Today in History graphic for July 28 featuring the outbreak of World War I, the Fourteenth Amendment, Judy Garland recording "Over the Rainbow," the incorporation of Miami, and the Empire State Building bomber crash.

July 28 in History: World War I Begins, the 14th Amendment Takes Effect, and Judy Garland Records “Over the Rainbow”

Scott Winters July 28, 2026 2 Comments

Discover what happened on July 28 in history as remarkable achievements, historic milestones, technological advances, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on July 28 in History?

Important events on this day include the start of World War I, the Fourteenth Amendment taking effect, Judy Garland recording “Over the Rainbow,” the incorporation of Miami, and the Empire State Building bomber crash during World War II.

JULY 28 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1866 – The metric system was legalized by the United States Congress for the standardization of weights and measures throughout the U.S.

1866 – Author Beatrix Potter was born in England. She later created Peter Rabbit, one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature.

1868 – The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution was declared in effect. The Amendment guaranteed African American citizenship and due process of law.

1896 – The city of Miami, FL, was incorporated.

1914 – World War I began when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, setting off a global conflict that would reshape the twentieth century.

1933 – Rudy Vallee received the very first singing telegram on his 32nd birthday.

1939 – Judy Garland recorded the song “Over the Rainbow” for the upcoming film The Wizard of Oz.

1941 – The United States House of Representatives approved plans for the Pentagon.

1945 – A U.S. Army B-25 bomber, flying in heavy fog, crashed into the Empire State Building. 14 people were killed and 26 were injured.

1951 – The Walt Disney film “Alice in Wonderland” was released.

1978 – The movie “National Lampoon’s Animal House” debuted in theaters.

1982 – San Francisco, CA, became the first city in the United States to ban handguns.

1989 – The movie “Turner and Hooch”, starring Tom Hanks, premiered in theaters.

1993 – The Mel Brooks movie, “Robin Hood: Men in Tights”, debuted in theaters.

1995 – The movie “Waterworld” premiered in theaters.

1996 – The remains of a prehistoric man were discovered near Kennewick, WA.

1996 – Dr. Jochen Heuer of Luebeck, Germany, not only performed a successful kidney transplant operation, but also provided his own kidney for the transplant.

1998 – Bell Atlantic and GTE announced $52 billion deal that creating the company that eventually became Verizon.

1998 – Monica Lewinsky received blanket immunity from prosecution to testify before a grand jury about her relationship with President Bill Clinton.

2000 – Kathie Lee Gifford made her final appearance as co-host of the ABC talk show “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee.”

2002 – After spending 77 hours in a dark and flooded shaft 240 feet below ground, nine mine workers in Pennsylvania emerged in good health.

2009 – The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor, who later became the first Hispanic Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

2018 – The longest “blood moon” eclipse of the 21st century lasted 1 hour, 43 minutes.

2022 – Catastrophic floods devastated Eastern Kentucky, resulting in 45 fatalities and damage to thousands of homes and businesses.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JULY 28:

James Edson White – 177 years old (1849) – Author and publisher, second son of Ellen G. White and James S. White

Peter Duchin – 89 years old (1937) – Pianist and bandleader

Bill Bradley – 83 years old (1943) – Basketball player and politician

Jim Davis – 81 years old (1945) – Cartoonist, created Garfield

Jonathan Edwards – 80 years old (1946) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Linda Kelsey – 80 years old (1946) – Actress

Sally Struthers – 79 years old (1947) – Actress

Gerald Casale – 78 years old (1948) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and director

Randall Wallace – 77 years old (1949) – Screenwriter and producer

Doug Collins – 75 years old (1951) – Basketball player and coach

Gregg Giuffria – 75 years old (1951) – Rock musician and businessman

Nnenna Freelon – 72 years old (1954) – Jazz singer, composer, and arranger

Steve Morse – 72 years old (1954) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Scott Pelley – 69 years old (1957) – Journalist and author

Michael Hitchcock – 68 years old (1958) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter

Mark Meadows – 67 years old (1959) – Politician, Donald Trump's former Chief of Staff

William T. Vollmann – 67 years old (1959) – Novelist, short story writer and journalist

Jon J. Muth – 66 years old (1960) – Author and illustrator

Rachel Sweet – 64 years old (1962) – Singer, television writer, and actress

Lori Loughlin – 62 years old (1964) – Actress

Delfeayo Marsalis – 61 years old (1965) – Jazz musician (trombonist), member of the Marsalis family

Liz Cheney – 60 years old (1966) – Politician, daughter of Dick Cheney

Sossina M. Haile – 60 years old (1966) – Ethiopian American chemist

Jimmy Pardo – 60 years old (1966) – Stand-up comedian, actor, and host

Garth Snow – 57 years old (1969) – Ice hockey player and manager

Dana White – 57 years old (1969) – Businessman, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship

Stephen Lynch – 55 years old (1971) – Singer-songwriter and actor

Afroman – 52 years old (1974) – Rapper and comedian

Elizabeth Berkley – 52 years old (1974) – Actress

Jacoby Shaddix – 50 years old (1976) – Singer-songwriter

Willie Green – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player and coach

Cain Velasquez – 44 years old (1982) – Mexican-American mixed martial artist and wrestler

Ali Krieger – 42 years old (1984) – Soccer player

Zach Parise – 42 years old (1984) – Ice hockey player

DeMeco Ryans – 42 years old (1984) – Football player and coach

John David Washington – 42 years old (1984) – Actor and football player

Alexandra Chando – 40 years old (1986) – Actress

Essence Carson – 40 years old (1986) – Basketball player

Soulja Boy – 36 years old (1990) – Rapper, producer, and actor

Spencer Boldman – 34 years old (1992) – Actor

Walker Buehler – 32 years old (1994) – Baseball player

GloRilla – 27 years old (1999) – Rapper

Malik Nabers – 23 years old (2003) – Football player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JULY 28:

World Nature Conservation Day: Caring for the planet's beauty and creatures is like giving the Earth a big, loving hug. Join the effort and make a positive impact!
National Soccer Day: The beautiful game — a global passion, where players display skill, teamwork, and unbridled enthusiasm for scoring goals.
World Hepatitis Day: Take care of your health, get vaccinated, and have your doctor screen for hepatitis to prevent health complications. Raise awareness to help others do the same.
National Milk Chocolate Day: Smooth and creamy, it's like a sweet hug for your taste buds, making any moment a little bit better.
World Conservation Day: World Conservation Day is a global event highlighting the need to protect our planet's natural resources. It emphasizes the critical role each person plays in maintaining a healthy environment. This observance encourages us to reflect on our connection with nature and the steps we can take to ensure its preservation. The...
Buffalo Soldiers Day: Buffalo Soldiers Day celebrates the courage of African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War. These men wore the uniform with pride, defending frontier lands and building roads in harsh conditions. Despite facing prejudice, they stood strong, proving their skill and dedication. Their story is...
National Waterpark Day: Bright colors, rushing water, and endless excitement fill the air. National Waterpark Day celebrates the joy of cooling off in a place designed for pure fun. Towering slides send riders speeding down into sparkling pools, while lazy rivers offer a gentle drift under the sun. Every splash, laugh, and thrilling...
King Rama X’s Birthday: King Rama X's Birthday is a significant day in Thailand. Grand ceremonies and nationwide celebrations honor the current monarch, highlighting the deep respect and affection the Thai people hold for their King. Citizens and government officials alike engage in various activities to express their loyalty and appreciation. It's a time...