On This Day – July 3rd

By July 3rd, is anyone really keeping track of the date anymore? Well, at a quick look back in history, we can see that today was indeed a very important date for many people. It may even be a special day for you – in which case, congratulations! However, let’s take a look at why else we should be marking July 3rd as a date to remember.

On this day

1The Danish West Indies freed its slaves.

In 1848, today was the date that slaves were freed in the Danish West Indies, which are now known as the US Virgin Islands. Slavery had been practiced there since about the 1670s. The US wouldn’t follow “proper” until Abraham Lincoln unveiled the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

2Jesse James was up to his old tricks!

In 1871, infamous outlaw Jesse James robbed a bank in Croydon, Iowa. He ended up stealing $45,000 – that’s worth more than a million in today’s legal tender! James was something of a celebrity in his own right in his day – eventually meeting a painful end after being shot in 1882.

3John Logie Baird changed home entertainment for good!

In 1928, John Logie Baird demonstrated the first-ever color television transmission in London! In doing so, he changed the way we view television forever – can you imagine a world of TV in black and white?

4The Newport Jazz Festival opened.

In 1969, in Newport, Rhode Island, the world-famous Newport Jazz Festival opened for the very first time! Performers included Jeff Beck, James Brown, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, and more, performing to 78,000 people.

5We went Back to the Future!

In 1985, the hit film Back to the Future made its way to movie theaters. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring the legendary Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, is a fantasy tale of time travel and funky-looking cars… surely you’ve seen it already?

Special Days Falling on July 3rd

If you’re an American, you’re probably dealing with all of the anticipations for tomorrow’s celebration, but July 3rd is not to be forgotten along the way! Here are some of the best holidays to honor today.

National Chocolate Wafer Day

Some treats are just staples in everyone’s homes, including chocolate wafers! These sweet treats go great with a coffee, a warm cup of tea, or simply on their own as a pick-me-up! But did you know that chocolate wafers are so popular they have their own special day? Today is indeed chocolate wafer day, so chow down without guilt.

National Eat Your Beans Day

Beans are some of the most important foods to include in our diets. They are full of fiber, vitamins, and essential nutrients we all need! There are plenty of recipes online to help you make the most of these mighty minis. So, today, whether you are a bean fanatic or not, do your best to get some beans on your plate! After all, beans, beans are good for your heart, and the more you eat, the more you… yeah, we’ll let you finish that one off!

National Compliment Your Mirror Day

Well… you could compliment your mirror, but today’s more about complimenting yourself! We all struggle with self-worth sometimes, and July 3rd is the perfect day to show yourself a little more kindness. Focus on self-care, and tell your reflection that you love yourself for you.

This month in history

The Bahamas gained their independence! In 1973, after spending over 250 years under British rule as a colony, the Bahamas broke free to rule their own land.

Famous Birthdays on July 3rd

• Louis XI, King of France, born 1423
• George M. Cohan, American father of musical comedy, born 1878
• Tom Cruise, American actor, born 1962
• Sebastian Vettel, German auto racer, born 1987
• Peggy Gou, South Korean DJ and record producer, born 1991