Today in History graphic for June 27 featuring the first ATM machine, historic Route 66, Space Shuttle Columbia, and Pixar’s WALL-E movie premiere.

June 27 in History: The First ATM Arrives, Route 66 Ends, and “WALL-E” Hits Theaters

Scott Winters June 27, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on June 27 in history, featuring milestones in technology, transportation, entertainment, politics, and fascinating moments that helped shape modern life.

What Happened on June 27 in History?

Important events on this day include the installation of the world’s first cash dispenser, the official removal of historic Route 66 from the U.S. Highway System, the launch of Space Shuttle Columbia’s final test mission, and Pixar’s WALL-E debuting in theaters.

JUNE 27 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1847 – The cities of New York, NY and Boston, MA were linked by telegraph wires.

1859 – The melody of probably the most often sung song in the world, “Happy Birthday to You”, was composed by Mildred J. Hill. She was a school teacher born in Louisville, Kentucky.

1885 – Chichester Bell and Charles S. Tainter applied for a patent for the gramophone. It was granted on May 4, 1886.

1893 – The New York stock market crashed. By the end of the year 600 banks and 74 railroads had gone out of business.

1924 – Democrats offered Mrs. Leroy Springs for vice presidential nomination. She was the first woman considered for the job.

1927 – The U.S. Marines adopted the English bulldog as their mascot.

1929 – Scientists at Bell Laboratories, in New York, NY, revealed a system for transmitting television pictures. The images were of a bouquet of roses and an American flag.

1931 – Igor Sikorsky filed U.S. Patent 1,994,488, which marked the breakthrough in helicopter technology.

1940 – Robert Pershing Wadlow was measured by Dr. Cyril MacBryde and Dr. C. M. Charles. They recorded his height at 8′ 11.1.” He was only 22 at the time of his death on July 15, 1940.

1947 – Ford offered workers a pension plan for the first time. The company would contribute twenty million dollars a year to the fund, allowing workers with thirty or more years of service to draw a retirement income of a $100 — three times the amount that they would be able to get from Social Security alone.

1955 – The state of Illinois enacted the first automobile seat belt legislation.

1966 – The television drama “Dark Shadows” began running on ABC-TV.

1967 – The world’s first cash dispenser was installed at Barclays Bank in Enfield, England. The device was invented by John Sheppard-Barron. The machine operated on a voucher system and the maximum withdrawal was $28.

1973 – Former White House counsel John W. Dean told the Senate Watergate Committee about an “enemies list” that was kept by the President Richard Nixon White House.

1974 – President Richard Nixon visited the Soviet Union.

1980 – President Jimmy Carter signed legislation reviving draft registration.

1982 – Space Shuttle Columbia launched from the Kennedy Space Center on the final research and development flight mission.

1984 – The Supreme Court ruled that individual colleges could make their own TV package deals.

1984 – The Federal Communications Commission moved to deregulate U.S. commercial TV by lifting most programming requirements and ending day-part restrictions on advertising.

1985 – Route 66 was officially removed from the United States Highway System. Read about my journey on Route 66 here.

1986 – The movie “Labyrinth” debuted in theaters.

1988 – MCA Records bought Motown Records for $61 million.

1989 – Tom Jones was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1991 – Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall resigned from the Supreme Court. He had been appointed in 1967 by President Lyndon Johnson.

1997 – Nicolas Cage and John Travolta traded faces when the movie “Face/Off” opened in theaters.

1998 – An English woman was impregnated with her dead husband’s sperm after two-year legal battle over her right to the sperm.

2002 – The Securities and Exchange Commission required companies with annual sales of more than $1.2 billion to submit sworn statements backing up the accuracy of their financial reports.

2002 – ABC aired the last regular episode of the TV game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”.

2003 – The National Do Not Call Registry was opened for sign-ups. It was formed to combat unwanted telemarketing calls and administered by the Federal Trade Commission.

2005 – In Alaska’s Denali National Park, a roughly 70-million year old dinosaur track was discovered. The track was form by a three-toed Cretaceous period dinosaur.

2007 – Tony Blair resigned as British Prime Minister, a position he had held since 1997.

2008 – The animated movie “WALL-E” debuted in theaters.

2013 – NASA launched the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, a space probe to observe the Sun.

