History: What Happened Today?

1. In 1795, as an official US Agent, James Swan pays off the $2,024,899 US national debt to France. Ironically, he served many years in debtor's prison in France from 1798 until 1830, due to personal debt.
2. In 1815, the first natural gas well in the U.S. was discovered in Charleston, West Virginia, while being drilled for salt. It caught fire and scared the drill crew, which halted drilling. It wasn't drilled commercially until 1841.
3. In 1816, Argentina declares its independence from Spain.
4. In 1850, the 12th President, Zachary Taylor died in office. He only served 16 months in office.
5. In 1877, the first Wimbledon tennis tourment begins. It is still the only major tennis event still played on grass.
6. In 1891, the first woman, Irene Colt, was admitted to Yale University.
7. In 1916, the first submarine carrying cargo crossed the Atlantic Ocean and arrives in US from Germany.
8. In 1956, the TV Show "American Bandstand" was first hosted by Dick Clark.
9. In 1971, U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger visits the People's Republic of China.
10. In 1995, The Grateful Dead played their last concert in Chicago, Illinois at Soldier Field.
11. Famous Birthdays: Tom Hanks (actor), Dean Koontz (author), Fred Savage (actor), Bon Scott (rocker - AC/DC), Elias Howe (inventor), John Paul Getty (businessman), David Hockney (artist)

For famous birthdays and other daily events in history, visit our Daily Dose Activities.

Click Here for Yesterday in History: July 8

Click Here for Tomorrow in History: July 10

For more history resources on Internet 4 Classrooms, visit our Social Studies and History index. For Pre K-8th Grade Level History and Social Studies Resources, visit our Grade Level Index.