What Happened on July 31

A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on July 31 throughout history.

108

Events

Births

Deaths

Historical Events on July 31

1620

Pilgrim Fathers depart Leiden, Netherlands, for England on their way to America

1917

World War I: Battle of Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) begins and lasts until November 6, 1917, causing approximat

World War I: Battle of Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) begins and lasts until November 6, 1917, causing approximately 500,000 casualties

1961

Israel welcomes its one-millionth immigrant

1970

Black Tot Day: the last day of the officially sanctioned rum ration in the Royal Navy, which started in 1740

2007

Operation Banner, the presence of the British Army in Northern Ireland, comes to an end as the longest-running British A

Operation Banner, the presence of the British Army in Northern Ireland, comes to an end as the longest-running British Army operation ever

1912

The US government censors movies and photos of boxing prizefights; this remains in place until 1940

1959

Cliff Richard and the Shadows have their first British #1 single with "Living Doll," the best-selling British single of

Cliff Richard and the Shadows have their first British #1 single with "Living Doll," the best-selling British single of 1959

1928

Halina Konopacka of Poland hurls a discus world record of 39.62 m to win the first gold medal in women's Olympic athleti

Halina Konopacka of Poland hurls a discus world record of 39.62 m to win the first gold medal in women's Olympic athletics at the Amsterdam Games

1790

Danish Crown Prince Frederick (Later Frederick VI) marries his cousin Marie Sophie of Hesse-Kassel at Gottorp Castle

1940

American actress Loretta Young (27) weds second husband, American advertising executive Tom Lewis at the chapel of St. P

American actress Loretta Young (27) weds second husband, American advertising executive Tom Lewis at the chapel of St. Paul's Church in Westwood; divorce in 1969

1948

American aspiring screenwriter Rod Serling (23) weds American college classmate Carol Kramer (19), until his death in 19

American aspiring screenwriter Rod Serling (23) weds American college classmate Carol Kramer (19), until his death in 1975

1980

Karolyn Englehardt divorces baseball player Pete Rose (39) after 16 years of marriage

2024

Rapper Cardi B files for divorce from her husband fellow rapper Offset for the second time [1]

Kiari Kendrell Cephus, known professionally as Offset, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for being a member of the Atlanta-based hip-hop trio Migos.

432

St Sixtus III begins his reign as Catholic Pope

The pope is the bishop of Rome and the head of the worldwide Catholic Church. He is also known as the supreme pontiff, Roman pontiff, or sovereign pontiff.

768

Antipope Philip begins and ends his reign as Catholic Pope

781

The oldest recorded eruption of Mt. Fuji (Traditional Japanese date: July 6, 781)

1291

Egyptian Mamluks occupy Acre and drive the last Crusaders out of Palestine

Acre ( AH-kər, AY-kər), known in Hebrew as Akko and in Arabic as Akka, is a city in the coastal plain region of the Northern District of Israel. The city occupies a strategic location, sitting in a...

1423

Hundred Years' War: Battle of Cravant - the French army is defeated by the English on the banks of the river Yonne in Bu

Hundred Years' War: Battle of Cravant - the French army is defeated by the English on the banks of the river Yonne in Burgundy

1451

Jacques Cœur is arrested by order of Charles VII of France

1646

Royalist supporters besieged at Goodrich Castle surrender to Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War after t

Royalist supporters besieged at Goodrich Castle surrender to Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War after the castle is partially destroyed by "Roaring Meg," an enormous mortar [1]

1653

Fronde leaders surrender in Bordeaux

The Fronde was a series of civil wars in the Kingdom of France between 1648 and 1653, occurring in the midst of the Franco-Spanish War, which had begun in 1635.

1655

Russo-Polish War (1654-1667): the Russian army enters the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Vilnius, which it hol

Russo-Polish War (1654-1667): the Russian army enters the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Vilnius, which it holds for six years

1667

Peace of Breda: Second Anglo-Dutch War ends with Suriname exchanged for New Netherland (New York, New Jersey, and parts

Peace of Breda: Second Anglo-Dutch War ends with Suriname exchanged for New Netherland (New York, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut and Delaware)

1737

Prince Frederick of Wales escapes English court

1741

Charles Albert of Bavaria invades Upper Austria and Bohemia

Charles VII (6 August 1697 – 20 January 1745) was elector of Bavaria from 26 February 1726 and Holy Roman Emperor from 24 January 1742 to his death.

1751

Fire in Stockholm destroys 1,000 houses

Stockholm has largely escaped looting and natural disasters, but the city's major scourges have been fires, which in the worst cases have wiped out entire neighborhoods.

1771

Dutch painter of animals Paulus Potter's "Great Ox Herd" sells for ƒ9,050 in Amsterdam

1790

First US patent is granted to Samuel Hopkins for a potash process

Samuel Hopkins (December 9, 1743 – 1818) was an American inventor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, On July 31, 1790, he was granted the first U.S. patent, under the new U.S.

1792

Cornerstone is laid for the first US government building, the US Mint in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Mint is a branch of the United States Mint in Philadelphia. It was built in 1792 following the Coinage Act of 1792, in order to establish a national identity and the needs of...

1794

All Jacobin clubs gather in Haarlem

1809

First practical US railroad track, made of wood and designed for horse-drawn cars, is laid in Philadelphia

1813

British invade Plattsburgh, New York

1849

American engraver Benjamin Chambers patents breech-loading cannon

1852

Hottest July in the Netherlands since at least 1783 with an average temperature of 68.4°F (20.2°C)

1855

Stockholm experiences its hottest July since at least 1756, with an average temperature of 21.4°C

1856

Christchurch, New Zealand, is chartered as a city

1861

Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, India, receives 9,300 mm of rainfall in July, setting a world record

1865

The first narrow gauge mainline railway in the world opens at Grandchester, Australia

1874

Patrick Francis Healy, SJ, is inaugurated as President of Georgetown University

Patrick Francis Healy (February 27, 1834 – January 10, 1910) was an American Catholic priest and Jesuit who was an influential president of Georgetown University, becoming known as its "second...

