On This Day - July 17
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let's look back at some of the most significant events in America and beyond that happened on this day, starting with...
1861 – Congress Authorizes Paper Money
As the Civil War escalated, the US Congress passed legislation authorizing the use of paper currency—known as “Demand Notes”—to fund the Union war effort. This marked the first time the US government issued widely circulating paper money, laying the foundation for the modern American financial system.
1955 – Disneyland Opens on National TV
The grand opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, was broadcast live on ABC to a national audience. Hosted by Art Linkletter, Ronald Reagan, and Bob Cummings, the televised event introduced Walt Disney’s vision to millions, despite opening-day mishaps. It was a pioneering blend of theme park magic and media spectacle.
1959 – North by Northwest Premieres in L.A.
Alfred Hitchcock’s stylish thriller North by Northwest debuted in Los Angeles. Starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason, the film became a classic for its suspenseful set pieces, mistaken-identity plot, and the iconic crop-duster scene. It remains one of Hitchcock’s most influential works.
1966 – Jim Ryun Breaks the Mile Record
In Berkeley, California, 19-year-old American runner Jim Ryun shattered the world record for the mile, clocking in at 3:51.3. The performance electrified the track and field world and made Ryun the first high schooler to break the 4-minute mile—a record that would stand for nearly a decade.
1975 – Apollo-Soyuz: A Cold War Handshake in Space
NASA’s Apollo 18 spacecraft docked with the Soviet Union’s Soyuz 19, marking the first international human spaceflight mission. American astronaut Thomas Stafford and Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov exchanged a handshake in orbit, symbolizing a rare moment of détente during the Cold War and launching a legacy of US–Russia space cooperation.
Do you have more events (historical or not!) you'd like to share with the community? Post them below and let's reminisce together!
