The first day of the month is always special, but never more so than when it’s our first official month of summer – if you live in the upper hemisphere! So layer on that sunscreen, grab your favourite pair of sunglasses, and let’s get to know a little bit more about this very special day!
On this day
1The first vote for independence took place.
On this date back in 1776, the first vote regarding the Declaration of Independence for Britain’s North American colonies came to fruition. It was eventually signed on August 2nd of that same year! It’s an important date in the formation of the US.
2The Dominion of Canada came into being.
In 1867, July 1st saw the Dominion of Canada form. It comprised New Brunswick, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. John A. Macdonald served as the country’s first Prime Minister. Did you know that “Dominion of Canada” is the nation’s full title? It’s a bit of a mouthful…
3The Olympics came to the US for the first time.
In 1904, the first Olympic Games to be held in the United States opened! The Summer Games took place in St Louis that year. The US last held the summer events in Atlanta in 1996, but Los Angeles is due to host again in 2028.
4Spanish bishops made a bold choice.
In 1937, Spanish bishops decided to show their support for Francisco Franco and his fascist movement. His dictatorship lasted until his death in 1975. Franco was a brutal dictator who is thought to have been responsible for up to 200,000 deaths during the period of “White Terror.”
5Sgt Pepper pulled at everyone’s heartstrings.
In 1967, The Beatles’ world-famous album, “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” went to number one in the United States! It remained there for 15 weeks – cementing its place as one of the band’s most enduring classics.
Special Days Falling on July 1st
Don’t worry, July 1st isn’t all about history! In fact, there’s a lot to celebrate in the present! Here are some of the best holidays to celebrate today.
National Postal Workers Day
Honestly, where would we be without our postal workers? Barely talking to one another, that’s for sure! While we’ve all grown to start emailing and texting each other in the modern age, nothing beats a nice handwritten letter. Today’s a great day to acknowledge our hard-working posties and all they do.
National Gingersnap Day
Gingersnaps may not be for everyone, but there’s no denying that these unique cookies are definitely something you have to try! Some of us like them dipped in tea, while others just want them as a nice gingery snack! Either way, make sure you enjoy your gingersnaps today!
National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
Sure, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams are great! But, nothing beats having truly original and creative ice cream flavors! From bubble gum to “Smurf,” today is the day to get imaginative with your ice cream and get a brain freeze in the most creative way possible!
This month in history
The fall of the Bastille occurred! Right at the start of the French Revolution, the Bastille prison was taken over by revolutionists searching for weapons and others to join their fight against the French monarchy. The monarchy did indeed fall, and King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie-Antoinette, were sentenced to death for their crimes against the people. The French Revolution lasted from 1789 to 1799.
Famous Birthdays on July 1st
- Amy Johnson, British pilot, born 1903
- Estée Lauder, American entrepreneur, born 1906
- Olivia de Havilland, British-American actress, born 1916
- Dan Aykroyd, Canadian-American comedian, writer, and actor, born 1952
- Diana Spencer, English Princess of Wales, born 1961
If you were born on July 1st…
…you’re a Cancer! You’re smart, kind, generous, and one heck of a good time! You can also be a bit nosey and enigmatic when you want to be – but you don’t ever bring anyone down. However, you do rely on friends sometimes to pick you up – and they’re always happy to thanks to your unavoidable charm!
Learn more about Cancers from our Cancer facts page and see if you can find out something new about yourself.
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