Today in History graphic for July 7 featuring sliced bread, Amazon, Sandra Day O'Connor, and Elvis Presley's first radio airplay.

July 7 in History: Sliced Bread Debuts, Sandra Day O’Connor Nominated, and Amazon Is Founded

Scott Winters July 7, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on July 7 in history, along with notable events, inventions, milestones, and moments that shaped America and the world.

What Happened on July 7 in History?

Important events on this day include the first sale of sliced bread, the nomination of Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, the founding of Amazon, the first public playing of Elvis Presley’s debut record, and the completion of the world’s largest sandcastle.

JULY 7 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1862 – The first railroad post office was tested on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad in Missouri.

1863 – The United States began its first military draft. An exemption cost $100.

1920 – For the first time a device known as a radio compass was used on a U.S. Navy airplane near Norfolk, VA.

1928 – Sliced bread was sold for the very first time at the Chillicothe Baking Co. in Chillicothe, MO.

1930 – Construction began on Boulder Dam (now known as Hoover Dam) on the Colorado River.

1946 – Future President Jimmy Carter married Eleanor Rosalynn Smith.

1947 – A supposed crash of an alien spaceship happened near Roswell, New Mexico.

1949 – “Dragnet” was first heard on NBC radio.

1954 – A disc-jockey at a radio station (WHBQ) in Memphis, TN, by the name of Dewey Phillips, became the first D.J. to play an Elvis Presley’s record “That’s All Right”.

1967 – The Monkees kicked off a national tour. The opening act was Jimi Hendrix.

1981 – President Ronald Reagan nominated Arizona Judge Sandra Day O’Connor to become the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court.

1994 – Amazon.com, Inc. was founded in Seattle, WA. It was originally called “Cadabra.”

1994 – Viacom purchased Paramount Pictures for $10 billion.

1998 – A jury in Santa Monica, CA, convicted Mikail Markhasev of murdering Ennis Cosby (Bill Cosby’s only son) during a roadside robbery.

2000 – Amazon.com announced that they had sold almost 400,000 copies of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire”. That made it the biggest selling book in e-tailing history.

2007 – Live Earth concerts took place on all seven continents. The purpose of the concerts was to bring awareness to the problem of global warming.

2007 – J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” is published.

2009 – A memorial service was held for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. 17,500 people were admitted in to the event. The service was viewed, on TV and online, by over a billion people throughout the world

2011 – Rodrick Dantzler went on a shooting spree in Grand Rapids, MI. He killed seven people, including two children. After leading police on a chase and a standoff, he eventually shot and killed himself. It was the worst mass murder in Grand Rapids’ history.

2017 – Early morning storms moved through southwest Michigan. Wind gusts near 100 mph caused damage and one death.

2017 – Tesla Motors produced its first mass-market car, the Model 3. The first 30 vehicles were delivered to customers later in the month.

2019 – The United States women’s national soccer team defeated the Netherlands 2–0 at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final in Lyon, France.

2021 – The world’s biggest sandcastle was completed in Denmark. It was 69.4 feet high and required nearly 5,000 tons of sand.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JULY 7:

Doc Severinsen – 99 years old (1927) – Trumpet player and conductor

Adele Goldberg – 81 years old (1945) – Computer scientist and academic

Howard Rheingold – 79 years old (1947) – Author and critic

Len Barker – 71 years old (1955) – Baseball player and coach

Jonathan Dayton – 69 years old (1957) – Director and producer

Billy Campbell – 67 years old (1959) – Actor

Kevin A. Ford – 66 years old (1960) – Colonel and astronaut

Ralph Sampson – 66 years old (1960) – Basketball player and coach

Vonda Shepard – 63 years old (1963) – Singer-songwriter and actress

Mo Collins – 61 years old (1965) – Actress, comedian and screenwriter

Jim Gaffigan – 60 years old (1966) – Comedian, actor, producer, and screenwriter

Jorja Fox – 58 years old (1968) – Actress

Cree Summer – 57 years old (1969) – American-Canadian actress

Christian Camargo – 55 years old (1971) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter

Lisa Leslie – 54 years old (1972) – Basketball player and actress

Kirsten Vangsness – 54 years old (1972) – Actress and writer

Tony Benshoof – 51 years old (1975) – Luger

Adam Nelson – 51 years old (1975) – Shot putter

Chris Andersen – 48 years old (1978) – Basketball player

John Buck – 46 years old (1980) – Baseball player

Michelle Kwan – 46 years old (1980) – Figure skater

Synyster Gates – 45 years old (1981) – Guitarist

Asia O'Hara – 44 years old (1982) – Drag performer

Ana Kasparian – 40 years old (1986) – Journalist and producer

Sevyn Streeter – 40 years old (1986) – Singer-songwriter

Kaci Brown – 38 years old (1988) – Singer-songwriter

Landon Cassill – 37 years old (1989) – Race car driver

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JULY 7:

World Chocolate Day: Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate…chocolate milk, truffles, Snickers, chocolate cake…indulge in any of the many kinds of chocolate out there.
National Macaroni Day: Grab a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese, try making your owned baked gourmet mac n’ cheese from scratch, or get creative with macaroni arts and crafts.
National Dive Bar Day: Support and celebrate the iconic subculture of the dive bar by participating in National Dive Bar Day! How to Celebrate National Dive Bar Day Grab some friends and try out these ideas for celebrating and enjoying National Dive Bar Day: Visit a Local Dive Bar Pop into a dive bar...
National Dora Day: Embarking on educational adventures with a young adventurer, unlocking curiosity and fostering a love for exploration and learning.
National Strawberry Sundae Day: Pile on some vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce, and fresh cut strawberries, then add whatever toppings you like—chocolate syrup, sprinkles, etc.
Global Forgiveness Day: Let go of the burden of grudges and anger and forgive those who have wronged you. Reach out, write it down, or even take time to forgive yourself.
National Koi Day: Elegantly swimming in tranquil ponds, these vibrant fish bring serenity and beauty to any aquatic environment.
National Day of Rock ‘n’ Roll: National Day of Rock ‘n’ Roll is a lively celebration that captures the essence and impact of the music genres. Rock 'n' roll has not only shaped musical trends but also reflected and influenced significant cultural shifts. How to Celebrate National Day of Rock 'n' Roll Dress Like a Rock Legend One fabulous...
World Kiswahili Language Day: Exploring the rich linguistic tapestry of East Africa, Kiswahili's expressive nuances mirror the region's cultural diversity and history.
Tell the Truth Day: Be honest and open, and come clean about any lies you’ve been living. For something lighter, play a game of truth or dare or two truths and a lie with friends.
National Father Daughter Take a Walk Day: Strolling hand in hand, they explore nature's wonders, sharing laughter and creating cherished memories under the open sky.
International Peace & Love Day: Humanity without peace and love feels lost, stretched thin by noise and division. International Peace & Love Day steps in as a gentle call to reconnect. It asks people to lead with care, not control. To speak kindly, even when it's hard. Every part of life feels richer when understanding replaces...
World Change Day: This global call for conscious transformation comes from the awareness that lasting change in society begins with each and every individual. In a world facing increasing levels of stress, division, and uncertainty, World Change Day endeavors to provide a thread of hope, clarity, and the power of transformation. How to Celebrate...
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.
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...
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...