On This Day - July 8
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let’s look back at some of the most significant moments in American history that happened on this day, starting with…
1776: First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Colonel John Nixon stood before a crowd at the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) and gave the first public reading of the newly adopted Declaration, just four days after its approval.
1797: First US Senator Expelled
William Blount of Tennessee became the first US senator to be expelled from Congress after being caught plotting to incite Native American tribes and British forces to seize Spanish Florida.
1800: First Cowpox Vaccination in the US
Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse vaccinated his son with cowpox to demonstrate its ability to prevent smallpox, helping usher in American public health science.
1835: The Liberty Bell Cracks (Again)
The famed symbol of independence suffered another crack while being rung for Chief Justice John Marshall’s death, ending its long run as a functional bell.
1853: Commodore Perry Sails into Tokyo Bay
While not domestic, this pivotal US naval expedition marked the beginning of America’s influence in the Pacific and forced Japan to open to foreign trade after centuries of isolation.
1862: Lincoln Signs the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act
Though largely unenforced at the time, this act made polygamy illegal in US territories and specifically targeted Mormon practices in Utah.
1889: The Wall Street Journal Begins Publishing
What started as a financial news bulletin evolved into one of the most influential newspapers in the world—providing critical insight into the American economy.
1947: Reports of a UFO Crash in Roswell, NM, Broadcast Nationally
The US Army first reported it had recovered a “flying disc,” only to retract the story the next day. The Roswell incident sparked generations of UFO conspiracy theories and pop culture lore.
Do you remember any of these events? Or do you have more events (historical or not!) you'd like to share with the community? Post them below and let's reminisce together!
