 – Tony Hawk became the first skateboarder to successfully land a 900 — a two-and-a-half-revolution aerial spin — during the X Games.
2003 – A BBC investigation using sonar and satellite technology reported finding no evidence of the Loch Ness Monster.
2005 – NASA grounded the Space Shuttle, pending an investigation of the problem of the shedding foam insulation from the external fuel tank.
2007 – “The Simpson’s Movie” premiered in theaters.
2012 – The opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics took place at the Olympic Stadium in London, England.
2022 – After more than 60 years, Sprite announced that it is ditching its signature green bottle, replacing it with a more environmentally friendly clear container.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JULY 27:
Forest Able – 94 years old (1932) – Basketball player
William Eggleston – 87 years old (1939) – Photographer and academic
Bobbie Gentry – 84 years old (1942) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
John Pleshette – 84 years old (1942) – Actor, director, and screenwriter
Betty Thomas – 79 years old (1947) – Actress, director, and producer
Mack Calvin – 79 years old (1947) – Basketball player
Peggy Fleming – 78 years old (1948) – Figure skater and sportscaster
Maureen McGovern – 77 years old (1949) – Singer and actress
Bob Diamond – 75 years old (1951) – American-English banker and businessman
Roxanne Hart – 74 years old (1952) – Actress
Cat Bauer – 71 years old (1955) – Journalist, author, and playwright
Bobby Rondinelli – 71 years old (1955) – Drummer
Carol Leifer – 70 years old (1956) – Actress, comedian, screenwriter, and producer
Bill Engvall – 69 years old (1957) – Comedian, actor, and producer
Hugh Green – 67 years old (1959) – Football player
Ed Orgeron – 65 years old (1961) – Football coach
Karrin Allyson – 63 years old (1963) – Jazz singer
Rex Brown – 62 years old (1964) – Bass player and songwriter
Juliana Hatfield – 59 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter and musician
Craig Wolanin – 59 years old (1967) – Ice hockey player
Tom Goodwin – 58 years old (1968) – Baseball player and coach
Triple H – 57 years old (1969) – Wrestler and actor
Maya Rudolph – 54 years old (1972) – Actress and comedian
Cassandra Clare – 53 years old (1973) – Journalist and author
Abe Cunningham – 53 years old (1973) – Drummer
Pete Yorn – 52 years old (1974) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Shea Hillenbrand – 51 years old (1975) – Baseball player
Fred Mascherino – 51 years old (1975) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Alex Rodriguez – 51 years old (1975) – Baseball player
Mwadi Mabika – 50 years old (1976) – Congolese-American basketball player
Shannon Moore – 47 years old (1979) – Wrestler and singer
Dolph Ziggler – 46 years old (1980) – Wrestler and comedian
Susan King Borchardt – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player
Heidi Gardner – 43 years old (1983) – Actress and comedian
Antoine Bethea – 42 years old (1984) – Football player
Max Scherzer – 42 years old (1984) – Baseball player
Taylor Schilling – 42 years old (1984) – Actress
Kenny Wormald – 42 years old (1984) – Actor, dancer, and choreographer
Husain Abdullah – 41 years old (1985) – Football player
DeMarre Carroll – 40 years old (1986) – Basketball player
Ryan Flaherty – 40 years old (1986) – Baseball player
Jacoby Ford – 39 years old (1987) – Football player
Jordan Hill – 39 years old (1987) – Basketball player
Sarah Parsons – 39 years old (1987) – Ice hockey player
Ryan Tannehill – 38 years old (1988) – Football player
Nick Hogan – 36 years old (1990) – Race car driver and actor
Cheyenne Kimball – 36 years old (1990) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Stephen Li-Chung Kuo – 36 years old (1990) – Taiwanese-American figure skater
Jordan Spieth – 33 years old (1993) – Golfer
Mercedes Russell – 31 years old (1995) – Basketball player
Drew Rasmussen – 31 years old (1995) – Baseball player
Elvina Kalieva – 23 years old (2003) – Tennis player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JULY 27:
- National Scotch Day: With a rich history and a touch of smokiness, sipping on this amber spirit can turn an ordinary evening into something special.
- National Chicken Finger Day: Popular with kids and adults of all ages, treat yourself to an order of chicken fingers or try making them from scratch. Share your results on social media!
- Sleepy Head Day: Always the last one in the family to wake up and climb out of bed? This event might be something to be aware of lest it result in a rude awakening of being doused with water as part of this Finnish tradition! How to Celebrate Sleepy Head Day Take a look...
- Norfolk Day: If you live in Norfolk, rejoice! If not, learn about this beautiful area of England and consider planning a trip to see why it gets its very own day.
- Gary Gygax Day: Gather together your friends and play a game of Dungeons & Dragons to honor the life and legacy of Gary Gygax, creator of this beloved game.
- National Creme Brûlée Day: Rich, creamy custard topped with a layer of crunchy caramelized sugar: try making your own creme brûlée or treat yourself to a dessert after a nice dinner out.
- National Love is Kind Day: In overcoming deeply challenging situations, individuals display immense strength and resilience — breaking free, they pave a path to healing and renewed hope.
- National Marine Week: National Marine Week is a vibrant celebration of our oceans and the rich diversity of life they support. This annual event encourages everyone to connect with the sea, learn about marine life, and understand the crucial role our oceans play in the environment. It's a time to marvel at the...
- National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day: National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day honors those who fought in a war often called the “Forgotten War.” But for the brave men and women who served, their sacrifice was anything but forgotten. They answered the call, stepping into a distant land to defend freedom. Many never came home. Those who...
- National Walk On Stilts Day: Ever wonder what it’s like to be really tall? Find a supplier, order them online, or build your own stilts and get into this fun, silly hobby.
- Love Parks Week : Enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery, and leisure activities that rejuvenate the mind and body in nature's embrace.
- Cross Atlantic Communication Day: Cross Atlantic Communication Day celebrates the moment when laying a wire under the ocean connected two far‑flung shores. What once took weeks now shrunk to minutes. People learned that messages no longer needed ships or storms to cross oceans. A cable laid in 1866 made this possible. It carried signals fast...
- Take Your Pants for a Walk Day: Take Your Pants for a Walk Day is a quirky excuse to stretch your legs and shake off the indoors. It’s light, silly, and strangely uplifting. You pull on a pair of pants, head out the door, and let your feet carry you somewhere—anywhere. That little burst of movement often brings...
- International Safe Places to Work Day: Some jobs offer perks. Others offer peace of mind. International Safe Places to Work Day focuses on that second kind—the rare kind. It’s a day that puts the spotlight on spaces where people feel free to speak, question, disagree, and be themselves without fear. Not every workplace gets this right. But...
- National New Jersey Day: National New Jersey Day celebrates the Garden State's unique contributions and character. Known as the third state to join the Union, New Jersey boasts a rich tapestry of culture and history. From its scenic beaches to bustling cities, the state offers a diverse array of experiences. This day invites residents...
- Bagpipe Appreciation Day: Bagpipe Appreciation Day is a celebration of the bagpipe—an instrument that shapes the sound of parades, ceremonies, and stirring gatherings. People from many backgrounds pause to enjoy its raw, resonant tones. Musicians and fans come together to feel the energy this instrument brings. It feels alive, bold, and emotional, uniting listeners...
- Take Your Houseplant For A Walk Day: Take your houseplant out on a walk around the neighborhood for a change of pace and some slightly different fresh air, and a chance to introduce it to neighbors.
- National Fishing Month: Relaxing, meditative, and practical, fishing is an ideal hobby for many. Get out on the water with some bait and a fishing line, and catch yourself dinner.
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