🗓️ On This Day - July 11th
July 11th is actually a pretty special day, thank you very much! It’s a day for enjoying sweet treats and looking back at some pretty pivotal historical events. July 11th may well be a special day for you, too! But let’s also take a look at why others might be marking the occasion elsewhere…
On this day
Zheng He set sail for the spice islands.
On July 11th, back in 1405, legendary Chinese fleet master Zheng He officially launched his 208-strong fleet off on a journey to explore the Spice Islands. He took a staggering number of crew with him – 27.800 sailors across 208 boats of varying sizes!
Kate Edger made history.
In 1877, Kate Edger became New Zealand's first female graduate. She was also the first woman in the whole of the British Empire to earn a Bachelor of Arts! She paved the way for millions of women to follow in the decades to come.
To Kill a Mockingbird made an impact.
In 1960, the book "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee first saw publication. The book became a huge success, though for decades was the only book Lee ever wrote and released. The book tells us the story of Atticus Finch, a white lawyer defending a black arrestee against a backdrop of intense racial prejudice.
Guzmán broke free!
Yes, jailbreaks really do exist – and infamous cartel figurehead, Joaquín Guzmán, broke free from his Mexican stronghold in 2015 using an incredible tunnel system – but he was later apprehended after a massive search spree, six months after he’d slipped the net.
These noses know!
In 2022, a study suggested that dogs can see with their noses! According to the study, it was "the first documentation of a direct connection between the olfactory bulb and the occipital lobe in any species!”
Special Days Falling on July 11th
July 11th is a great day to kick back and enjoy the weather – but if you’re looking to mark today with a purpose, here are our favorite special days worth marking today.
World Population Day
Marked since 1989, World Population Day is a global holiday that brings attention to problems our planet faces with regard to overpopulation and planning. Ultimately, it’s a chance for a huge census to take place, and for territories around the globe to start planning better for a constantly growing populace. The world’s not shrinking – and today’s the day to sit up and take notice!
National Blueberry Muffin Day
Blueberry muffins are some of the tastiest sweet treats you’ll find in your local bakery! They’re soft, comforting and can sometimes even remind us of home. So, of course, they have their own special day! Today, enjoy as many blueberry muffins as you can stomach and share them with your loved ones!
World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day
That may sound like a mouthful to pronounce, but today marks a hugely important occasion for raising awareness of prescription drug management. Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for neurological and anxiety disorders – and while they can help to bring relief to millions, they may also stimulate harmful side effects if taken inappropriately. If you’re taking any medication regularly, take today to look carefully at the instructions!
This page was last modified on August 4, 2024. Suggest an edit
This month in history
Construction began on the Hoover Dam! In the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, the mammoth water protection project began back in 1930. The dam still stands proud today as one of the US’ leviathans of modern engineering – and millions depend on it!
Famous Birthdays on July 11th
Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, born 1274
John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States of America, born 1767
Yul Brynner, Russian-Swiss actor, born 1920
Giorgio Armani, Italian fashion designer, born 1934
Alessia Cara, Canadian singer, born 1996
If you were born on July 11th…
…you’re a Cancer! You’re a loyal friend and a very nurturing partner. You tend to think and feel very deeply, but you also know how to cut loose and have a good time.
You’re also very intuitive, so it takes a lot to get anything past you! So, we won’t even try to hide the fact that we have even more details about you on our Cancer facts page!
Latest Facts
25 Fun Facts about Donald Trump
28 Top Facts About Toronto
24 Interesting Facts About Snowdonia
23 Super Fun Facts About Spring Break
