July 5 in History: The Secret Service Is Created, Spam Debuts, and “Seinfeld” Premieres

Scott Winters July 5, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on July 5 in history, from the creation of the U.S. Secret Service to the debut of Spam, Elvis Presley’s first recording session, and the television premiere of Seinfeld.

What Happened on July 5 in History?

Important events on this day include the creation of the U.S. Secret Service, the debut of Hormel’s Spam, Elvis Presley recording his first commercial songs, the ratification of the 26th Amendment lowering the voting age, and the premiere of “Seinfeld”.

JULY 5 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1865 – William Booth founded the Salvation Army in London.

1865 – The U.S. Secret Service Division was created to combat currency counterfeiting, forging and the altering of currency and securities..

1892 – Andrew Beard was issued a patent for the rotary engine.

1916 – Adelina and August Van Buren started on the first successful transcontinental motorcycle tour to be attempted by two women. They started in New York, NY and arrived in San Diego, CA, on September 12, 1916.

1935 – President Franklin Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act into law. The act authorized labor to organize for the purpose of collective bargaining.

1937 – Hormel Foods Corporation introduced a new product known as Hormel Spiced Ham. Its name would later be changed to Spam. Read more about it.

1946 – The bikini bathing suit, created by Louis Reard, made its debut during a fashion show at the Molitor Pool in Paris. Micheline Bernardini wore the two-piece outfit.

1947 – Larry Doby signed a contract with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first black player in the American League.

1951 – Dr. William Shockley announced that he had invented the junction transistor.

1954 – Elvis Presley’s first commercial recording session took place in Memphis, TN. He recorded “That’s All Right (Mama)” and “Blue Moon of Kentucky.”

1971 – The 26th Amendment to the Constitution, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years of age, was formally certified by President Richard Nixon.

1984 – The U.S. Supreme Court weakened the 70-year-old “exclusionary rule,” deciding that evidence seized with defective court warrants could be used against defendants in criminal trials.

1989 – Former U.S. National Security Council aide Oliver North received a $150,000 fine and a suspended prison term for his part in the Iran-Contra affair. The convictions were later overturned.

1989 – The first episode of “Seinfeld” aired.

1993 – Dave Lampson of Centreville, VA, received a tax statement from IRS claiming he owed $68 billion. He was told he could pay $500 a month for 11 million years. Later, an IRS official said it was a computer error.

1995 – The U.S. Justice Department decided not to take antitrust action against Ticketmaster.

1996 – Dolly the sheep became the first mammal cloned from an adult cell.

1998 – Japan joined U.S. and Russia in space exploration with the launching of the Planet-B probe to Mars.

2000 – The first episode of TV’s “Big Brother” aired on CBS.

2002 – The Michigan Court of Appeals agreed that cussing was protected speech by the 1st Amendment. The action stemmed from a situation in August of 1998 when Timothy Boomer of Roseville fell out of his canoe and was issued a ticket for cussing in the presence of women and children — his wife and children! He was issued a ticket and fought it.

2016 – The Juno space probe arrived at Jupiter and began a 20-month survey of the planet.

2023 – The last Ariane 5 rocket is launched , carrying the Heinrich Hertz and Syracuse 4B satellites.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JULY 5:

Mitsuye Yamada – 103 years old (1923) – Japanese American activist

Huey Lewis – 76 years old (1950) – Singer-songwriter and actor

Goose Gossage – 75 years old (1951) – Baseball player

Caryn Navy – 73 years old (1953) – Mathematician and computer scientist

Jimmy Crespo – 72 years old (1954) – Guitarist and songwriter

Doug Wilson – 69 years old (1957) – Canadian-American ice hockey player and manager

Bill Watterson – 68 years old (1958) – Author and illustrator

Marc Cohn – 67 years old (1959) – Singer-songwriter and keyboard player

Edie Falco – 63 years old (1963) – Actress

Ronald D. Moore – 62 years old (1964) – Screenwriter and producer

Kathryn Erbe – 61 years old (1965) – Actress

Jenji Kohan – 57 years old (1969) – Screenwriter and producer

John LeClair – 57 years old (1969) – Ice hockey player

RZA – 57 years old (1969) – Rapper, producer, actor, and director

Bizarre – 50 years old (1976) – Rapper

Pauly D – 46 years old (1980) – Television personality

Dave Haywood – 44 years old (1982) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Megan Rapinoe – 41 years old (1985) – Soccer player

Adam Cole – 37 years old (1989) – Wrestler

Jason Dolley – 35 years old (1991) – Actor, musician and Twitch streamer

Chiara Scholl – 34 years old (1992) – Tennis player

Emily Fox – 28 years old (1998) – Soccer player

Sombr – 21 years old (2005) – Singer and songwriter

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JULY 5:

National Bikini Day: Hit the beach or lay out in the sun in your bikini on the anniversary of the invention of this ever-popular two-piece swimsuit in 1946. Don’t forget sunscreen!
National Hawaii Day: National Hawaii Day bursts with the vibrant spirit and unique culture of the Hawaiian Islands. It's a day to immerse oneself in the rich traditions and stunning natural beauty that makes Hawaii stand out. From its breathtaking landscapes to the warm aloha spirit of its people, this day highlights the...
Pet Remembrance Day: Pet Remembrance Day can stir up a mixture of emotions for those of who have loved - and those who have felt the loss - of a special pet. It's a day filled with memories of the happiness and fun times our furry friends brought into our lives. We remember...
National Graham Cracker Day: For more than a century, Graham Crackers have been a classic American snack food staple that is a vital part of the recipe for the iconic campfire “S'mores”. Learn about the history of the graham cracker and celebrate the delicious treat for National Graham Cracker Day! How to Celebrate National Graham...
Build A Scarecrow Day: Find a festival or competition and gather together with others to make the best scarecrows you can make, keeping your crops safe in the coming years.
National Workaholics Day: Endless hustle, the unrelenting rhythm of the driven, a tale woven in dedication to relentless ambition and productivity.
Mechanical Pencil Day: Make a point to use mechanical pencils in your daily work, or donate some to school districts and charities that help schoolkids with these necessary supplies.
National Apple Turnover Day: Delicious cooked apple filling wrapped in a flaky, delicate puff pastry and drizzled with sweet frosting: indulge your taste buds in an apple turnover.
Work Without Your Hands Day: Imagine a day at work where your hands get to take a break, and your creativity takes the lead! That's the spirit behind Work Without Your Hands Day. Originating from a playful episode of the beloved cartoon "SpongeBob SquarePants," this day invites everyone to think outside the box and find...
World Circle Dance Day: Embracing unity through rhythmic movement, a communal expression connecting diverse individuals through the artistry of synchronized dance.
Conwy River Festival: The Conwy River Festival is a vibrant celebration in North Wales. Held over two weekends, this event brings the community and visitors together for a variety of water-based activities and shoreside entertainment. The festival includes sailing races, parades, and fun events on Conwy Quay. It's a lively time with activities...
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...
Tour de France: The Tour de France is a thrilling event that captures the world's attention. This famous cycling race pushes athletes to their limits as they journey through stunning landscapes. Fans cheer wildly as cyclists speed through mountain passes, cobblestone streets, and picturesque villages during "Le Tour". The competition shows the determination...
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...