1876

US Coast Guard officers' training school is established in New Bedford, Massachusetts

New Bedford is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. It is located on the Acushnet River in what is known as the South Coast region, abutting Buzzards Bay.

1877

Russo-Turkish War: The second Russian assault on Plevna, Ottoman Empire (now Pleven, Bulgaria) fails; 7,300 Russian and

Russo-Turkish War: The second Russian assault on Plevna, Ottoman Empire (now Pleven, Bulgaria) fails; 7,300 Russian and over 2,000 Turkish casualties

1879

The first cable connection between South Africa and Europe is laid by the British electrical engineer Charles Tilston Br

The first cable connection between South Africa and Europe is laid by the British electrical engineer Charles Tilston Bright as part of his project to link the British Empire with growing telecommunications technologies

1893

Gaelic League is founded by Douglas Hyde and Eoin MacNeill in order to encourage Irish people to speak the language and

Gaelic League is founded by Douglas Hyde and Eoin MacNeill in order to encourage Irish people to speak the language and take a greater interest in their culture

1899

Albert Trott hits a ball from Monty Noble over the pavilion at Lord's Cricket Ground

Albert Edwin Trott (6 February 1873 – 30 July 1914) was a Test cricketer for both Australia and England. He was named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1899.

1900

Boer Generals Prinsloo and Roux surrender in Brandwater Basin

The Brandwater Basin is the drainage basin of the Brandwater River (Afrikaans: Brandwaterrivier), a tributary of the Grootspruit River in the south-east of Orange Free State, South Africa, north of...

1905

Matumbi rebellion at Samanga, German East Africa

The Maji Maji Rebellion (German: Maji-Maji-Aufstand, Swahili: Vita vya Maji Maji) was an armed rebellion of Africans against German colonial rule in German East Africa (modern-day Tanzania).

1910

Chicago Cub King Cole no-hits St. Louis 4-0 in a 7-inning game

1919

The Weimar Constitution establishing the German Republic is adopted

The Constitution of the German Reich (German: Die Verfassung des Deutschen Reichs), usually known as the Weimar Constitution (Weimarer Verfassung), was the constitution that governed Germany during...

1922

General strike in Italy against fascist violence

1923

Belgian Chamber discusses bilinguality at Ghent University

1925

Last allied occupying troops leave German Ruhr region

The occupation of the Ruhr (German: Ruhrbesetzung) was the period from 11 January 1923 to 25 August 1925 when French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr region of Weimar Republic Germany.

1930

NY Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig drives in 8 runs with a grand slam and 2 doubles in a 14-13 win over the rival Bosto

NY Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig drives in 8 runs with a grand slam and 2 doubles in a 14-13 win over the rival Boston Red Sox

1932

Cleveland Indians christen their new home, Municipal Stadium, before more than 76,000 fans; lose opener 1-0 to the Phila

Cleveland Indians christen their new home, Municipal Stadium, before more than 76,000 fans; lose opener 1-0 to the Philadelphia A's

1935

Third Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn is sworn in

1936

IOC awards Tokyo, Japan, the 1940 Summer Olympic Games, which are later canceled due to the Second Sino-Japanese War

1938

Archaeologists discover engraved gold and silver plates from King Darius I in Persepolis

1940

Transport #58 with French Jews departs for Nazi Germany

Several Catholic countries and populations fell under Nazi domination during the period of the Second World War (1939–1945), and ordinary Catholics fought on both sides of the conflict.

1948

American sprinter Harrison Dillard runs an Olympic record of 10.3 s to defeat countryman Barney Ewell for the 100 m gold

American sprinter Harrison Dillard runs an Olympic record of 10.3 s to defeat countryman Barney Ewell for the 100 m gold medal at the London Olympics

1951

Japan Airlines is established

Japan Airlines (JAL) is a major Japanese airline headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

1954

First ascent of K2 by an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio

On the 1954 Italian expedition to K2 (led by Ardito Desio), Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli became the first people to reach the summit of K2, 8,611 metres (28,251 ft), the second-highest...

1955

KRNT (now KCCI) TV channel 8 in Des Moines, Iowa (CBS) broadcasts for the first time

Des Moines is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa. It is the county seat of Polk County with parts extending into Warren County.

1958

Anti-Chinese uprising in Tibet

The 1959 Tibetan uprising or Lhasa uprising began on 10 March 1959 as a series of protests in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, fueled by fears that the government of the People's Republic of China...

1962

England fast bowler Brian Statham becomes Test cricket's leading wicket-taker with a world-record tally of 237 as Austra

England fast bowler Brian Statham becomes Test cricket's leading wicket-taker with a world-record tally of 237 as Australian wicketkeeper Barry Shepherd is caught by Fred Trueman for 10 in the drawn fourth Test in Adelaide

1963

Arturo Illia elected President of Argentina

Arturo Umberto Illia was President of Argentina from 1963 until his overthrow in 1966.