2024 – President Joe Biden debated former president Donald Trump. The debate led to Biden’s withdrawal from the election on July 21.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON JUNE 27:

Charles Bronfman – 95 years old (1931) – Canadian-American businessman and philanthropist

Joseph P. Allen – 89 years old (1937) – Physicist and astronaut

Kirkpatrick Sale – 89 years old (1937) – Author and scholar

Bruce Babbitt – 88 years old (1938) – Lawyer and politician, 47th United States Secretary of the Interior

Bill Baxley – 85 years old (1941) – Lawyer and politician, 24th Lieutenant Governor of Alabama

Bruce Johnston – 84 years old (1942) – Singer-songwriter and producer

Ravi Batra – 83 years old (1943) – Indian-American economist and academic

Norma Kamali – 81 years old (1945) – Fashion designer

Camile Baudoin – 78 years old (1948) – Guitarist

Vera Wang – 77 years old (1949) – Fashion designer

Julia Duffy – 75 years old (1951) – Actress

Alice McDermott – 73 years old (1953) – Novelist

Lisa Germano – 68 years old (1958) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Dan Jurgens – 67 years old (1959) – Author and illustrator

Lorrie Morgan – 67 years old (1959) – Singer

Craig Hodges – 66 years old (1960) – Basketball player and coach

Michael Mayer – 66 years old (1960) – Theatre director

Johnny Benson Jr. – 63 years old (1963) – Race car driver

Chuck Person – 62 years old (1964) – Basketball player and coach

J. J. Abrams – 60 years old (1966) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Jeff Conine – 60 years old (1966) – Baseball player and sportscaster

Kelly Ayotte – 58 years old (1968) – Lawyer and politician, Governor of New Hampshire

Jim Edmonds – 56 years old (1970) – Baseball player and sportscaster

Christian Kane – 52 years old (1974) – Singer-songwriter and actor

Christopher O'Neill – 52 years old (1974) – English-American businessman

Ace Darling – 51 years old (1975) – Wrestler

Bianca Del Rio – 51 years old (1975) – Drag queen and comedian

Tobey Maguire – 51 years old (1975) – Actor

Daryle Ward – 51 years old (1975) – Baseball player

Johnny Estrada – 50 years old (1976) – Baseball player

Leigh Nash – 50 years old (1976) – Singer-songwriter

Jennifer Goodridge – 46 years old (1980) – Keyboard player

Craig Terrill – 46 years old (1980) – Football player

Jim Johnson – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player

Khloé Kardashian – 42 years old (1984) – Model, businesswoman, and radio host

Drake Bell – 40 years old (1986) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor

Bryan Fletcher – 40 years old (1986) – Skier

LaShawn Merritt – 40 years old (1986) – Sprinter

Kate Ziegler – 38 years old (1988) – Swimmer

Bobby Wagner – 36 years old (1990) – Football player

Monté Morris – 31 years old (1995) – Basketball player

Jehyve Floyd – 29 years old (1997) – Basketball player

Dalton Eatherly – 29 years old (1997) – Livestreamer, better known as Chud the Builder

H.E.R. – 29 years old (1997) – Singer-songwriter

Will Levis – 27 years old (1999) – Football player

Chandler Riggs – 27 years old (1999) – Actor

Chris Olave – 26 years old (2000) – Football player

Kelee Ringo – 24 years old (2002) – Football player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR JUNE 27:

