July 3 in History: Gettysburg Ends, FDIC Is Created, and “Back to the Future” Debuts

Scott Winters July 3, 2026 0 Comments

Discover what happened on July 3 in history, featuring major moments in American history, finance, transportation, entertainment, and technological milestones that helped shape the modern world.

What Happened on July 3 in History?

Important events on this day include the end of the Battle of Gettysburg, the creation of the FDIC during the Great Depression, Jackie Robinson becoming the first African American inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and the release of Back to the Future in theaters.

JULY 3 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1775 – U.S. Gen. George Washington took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, MA.

1819 – The Bank of Savings in New York, NY — the first savings bank in the United States — opened.

1852 – Congresss established the United States’ second mint in San Francisco, CA.

1863 – The U.S. Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, PA, ended after three days. It was a major victory for the North as Confederate troops retreated.

1871 – The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Company introduced the first narrow-gauge locomotive. It was called the “Montezuma.”

1884 – Dow Jones and Company published its first stock average.

1886 – “The New York Tribune” became the first newspaper to use a linotype machine, eliminating typesetting by hand.

1890 – Idaho was admitted as the 43rd state of the United States.

1903 – The first cable across the Pacific Ocean was spliced between Honolulu, Midway, Guam and Manila.

1922 – “Fruit Garden and Home” magazine was introduced. It was later renamed “Better Homes and Gardens” two years later.

1924 – Clarence Birdseye founded the General Seafood Corp.

1930 – Congress created the U.S. Veterans Administration.

1934 – The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) made its first payment to Lydia Losiger.

1937 – Del Mar race track opened in Del Mar, CA.

1939 – Chic Young’s comic strip character, “Blondie” was first heard on CBS radio.

1940 – Bud Abbott and Lou Costello debuted on NBC radio.

1945 – The first civilian passenger car built since February 1942 was driven off the assembly line at the Ford Motor Company plant in Detroit, MI. Production had been diverted due to World War II.

1952 – The kids’ show “Mr. Peepers”, starring Wally Cox, made its debut on TV.

1962 – Jackie Robinson became the first African American to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

1974 – Tony Orlando & Dawn debuted their CBS television variety series. It did so well in a summer run that the network brought it back in December

1981 – The Associated Press ran its first story about two rare illnesses afflicting homosexual men. One of the diseases was later named AIDS.

1985 – The movie “Back to the Future”, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and a DeLorean car, opened in theaters.

1986 – President Ronald Reagan presided over a ceremony that saw the relighting of the renovated Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.

1991 – President George H.W. Bush formally inaugurated the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota.

1997 – President Clinton made his first formal response to the charges of sexual harassment from Paula Jones. He denied all charges and asked the judge to dismiss the case.

2007 – The first “Transfomers” movie premiered in theaters.

2014 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 17,000 for the first time.

2019 – Research revealed that the U.S. produces the most waste per person globally and recycles the least.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JULY 3:

Joanne Herring – 97 years old (1929) – Socialite, businesswoman, political activist, philanthropist, diplomat, and television talk show host

Harrison Schmitt – 91 years old (1935) – Geologist, astronaut, and politician. Twelfth man to walk on the moon

Rhoda Scott – 88 years old (1938) – Soul and jazz Hammond organist

Lamar Alexander – 86 years old (1940) – Lawyer and politician, 5th United States Secretary of Education

Gloria Allred – 85 years old (1941) – Lawyer and activist

Kurtwood Smith – 83 years old (1943) – Actor

Norman E. Thagard – 83 years old (1943) – Astronaut

Johnny Lee – 80 years old (1946) – Singer and guitarist

Dave Barry – 79 years old (1947) – Journalist and author

Betty Buckley – 79 years old (1947) – Actress and singer

Mike Burton – 79 years old (1947) – Swimmer

James Hahn – 76 years old (1950) – Judge and politician, 40th Mayor of Los Angeles

Dugan Basham – 74 years old (1952) – Stock racing driver

Carla Olson – 74 years old (1952) – Singer-songwriter and music producer

Montel Williams – 70 years old (1956) – Talk show host and television personality

Aaron Tippin – 68 years old (1958) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Ian Maxtone-Graham – 67 years old (1959) – Screenwriter and producer

Stephen Pearcy – 67 years old (1959) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Scott Borchetta – 64 years old (1962) – Record executive and entrepreneur

Tom Cruise – 64 years old (1962) – Actor and producer

Thomas Gibson – 64 years old (1962) – Actor and director

Yeardley Smith – 62 years old (1964) – Actress, voice actress, comedian and writer