1964

American glider pilot Al Parker glides 644 miles without a motor

1965

Cigarette advertising is banned on British TV

1968

The Beatles close Apple Boutique in London, giving away clothes for free

1970

37th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Kansas City 24, All-Stars 3 (69,940 attendees)

1971

Apollo 15 astronauts take a 6½-hour electric car ride on the Moon

1972

Claudy bombing: Nine civilians are killed when three car bombs explode in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland; no group

Claudy bombing: Nine civilians are killed when three car bombs explode in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland; no group has since claimed responsibility

1973

Delta Airlines DC-9 crashes in fog at Logan Airport, Boston, killing all but one of 89 aboard; lone survivor dies 5 mont

Delta Airlines DC-9 crashes in fog at Logan Airport, Boston, killing all but one of 89 aboard; lone survivor dies 5 months later

1975

The Miami Showband killings: Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), a loyalist paramilitary group, shoots dead three members of a

The Miami Showband killings: Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), a loyalist paramilitary group, shoots dead three members of an Irish showband at Buskhill, County Down, Northern Ireland

1976

East German runner Waldemar Cierpinski beats American Frank Shorter by 50 seconds to win the Olympic Games marathon in 2

East German runner Waldemar Cierpinski beats American Frank Shorter by 50 seconds to win the Olympic Games marathon in 2:09:55 in Montréal

1977

E. Henry Knoche ends his term as deputy director of the CIA

Enno Henry Knoche (January 14, 1925 – July 9, 2010), known colloquially as 'Hank,' was an American intelligence officer who served as deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency and acting...

1980

Crew of Soyuz 37 returns to Earth aboard Soyuz 36

1981

Arnette Hubbard is installed as the first woman president of the National Bar Association

The National Bar Association (NBA) was founded in 1925 and is the United States' oldest and largest national network of predominantly African American attorneys and judges.

1982

Finland, Italy, Germany, Austria, and France form the American European Football Federation (AEFF)

1984

Leeza Gibbons' first appearance on "Entertainment Tonight"

1987

A rare F4 tornado rips through Edmonton, Alberta, killing 27 people and causing $330 million in damage

1987

Baltimore first baseman Eddie Murray hits his 299th and 300th career home runs to lead the Orioles to an 8-4 win over th

Baltimore first baseman Eddie Murray hits his 299th and 300th career home runs to lead the Orioles to an 8-4 win over the Texas Rangers

1988

A bridge at the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth, Malaysia, collapses, killing 32 people and injuring 1,

A bridge at the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth, Malaysia, collapses, killing 32 people and injuring 1,674

1988

Oakland DH Jose Canseco smacks two home runs off Scott Bankhead in A's 6-2 win over the Seattle Mariners and becomes the

Oakland DH Jose Canseco smacks two home runs off Scott Bankhead in A's 6-2 win over the Seattle Mariners and becomes the first MLB player to hit 30 home runs in his first 3 years

1989

MLB Minnesota Twins trade AL Cy Young Award winner Frank Viola to the New York Mets

Frank John Viola Jr. is an American former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Minnesota Twins (1982–1989), New York Mets (1989–1991), Boston Red Sox (1992–1994), Cincinnati...

1990

Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan records his 300th career victory with an 11-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, becoming

Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan records his 300th career victory with an 11-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, becoming the 20th MLB pitcher to reach the milestone

1991

Russia and the US sign a long-range nuclear weapons reduction pact

The Russian Federation possesses the world's largest arsenal of nuclear weapons, with 5,459 nuclear warheads and 1,718 deployed missiles.

1992

Hungarian swimmer Krisztina Egerszegi earns her third gold medal of the Barcelona Olympics, winning the 200 m backstroke

Hungarian swimmer Krisztina Egerszegi earns her third gold medal of the Barcelona Olympics, winning the 200 m backstroke for the 100-200 double along with the 400 m I/M gold

1993

Inkatha armed forces kill 49 ANC supporters in Johannesburg, South Africa

1993

Toronto Blue Jays acquire future Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Rickey Henderson from Oakland in exchange for minor le

Toronto Blue Jays acquire future Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Rickey Henderson from Oakland in exchange for minor leaguers Steve Karsay and José Herrera

1994

.7°F (39.3°C) is recorded in Pleschen, East Germany

1995

Walt Disney announces the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion; the network of properties now consists of D

Walt Disney announces the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion; the network of properties now consists of Disney, ABC, ABC Sports, ESPN, and ESPN2

1997

College football's all-time winningest coach, Eddie Robinson, and his Grambling State University program are placed on t

College football's all-time winningest coach, Eddie Robinson, and his Grambling State University program are placed on two years' probation for rules violations, including recruiting and academic eligibility

1997

First baseman Mark McGwire becomes MLB's top home run hitter to be traded in the middle of a season when he moves from O

First baseman Mark McGwire becomes MLB's top home run hitter to be traded in the middle of a season when he moves from Oakland to the St. Louis Cardinals with 34 home runs and 81 RBIs

1999

Discovery Program: Lunar Prospector - NASA intentionally crashes the spacecraft into the Moon, ending its mission to det

Discovery Program: Lunar Prospector - NASA intentionally crashes the spacecraft into the Moon, ending its mission to detect frozen water on the Moon's surface

2002

Polaroid Corporation is purchased by One Equity Partners and continues to operate under the Polaroid Corporation name

Polaroid Corporation was an American company that made instant film and cameras, which survives as a brand for consumer electronics. The company was founded in 1937 by Edwin H.

