This Day in History - Page 12

July 18, 2024

On this day in history, July 18, 1976, Nadia Comaneci scores perfect 10 at Summer Olympics

Nadia Comaneci made history on this day, July 18, 1976, scoring the first-ever perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics history. She won three gold medals during that Olympics.

July 17, 2024

On this day in history, July 17, 1945, the Potsdam Conference begins, final Allied summit after WWII

On this day in history, July 17, 1945, after Nazi Germany's surrender in World War II, the Potsdam Conference outside Berlin, Germany, began, with Truman, Churchill and Stalin.

July 16, 2024

On this day in history, July 16, 1911, American actress and dancer Ginger Rogers is born

American actress and dancer Ginger Rogers was a star on both the Broadway stage and on the big film screen. On this day in history, July 16, 1911, Ginger Rogers was born in Missouri.

July 15, 2024

On this day in history, July 15, 1988, 'Die Hard' hits theaters, first in the franchise

The action (and possibly Christmas) movie Die Hard was released in theaters on this day in history, July 15, 1988. The movie starred Bruce Willis.

July 14, 2024

On this day in history, July 14, 1968, Hank Aaron hits 500th career home run

Baseball great Henry "Hank" Aaron, born in 1934 in Mobile, Alabama, hit his 500th career home run on this day in history, July 14, 1968. He would go on to break Babe Ruth's home run record.

July 13, 2024

On this day in history, July 13, 1937, Krispy Kreme is founded: 'Delicious scents of doughnuts'

The first Krispy Kreme doughnuts were sold in North Carolina on this day in history, July 13, 1937. The company now has locations in more than 30 countries.

July 12, 2024

On this day in history, July 12, 1862, Abraham Lincoln signs bill creating US Army Medal of Honor

On this day in history, July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law a resolution creating a Medal of Honor for the Army, also known as the Congressional Medal of Honor.

July 10, 2024

On this day in history, July 10, 1856, inventor Nikola Tesla is born: 'Keen interest in nature'

Nikola Tesla, the inventor who pioneered a new form of electric current, was born on this day in history, July 10, 1856, in modern-day Croatia. He went on to acquire nearly 300 patents.

July 9, 2024

On this day in history, July 9, 1828, American painter Gilbert Stuart dies at age 72

Painter Gilbert Stuart, whose distinctive style is the way millions of Americans view the Founding Fathers and other key figures, died on this day in history, July 9, 1828.

July 8, 2024

On this day in history, July 8, 1918, American Red Cross driver Ernest Hemingway is wounded in World War I

Novelist Ernest Hemingway, at just 18 years old, was wounded on the Italian front while driving an ambulance for the American Red Cross on this day in history, July 8, 1918.