Connie Nielsen – 61 years old (1965) – Danish-American actress

Moisés Alou – 60 years old (1966) – Baseball player

Audra McDonald – 56 years old (1970) – Actress and singer

Patrick Wilson – 53 years old (1973) – Actor

Wanderlei Silva – 50 years old (1976) – Brazilian-American mixed martial artist

David Bowens – 49 years old (1977) – Football player

Olivia Munn – 46 years old (1980) – Actress and television host

Manny Lawson – 42 years old (1984) – Football player

Elle King – 37 years old (1989) – Singer, songwriter, and actress

Alison Riske-Amritraj – 36 years old (1990) – Tennis player

Crystal Dunn – 34 years old (1992) – Soccer player

Chris Jones – 32 years old (1994) – Football player

Cole Tucker – 30 years old (1996) – Baseball player

T. J. Hockenson – 29 years old (1997) – Football player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JULY 3:

National Stay Out of the Sun Day: From carcinomas to sun burns to wrinkles, avoid the negative effects of the sun by staying indoors or in the shade, or investing in a sun shading hat or parasol.
International Plastic Bag Free Day: Help the fight against plastic pollution by eliminating those thin, filmy plastic bags. Try bringing reusable bags to the store, and forego bags for small purchases.
National Chocolate Wafer Day: Try making chocolate wafers from scratch, or pick up your favorite brand from the store to indulge a little on this chocolate treat-based holiday.
V.I. Emancipation Day: Every year on this day, the U.S. Virgin Islands light up with the spirit of V.I. Emancipation Day. This vibrant holiday marked a defining moment in 1848 when Governor Peter von Scholten freed enslaved people in the Danish West Indies (now the U.S. Virgin Islands). How to Celebrate V.I. Emancipation Day Ready...
National Independent Beer Run Day: Have you ever heard of National Independent Beer Run Day? It's a lively celebration that encourages beer enthusiasts to support local craft breweries by buying some of their favorite brews. It's all about promoting the small, independent breweries that add so much flavor to our communities. How to Celebrate National Independent...
Air Conditioning Appreciation Day: In the hot summer months, you don’t want your Air Conditioning breaking down. Change your air filters and schedule some AC maintenance, and remind others.
American Redneck Day: Embracing the authentic spirit of a distinct culture rooted in rural traditions, embodying a vibrant and genuine heritage.
National Fried Clam Day: Deliciously crunchy and filled with fresh seafood flavor, fried clams are a New England staple. And people from the rest of the world can enjoy them too, of course, especially on National Fried Clam Day! How to Celebrate National Fried Clam Day Spend National Fried Clam Day paying homage to...
St. Thomas Day: St. Thomas Day is an important celebration dedicated to Thomas the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Known for his initial doubt about Jesus' resurrection, he later proclaimed Jesus as "My Lord and my God" after seeing and touching his wounds. This moment has inspired many to reflect on their...
National Eat Your Beans Day: Beans, beans, good for your heart…see what recipes you can make with a variety of beans to keep yourself healthy and full, from chickpeas to fava beans.
StartTheConversation Day: StartTheConversation Day is a key moment dedicated to discussing and supporting mental health. It's a day to reach out, connect, and ensure that those around us know they are not alone in their struggles. The focus is on breaking down the barriers of silence that often surround mental health issues. How...
National Compliment Your Mirror Day: Show yourself some love and support by complimenting your mirror—or the person in it, really. Affirmations can help brighten your day and change your perspective.
International Drop a Rock Day: Crafting silent smiles, stones adorned with kindness, scattered treasures weaving a tapestry of unexpected joy in discovery.
Disobedience Day: Change up your life and let loose a little by breaking the rules. Alter your routine, ignore advice that’s holding you back, and march to the beat of your own drum.
American Sparkling Wine Day: American sparkling wine brings together bubbles, flavor, and local pride in one lively sip. It’s not just a drink—it’s a celebration of what U.S. winemakers can do when they blend tradition with bold ideas. This wine pops with energy, whether it’s crisp, fruity, or rich with layers. American Sparkling Wine...
Alice Springs Show Day: Alice Springs Show Day is a lively and vibrant event that brings the whole community together. This annual celebration is one of the biggest events in the region, featuring a mix of fun activities and displays. Locals and visitors alike look forward to this day for its unique blend of...
Wildland Firefighter Week Of Remembrance: Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance honors those who lost their lives while battling wildfires. These firefighters walked straight into danger, knowing what was at stake. Their job wasn’t quiet or easy. They faced smoke, heat, and fast-changing flames. It’s hard to think about what they saw or felt in those...
Sweetness Week: Sweetness Week is an annual celebration that brings a special kind of joy to Argentina. During this time, people exchange kisses and sweet treats, turning it into a playful and romantic affair. How to Celebrate Sweetness Week Sweetness Week is a playful chance to spread joy and sugar. Here are some...