2004

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel close their second reunion tour with a free concert in front of the Colosseum in Rome; an e

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel close their second reunion tour with a free concert in front of the Colosseum in Rome; an estimated 600,000 fans attend, making it their largest crowd

2007

Boston Celtics obtain former MVP and 10-time All-Star Kevin Garnett in a 7-for-1 deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, t

Boston Celtics obtain former MVP and 10-time All-Star Kevin Garnett in a 7-for-1 deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the NBA's biggest trade for one player

2012

A second power grid failure in India in two days leaves 670 million people without power

2014

"Between Riverside and Crazy," a play by Stephen Adly Guirgis, premieres Off-Broadway at the Linda Gross Theater in New

"Between Riverside and Crazy," a play by Stephen Adly Guirgis, premieres Off-Broadway at the Linda Gross Theater in New York and wins the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2015 [1]

2016

Yuriko Koike is the first woman to be elected Tokyo Governor

Yuriko Koike is a Japanese politician who has served as the Governor of Tokyo since 2016.

2017

Anthony Scaramucci is removed as White House Communications Director after less than 2 weeks

2020

Apple wildfire starts near Beaumont, California, forcing the evacuation of nearly 8,000 people over the next few days

2021

American swimmer Caeleb Dressel wins the 100 m butterfly in a world record time of 49.45 seconds at the Tokyo Olympics a

American swimmer Caeleb Dressel wins the 100 m butterfly in a world record time of 49.45 seconds at the Tokyo Olympics and completes the 100 m freestyle/butterfly double

2023

City of Phoenix, Arizona, experiences a high temperature of 108°F (42.2°C), ending a heat record of 31 consecutive days

City of Phoenix, Arizona, experiences a high temperature of 108°F (42.2°C), ending a heat record of 31 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 110°F (43.3°C) [1]

2024

5,000-year-old large-scale farming settlement is discovered at Oued Beht in Morocco, confirming North Africa's significa

5,000-year-old large-scale farming settlement is discovered at Oued Beht in Morocco, confirming North Africa's significance during the Neolithic [1]

2025

AdTech company InMobi forgets to renew a SSL certificate for their consent management platform, bringing ad serving to a

AdTech company InMobi forgets to renew a SSL certificate for their consent management platform, bringing ad serving to a halt on much of the open internet for a few hours

Famous Births on July 31

1527birth

Maximilian II is born

1912birth

Milton Friedman is born

Milton Friedman, American economist and statistician, known for american economist and statistician, was born on 1912-07-31.

1932birth

John Searle is born

John Searle philosopher, known for american philosopher, was born on 1932-07-31. John R.

1966birth

J. K. Rowling is born

J. K. Rowling author, known for british author, was born on 1966-07-31. Joanne Rowling, better known by her pen name J. K.

1957birth

Michael Biehn is born

Michael Biehn, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1957-07-31. Michael Connell Biehn ( BEEN or Bean; born July 31, 1956) is an American actor, primarily known for his roles in…

1963birth

Wesley Snipes is born

Wesley Snipes, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1963-07-31. Wesley Trent Snipes is an American actor and martial artist.

1964birth

Fatboy Slim is born

Fatboy Slim, English musician, known for english musician, was born on 1964-07-31.

1922birth

Hank Bauer is born

Hank Bauer, American athlete, known for american baseball player and manager, was born on 1922-07-31.

1952birth

Evonne Goolagong Cawley is born

1990birth

Victoria Azarenka is born

Victoria Azarenka, Belarusian athlete, known for belarusian tennis player, was born on 1990-07-31. Victoria Fiodaraŭna Azarenka is a Belarusian professional tennis player.

Notable Deaths on July 31

1875death

Andrew Johnson dies

1886death

Franz Liszt dies

Franz Liszt, Hungarian composer and pianist, known for hungarian composer and pianist, died on 1886-07-31.

1937death

Charles E. Hires dies

Charles E. Hires, American businessman, known for american businessman, died on 1937-07-31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on July 31, 1620?: Pilgrim Fathers depart Leiden, Netherlands, for England on their way to America
What happened on July 31, 1917?: World War I: Battle of Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) begins and lasts until November 6, 1917, causing approximately 500,000 casualties
What happened on July 31, 1961?: Israel welcomes its one-millionth immigrant
What happened on July 31, 1970?: Black Tot Day: the last day of the officially sanctioned rum ration in the Royal Navy, which started in 1740
What happened on July 31, 2007?: Operation Banner, the presence of the British Army in Northern Ireland, comes to an end as the longest-running British Army operation ever