International Pineapple Day: Celebrate International Pineapple Day by enjoying tropical flavors, honoring its symbolism of hospitality and friendship, and exploring its rich history and health benefits.
National Sunglasses Day: Pop on your favorite sunglasses and protect your eyes from the harsh light of day, protect your forehead from squint-based wrinkles, and look cool doing it.
Multiculturalism Day: Celebrate Multiculturalism Day by honoring diverse cultures, traditions, and languages, promoting inclusion, mutual respect, and unity in everyday community life.
National Ice Cream Cake Day: Looking for a dessert that combines the creaminess of ice cream with the satisfying crunch of cake? This treat is perfect for you!
Industrial Workers of the World Day: Take a moment to appreciate the hard working industrial laborers who bring high-quality, low-cost products to our lives and increase our comfort and ease.
National Women’s Fly Fishing Day: National Women’s Fly Fishing Day honors female anglers, building skills, confidence, and community through meet‑ups, mentorship, and river stewardship.
National HIV Testing Day: National HIV Testing Day promotes quick, confidential HIV testing, education, and awareness to reduce stigma, support prevention, and empower informed health choices.
PTSD Awareness Day: PTSD Awareness Day highlights the impact of trauma, encourages open conversations, and promotes understanding, support, and access to help for those affected.
National Orange Blossom Day: Try a recipe using the fragrant blossoms of oranges, or even try making your own essential oils or perfumes with this sweet-smelling little flower.
World Sand Dune Day: Vital natural barriers, these landforms protect coastlines, support diverse habitats, and maintain ecological balance in our environment.
Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises Day: Discover the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Day, celebrating local businesses that drive jobs, innovation, community growth and economic resilience.
Great American Campout: Celebrate Great American Campout by pitching a tent close to home, unplugging from screens, and reconnecting with nature, wildlife, family, and friends.
National Bingo Day: Celebrate National Bingo Day by exploring the game’s history, quirky traditions, and creative ways to play—from charity events to digital tournaments and more.
World Arak Day: Raise your glass and discover a Middle Eastern delight that packs a punch! This vibrant spirit will transport your taste buds on a delicious adventure.
National Onion Day: Celebrate National Onion Day by exploring onion varieties, cooking flavorful recipes, and discovering the health benefits of this versatile kitchen staple.
Helen Keller Day: The inspiring legacy of a remarkable advocate who overcame adversity to champion disability rights and education.
Global Smurf Day: Blue faces, white hats, and wide smiles fill the streets on Global Smurf Day. Crowds gather in playful costumes, turning parks and plazas into a sea of cheerful color. The event draws families, friends, and fans into a world that feels straight out of a cartoon. How to Celebrate Global Smurf...
International Ragweed Day: Tiny but powerful, ragweed sends out clouds of pollen that can travel for miles. Even one plant can trigger allergy trouble for many people. It’s not just a nuisance—it affects daily life, from outdoor plans to breathing clearly. International Ragweed Day puts this issue in the spotlight. The day draws...
Summersgiving Day: Imagine a sunlit afternoon where laughter fills the air, tables overflow with delicious dishes, and loved ones gather to celebrate togetherness. This is the essence of Summersgiving—a festive occasion that blends the warmth of summer with the gratitude of a traditional feast. Friends and family come together, sharing stories, savoring...
UK Armed Forces Day: Show support for the UK Armed Forces who serve their country and community, from fighting in wars to delivering aid to war or natural disaster-torn communities.
National Play Catch Week: Connecting through a simple toss, a timeless game fosters bonds, laughter, and shared moments of pure joy.
Bumba Meu Boi: Bumba Meu Boi is a captivating festival that blends theater, dance, and music into a lively celebration of Brazilian folklore. It tells the tale of an ox, central to the narrative, which symbolizes life, death, and rebirth. The story often involves a playful, dramatic performance featuring a farmer, a pregnant...
Insect Week: Insect Week is an exciting celebration dedicated to the fascinating world of insects. This week-long event features a variety of engaging activities and events designed to highlight the importance of insects in our lives. From art and photography competitions to educational workshops and bug hunts, there’s something for everyone to...
National Craft Spirits Week: National Craft Spirits Week is a lively celebration of small-batch distillers across the country. Walk into a distillery during National Craft Spirits Week, and the air feels different. There’s the scent of oak, spice, and citrus. Bottles line the walls, each with its own label and story. This week isn’t about...
ARRL Field Day: ARRL Field Day, celebrated annually, is a big day for amateur radio enthusiasts. It's not just any radio event; it's the most popular on-air gathering in the U.S. Thousands of radio operators across North America get together to connect, compete, and have fun with their radios. How to Celebrate ARRL Field Day Join...
National Lightning Safety Awareness Week: National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, celebrated in June, sparks crucial conversations about a powerful natural phenomenon. This week is vital because lightning strikes can be deadly, causing significant injuries and fatalities each year. Despite its potential dangers, lightning often doesn't receive the attention it deserves compared to other weather-related threats. How to...
English Wine Week: English Wine Week is a vibrant celebration of the burgeoning English wine industry. It's an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the diversity and quality of wines produced across the country. Vineyards open their doors, offering a range of activities like tours, tastings, and special events. This week is not...
Windjammer Days: Windjammer Days is a lively celebration where elegant tall ships sail into Boothbay Harbor’s calm waters. The day bursts with energy as colorful vessels glide in and gather off Cabbage Island. Crowds line the shore, cheering and snapping photos as sails unfurl and boats drift under bright skies. That harbor...
Organic Beer Fest: The Organic Beer Fest is a celebration of brews made from ingredients grown without the use of synthetic chemicals. It brings together craft brewers, musicians, food vendors, and sustainability promoters in a relaxed, friendly park setting. Visitors wander between tents full of organic beer, cider, and mead, tasting styles from crisp...
National Roller Coaster Week: National Roller Coaster Week highlights the thrill of sharp turns, steep drops, and fast rides. Parks stay packed as people chase that quick burst of fear and fun. Some come for their first ride, others for their hundredth. Either way, they’re there for the same reason—to feel something real for...