Complete Timeline — July 31 Through the Ages

432
St Sixtus III begins his reign as Catholic Pope
The pope is the bishop of Rome and the head of the worldwide Catholic Church. He is also known as the supreme pontiff, Roman pontiff, or sovereign pontiff.
768
Antipope Philip begins and ends his reign as Catholic Pope
Antipope Philip begins and ends his reign as Catholic Pope
781
The oldest recorded eruption of Mt. Fuji (Traditional Japanese date: July 6, 781)
The oldest recorded eruption of Mt. Fuji (Traditional Japanese date: July 6, 781)
1291
Egyptian Mamluks occupy Acre and drive the last Crusaders out of Palestine
Acre ( AH-kər, AY-kər), known in Hebrew as Akko and in Arabic as Akka, is a city in the coastal plain region of the Northern District of Israel. The city occupies a strategic location, sitting in a...
1423
Hundred Years' War: Battle of Cravant - the French army is defeated by the English on the banks of the river Yonne in Bu
Hundred Years' War: Battle of Cravant - the French army is defeated by the English on the banks of the river Yonne in Burgundy
1451
Jacques Cœur is arrested by order of Charles VII of France
Jacques Cœur is arrested by order of Charles VII of France
1527
Maximilian II is born
Maximilian II is born
1620
Pilgrim Fathers depart Leiden, Netherlands, for England on their way to America
Pilgrim Fathers depart Leiden, Netherlands, for England on their way to America
1646
Royalist supporters besieged at Goodrich Castle surrender to Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War after t
Royalist supporters besieged at Goodrich Castle surrender to Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War after the castle is partially destroyed by "Roaring Meg," an enormous mortar [1]
1653
Fronde leaders surrender in Bordeaux
The Fronde was a series of civil wars in the Kingdom of France between 1648 and 1653, occurring in the midst of the Franco-Spanish War, which had begun in 1635.
1655
Russo-Polish War (1654-1667): the Russian army enters the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Vilnius, which it hol
Russo-Polish War (1654-1667): the Russian army enters the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Vilnius, which it holds for six years
1667
Peace of Breda: Second Anglo-Dutch War ends with Suriname exchanged for New Netherland (New York, New Jersey, and parts
Peace of Breda: Second Anglo-Dutch War ends with Suriname exchanged for New Netherland (New York, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut and Delaware)
1737
Prince Frederick of Wales escapes English court
Prince Frederick of Wales escapes English court
1741
Charles Albert of Bavaria invades Upper Austria and Bohemia
Charles VII (6 August 1697 – 20 January 1745) was elector of Bavaria from 26 February 1726 and Holy Roman Emperor from 24 January 1742 to his death.
1751
Fire in Stockholm destroys 1,000 houses
Stockholm has largely escaped looting and natural disasters, but the city's major scourges have been fires, which in the worst cases have wiped out entire neighborhoods.
1771
Dutch painter of animals Paulus Potter's "Great Ox Herd" sells for ƒ9,050 in Amsterdam
Dutch painter of animals Paulus Potter's "Great Ox Herd" sells for ƒ9,050 in Amsterdam
1790
Danish Crown Prince Frederick (Later Frederick VI) marries his cousin Marie Sophie of Hesse-Kassel at Gottorp Castle
Danish Crown Prince Frederick (Later Frederick VI) marries his cousin Marie Sophie of Hesse-Kassel at Gottorp Castle
1790
First US patent is granted to Samuel Hopkins for a potash process
Samuel Hopkins (December 9, 1743 – 1818) was an American inventor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, On July 31, 1790, he was granted the first U.S. patent, under the new U.S.
1792
Cornerstone is laid for the first US government building, the US Mint in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Mint is a branch of the United States Mint in Philadelphia. It was built in 1792 following the Coinage Act of 1792, in order to establish a national identity and the needs of...
1794
All Jacobin clubs gather in Haarlem
All Jacobin clubs gather in Haarlem
1809
First practical US railroad track, made of wood and designed for horse-drawn cars, is laid in Philadelphia
First practical US railroad track, made of wood and designed for horse-drawn cars, is laid in Philadelphia
1813
British invade Plattsburgh, New York
British invade Plattsburgh, New York
1849
American engraver Benjamin Chambers patents breech-loading cannon
American engraver Benjamin Chambers patents breech-loading cannon
1852
Hottest July in the Netherlands since at least 1783 with an average temperature of 68.4°F (20.2°C)
Hottest July in the Netherlands since at least 1783 with an average temperature of 68.4°F (20.2°C)
1855
Stockholm experiences its hottest July since at least 1756, with an average temperature of 21.4°C
Stockholm experiences its hottest July since at least 1756, with an average temperature of 21.4°C
1856
Christchurch, New Zealand, is chartered as a city
Christchurch, New Zealand, is chartered as a city
1861
Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, India, receives 9,300 mm of rainfall in July, setting a world record
Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, India, receives 9,300 mm of rainfall in July, setting a world record
1865
The first narrow gauge mainline railway in the world opens at Grandchester, Australia
The first narrow gauge mainline railway in the world opens at Grandchester, Australia
1874
Patrick Francis Healy, SJ, is inaugurated as President of Georgetown University
Patrick Francis Healy (February 27, 1834 – January 10, 1910) was an American Catholic priest and Jesuit who was an influential president of Georgetown University, becoming known as its "second...
1875
Andrew Johnson dies
Andrew Johnson dies
1876
US Coast Guard officers' training school is established in New Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. It is located on the Acushnet River in what is known as the South Coast region, abutting Buzzards Bay.
1877
Russo-Turkish War: The second Russian assault on Plevna, Ottoman Empire (now Pleven, Bulgaria) fails; 7,300 Russian and
Russo-Turkish War: The second Russian assault on Plevna, Ottoman Empire (now Pleven, Bulgaria) fails; 7,300 Russian and over 2,000 Turkish casualties
1879
The first cable connection between South Africa and Europe is laid by the British electrical engineer Charles Tilston Br
The first cable connection between South Africa and Europe is laid by the British electrical engineer Charles Tilston Bright as part of his project to link the British Empire with growing telecommunications technologies
1886
Franz Liszt dies
Franz Liszt, Hungarian composer and pianist, known for hungarian composer and pianist, died on 1886-07-31.
1893
Gaelic League is founded by Douglas Hyde and Eoin MacNeill in order to encourage Irish people to speak the language and
Gaelic League is founded by Douglas Hyde and Eoin MacNeill in order to encourage Irish people to speak the language and take a greater interest in their culture
1899
Albert Trott hits a ball from Monty Noble over the pavilion at Lord's Cricket Ground
Albert Edwin Trott (6 February 1873 – 30 July 1914) was a Test cricketer for both Australia and England. He was named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1899.
1900
Boer Generals Prinsloo and Roux surrender in Brandwater Basin
The Brandwater Basin is the drainage basin of the Brandwater River (Afrikaans: Brandwaterrivier), a tributary of the Grootspruit River in the south-east of Orange Free State, South Africa, north of...
1905
Matumbi rebellion at Samanga, German East Africa
The Maji Maji Rebellion (German: Maji-Maji-Aufstand, Swahili: Vita vya Maji Maji) was an armed rebellion of Africans against German colonial rule in German East Africa (modern-day Tanzania).
1910
Chicago Cub King Cole no-hits St. Louis 4-0 in a 7-inning game
Chicago Cub King Cole no-hits St. Louis 4-0 in a 7-inning game
1912
The US government censors movies and photos of boxing prizefights; this remains in place until 1940
The US government censors movies and photos of boxing prizefights; this remains in place until 1940
1912
Milton Friedman is born
Milton Friedman, American economist and statistician, known for american economist and statistician, was born on 1912-07-31.
1917
World War I: Battle of Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) begins and lasts until November 6, 1917, causing approximat
World War I: Battle of Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) begins and lasts until November 6, 1917, causing approximately 500,000 casualties
1919
The Weimar Constitution establishing the German Republic is adopted
The Constitution of the German Reich (German: Die Verfassung des Deutschen Reichs), usually known as the Weimar Constitution (Weimarer Verfassung), was the constitution that governed Germany during...
1922
General strike in Italy against fascist violence
General strike in Italy against fascist violence
1922
Hank Bauer is born
Hank Bauer, American athlete, known for american baseball player and manager, was born on 1922-07-31.
1923
Belgian Chamber discusses bilinguality at Ghent University
Belgian Chamber discusses bilinguality at Ghent University
1925
Last allied occupying troops leave German Ruhr region
The occupation of the Ruhr (German: Ruhrbesetzung) was the period from 11 January 1923 to 25 August 1925 when French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr region of Weimar Republic Germany.
1928
Halina Konopacka of Poland hurls a discus world record of 39.62 m to win the first gold medal in women's Olympic athleti
Halina Konopacka of Poland hurls a discus world record of 39.62 m to win the first gold medal in women's Olympic athletics at the Amsterdam Games
1930
NY Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig drives in 8 runs with a grand slam and 2 doubles in a 14-13 win over the rival Bosto
NY Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig drives in 8 runs with a grand slam and 2 doubles in a 14-13 win over the rival Boston Red Sox
1932
Cleveland Indians christen their new home, Municipal Stadium, before more than 76,000 fans; lose opener 1-0 to the Phila
Cleveland Indians christen their new home, Municipal Stadium, before more than 76,000 fans; lose opener 1-0 to the Philadelphia A's
1932
John Searle is born
John Searle philosopher, known for american philosopher, was born on 1932-07-31. John R.
1935
Third Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn is sworn in
Third Dutch government of Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn is sworn in
1936
IOC awards Tokyo, Japan, the 1940 Summer Olympic Games, which are later canceled due to the Second Sino-Japanese War
IOC awards Tokyo, Japan, the 1940 Summer Olympic Games, which are later canceled due to the Second Sino-Japanese War
1937
Charles E. Hires dies
Charles E. Hires, American businessman, known for american businessman, died on 1937-07-31.
1938
Archaeologists discover engraved gold and silver plates from King Darius I in Persepolis
Archaeologists discover engraved gold and silver plates from King Darius I in Persepolis
1940
American actress Loretta Young (27) weds second husband, American advertising executive Tom Lewis at the chapel of St. P
American actress Loretta Young (27) weds second husband, American advertising executive Tom Lewis at the chapel of St. Paul's Church in Westwood; divorce in 1969
1940
Nazi Reichskommissar of the Netherlands Arthur Seyss-Inquart bans homosexuals
Nazi Reichskommissar of the Netherlands Arthur Seyss-Inquart bans homosexuals
1941
U-boats sink and damage 21 allied ships this month (80,521 tons)
U-boats sink and damage 21 allied ships this month (80,521 tons)
1942
German SS gas 1,000 Jews in Minsk, Belorussia
German SS gas 1,000 Jews in Minsk, Belorussia
1943
Transport #58 with French Jews departs for Nazi Germany
Several Catholic countries and populations fell under Nazi domination during the period of the Second World War (1939–1945), and ordinary Catholics fought on both sides of the conflict.
1948
American aspiring screenwriter Rod Serling (23) weds American college classmate Carol Kramer (19), until his death in 19
American aspiring screenwriter Rod Serling (23) weds American college classmate Carol Kramer (19), until his death in 1975
1948
American sprinter Harrison Dillard runs an Olympic record of 10.3 s to defeat countryman Barney Ewell for the 100 m gold
American sprinter Harrison Dillard runs an Olympic record of 10.3 s to defeat countryman Barney Ewell for the 100 m gold medal at the London Olympics
1951
Japan Airlines is established
Japan Airlines (JAL) is a major Japanese airline headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo.
1952
Evonne Goolagong Cawley is born
Evonne Goolagong Cawley is born
1954
First ascent of K2 by an Italian expedition led by Ardito Desio
On the 1954 Italian expedition to K2 (led by Ardito Desio), Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli became the first people to reach the summit of K2, 8,611 metres (28,251 ft), the second-highest...
1955
KRNT (now KCCI) TV channel 8 in Des Moines, Iowa (CBS) broadcasts for the first time
Des Moines is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa. It is the county seat of Polk County with parts extending into Warren County.
1957
Michael Biehn is born
Michael Biehn, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1957-07-31. Michael Connell Biehn ( BEEN or Bean; born July 31, 1956) is an American actor, primarily known for his roles in…
1958
Anti-Chinese uprising in Tibet
The 1959 Tibetan uprising or Lhasa uprising began on 10 March 1959 as a series of protests in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, fueled by fears that the government of the People's Republic of China...
1959
Cliff Richard and the Shadows have their first British #1 single with "Living Doll," the best-selling British single of
Cliff Richard and the Shadows have their first British #1 single with "Living Doll," the best-selling British single of 1959
1961
Israel welcomes its one-millionth immigrant
Israel welcomes its one-millionth immigrant
1962
England fast bowler Brian Statham becomes Test cricket's leading wicket-taker with a world-record tally of 237 as Austra
England fast bowler Brian Statham becomes Test cricket's leading wicket-taker with a world-record tally of 237 as Australian wicketkeeper Barry Shepherd is caught by Fred Trueman for 10 in the drawn fourth Test in Adelaide
1963
Arturo Illia elected President of Argentina
Arturo Umberto Illia was President of Argentina from 1963 until his overthrow in 1966.
1963
Wesley Snipes is born
Wesley Snipes, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1963-07-31. Wesley Trent Snipes is an American actor and martial artist.
1964
American glider pilot Al Parker glides 644 miles without a motor
American glider pilot Al Parker glides 644 miles without a motor
1964
Fatboy Slim is born
Fatboy Slim, English musician, known for english musician, was born on 1964-07-31.
1965
Cigarette advertising is banned on British TV
Cigarette advertising is banned on British TV
1966
J. K. Rowling is born
J. K. Rowling author, known for british author, was born on 1966-07-31. Joanne Rowling, better known by her pen name J. K.
1968
The Beatles close Apple Boutique in London, giving away clothes for free
The Beatles close Apple Boutique in London, giving away clothes for free
1970
Black Tot Day: the last day of the officially sanctioned rum ration in the Royal Navy, which started in 1740
Black Tot Day: the last day of the officially sanctioned rum ration in the Royal Navy, which started in 1740
1970
37th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Kansas City 24, All-Stars 3 (69,940 attendees)
37th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Kansas City 24, All-Stars 3 (69,940 attendees)
1971
Apollo 15 astronauts take a 6½-hour electric car ride on the Moon
Apollo 15 astronauts take a 6½-hour electric car ride on the Moon
1972
Claudy bombing: Nine civilians are killed when three car bombs explode in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland; no group
Claudy bombing: Nine civilians are killed when three car bombs explode in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland; no group has since claimed responsibility
1973
Delta Airlines DC-9 crashes in fog at Logan Airport, Boston, killing all but one of 89 aboard; lone survivor dies 5 mont
Delta Airlines DC-9 crashes in fog at Logan Airport, Boston, killing all but one of 89 aboard; lone survivor dies 5 months later
1975
The Miami Showband killings: Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), a loyalist paramilitary group, shoots dead three members of a
The Miami Showband killings: Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), a loyalist paramilitary group, shoots dead three members of an Irish showband at Buskhill, County Down, Northern Ireland
1976
East German runner Waldemar Cierpinski beats American Frank Shorter by 50 seconds to win the Olympic Games marathon in 2
East German runner Waldemar Cierpinski beats American Frank Shorter by 50 seconds to win the Olympic Games marathon in 2:09:55 in Montréal
1977
E. Henry Knoche ends his term as deputy director of the CIA
Enno Henry Knoche (January 14, 1925 – July 9, 2010), known colloquially as 'Hank,' was an American intelligence officer who served as deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency and acting...
1980
Karolyn Englehardt divorces baseball player Pete Rose (39) after 16 years of marriage
Karolyn Englehardt divorces baseball player Pete Rose (39) after 16 years of marriage
1980
Crew of Soyuz 37 returns to Earth aboard Soyuz 36
Crew of Soyuz 37 returns to Earth aboard Soyuz 36
1981
Arnette Hubbard is installed as the first woman president of the National Bar Association
The National Bar Association (NBA) was founded in 1925 and is the United States' oldest and largest national network of predominantly African American attorneys and judges.
1982
Finland, Italy, Germany, Austria, and France form the American European Football Federation (AEFF)
Finland, Italy, Germany, Austria, and France form the American European Football Federation (AEFF)
1984
Leeza Gibbons' first appearance on "Entertainment Tonight"
Leeza Gibbons' first appearance on "Entertainment Tonight"
1987
A rare F4 tornado rips through Edmonton, Alberta, killing 27 people and causing $330 million in damage
A rare F4 tornado rips through Edmonton, Alberta, killing 27 people and causing $330 million in damage
1987
Baltimore first baseman Eddie Murray hits his 299th and 300th career home runs to lead the Orioles to an 8-4 win over th
Baltimore first baseman Eddie Murray hits his 299th and 300th career home runs to lead the Orioles to an 8-4 win over the Texas Rangers
1988
A bridge at the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth, Malaysia, collapses, killing 32 people and injuring 1,
A bridge at the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth, Malaysia, collapses, killing 32 people and injuring 1,674
1988
Oakland DH Jose Canseco smacks two home runs off Scott Bankhead in A's 6-2 win over the Seattle Mariners and becomes the
Oakland DH Jose Canseco smacks two home runs off Scott Bankhead in A's 6-2 win over the Seattle Mariners and becomes the first MLB player to hit 30 home runs in his first 3 years
1989
MLB Minnesota Twins trade AL Cy Young Award winner Frank Viola to the New York Mets
Frank John Viola Jr. is an American former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Minnesota Twins (1982–1989), New York Mets (1989–1991), Boston Red Sox (1992–1994), Cincinnati...
1990
Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan records his 300th career victory with an 11-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, becoming
Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan records his 300th career victory with an 11-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, becoming the 20th MLB pitcher to reach the milestone
1990
Victoria Azarenka is born
Victoria Azarenka, Belarusian athlete, known for belarusian tennis player, was born on 1990-07-31. Victoria Fiodaraŭna Azarenka is a Belarusian professional tennis player.
1991
Russia and the US sign a long-range nuclear weapons reduction pact
The Russian Federation possesses the world's largest arsenal of nuclear weapons, with 5,459 nuclear warheads and 1,718 deployed missiles.
1992
Hungarian swimmer Krisztina Egerszegi earns her third gold medal of the Barcelona Olympics, winning the 200 m backstroke
Hungarian swimmer Krisztina Egerszegi earns her third gold medal of the Barcelona Olympics, winning the 200 m backstroke for the 100-200 double along with the 400 m I/M gold
1993
Inkatha armed forces kill 49 ANC supporters in Johannesburg, South Africa
Inkatha armed forces kill 49 ANC supporters in Johannesburg, South Africa
1993
Toronto Blue Jays acquire future Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Rickey Henderson from Oakland in exchange for minor le
Toronto Blue Jays acquire future Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Rickey Henderson from Oakland in exchange for minor leaguers Steve Karsay and José Herrera
1994
.7°F (39.3°C) is recorded in Pleschen, East Germany
.7°F (39.3°C) is recorded in Pleschen, East Germany
1995
Walt Disney announces the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion; the network of properties now consists of D
Walt Disney announces the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion; the network of properties now consists of Disney, ABC, ABC Sports, ESPN, and ESPN2
1997
College football's all-time winningest coach, Eddie Robinson, and his Grambling State University program are placed on t
College football's all-time winningest coach, Eddie Robinson, and his Grambling State University program are placed on two years' probation for rules violations, including recruiting and academic eligibility
1997
First baseman Mark McGwire becomes MLB's top home run hitter to be traded in the middle of a season when he moves from O
First baseman Mark McGwire becomes MLB's top home run hitter to be traded in the middle of a season when he moves from Oakland to the St. Louis Cardinals with 34 home runs and 81 RBIs
1999
Discovery Program: Lunar Prospector - NASA intentionally crashes the spacecraft into the Moon, ending its mission to det
Discovery Program: Lunar Prospector - NASA intentionally crashes the spacecraft into the Moon, ending its mission to detect frozen water on the Moon's surface
2002
Polaroid Corporation is purchased by One Equity Partners and continues to operate under the Polaroid Corporation name
Polaroid Corporation was an American company that made instant film and cameras, which survives as a brand for consumer electronics. The company was founded in 1937 by Edwin H.
2004
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel close their second reunion tour with a free concert in front of the Colosseum in Rome; an e
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel close their second reunion tour with a free concert in front of the Colosseum in Rome; an estimated 600,000 fans attend, making it their largest crowd
2007
Operation Banner, the presence of the British Army in Northern Ireland, comes to an end as the longest-running British A
Operation Banner, the presence of the British Army in Northern Ireland, comes to an end as the longest-running British Army operation ever
2007
Boston Celtics obtain former MVP and 10-time All-Star Kevin Garnett in a 7-for-1 deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, t
Boston Celtics obtain former MVP and 10-time All-Star Kevin Garnett in a 7-for-1 deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the NBA's biggest trade for one player
2012
A second power grid failure in India in two days leaves 670 million people without power
A second power grid failure in India in two days leaves 670 million people without power
2014
"Between Riverside and Crazy," a play by Stephen Adly Guirgis, premieres Off-Broadway at the Linda Gross Theater in New
"Between Riverside and Crazy," a play by Stephen Adly Guirgis, premieres Off-Broadway at the Linda Gross Theater in New York and wins the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2015 [1]
2016
Yuriko Koike is the first woman to be elected Tokyo Governor
Yuriko Koike is a Japanese politician who has served as the Governor of Tokyo since 2016.
2017
Anthony Scaramucci is removed as White House Communications Director after less than 2 weeks
Anthony Scaramucci is removed as White House Communications Director after less than 2 weeks
2020
Apple wildfire starts near Beaumont, California, forcing the evacuation of nearly 8,000 people over the next few days
Apple wildfire starts near Beaumont, California, forcing the evacuation of nearly 8,000 people over the next few days
2021
American swimmer Caeleb Dressel wins the 100 m butterfly in a world record time of 49.45 seconds at the Tokyo Olympics a
American swimmer Caeleb Dressel wins the 100 m butterfly in a world record time of 49.45 seconds at the Tokyo Olympics and completes the 100 m freestyle/butterfly double
2023
City of Phoenix, Arizona, experiences a high temperature of 108°F (42.2°C), ending a heat record of 31 consecutive days
City of Phoenix, Arizona, experiences a high temperature of 108°F (42.2°C), ending a heat record of 31 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 110°F (43.3°C) [1]
2024
Rapper Cardi B files for divorce from her husband fellow rapper Offset for the second time [1]
Kiari Kendrell Cephus, known professionally as Offset, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for being a member of the Atlanta-based hip-hop trio Migos.
2024
5,000-year-old large-scale farming settlement is discovered at Oued Beht in Morocco, confirming North Africa's significa
5,000-year-old large-scale farming settlement is discovered at Oued Beht in Morocco, confirming North Africa's significance during the Neolithic [1]
2025
AdTech company InMobi forgets to renew a SSL certificate for their consent management platform, bringing ad serving to a
AdTech company InMobi forgets to renew a SSL certificate for their consent management platform, bringing ad serving to a halt on much of the open internet for a few hours

Years with Events on July 31

432 768 781 1291 1423 1451 1527 1620 1646 1653 1655 1667 1737 1741 1751 1771 1790 1792 1794 1809

More Days in July

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

← July 30 August 1 →