July 23 has witnessed a range of significant events across centuries, shaping history in diverse ways. From medieval sieges during the Crusades to groundbreaking technological advancements like the first typewriter patent, this date holds a unique place in time. Notable figures were born and passed, while cultural and sporting milestones emerged. What specific moments defined this day? Uncover the stories that mark July 23 as historically remarkable.
History
Major Historical Events
1184 – Siege of Kerak: The forces of Saladin, the Ayyubid sultan, begin the Siege of Kerak in present-day Jordan, targeting the Crusader stronghold during the ongoing conflicts of the Crusades.
Although the siege ultimately fails due to the arrival of reinforcements, it marks an important moment in the struggle for control of the region.
1829 – First Typewriter Patent: In the United States, William Austin Burt is awarded the first patent for a typewriter, called the “Typographer.” This early device, though not commercially successful, lays the groundwork for future innovations in typing technology.
1962 – Telstar Broadcast: The Telstar 1 satellite relays the first publicly transmitted, live transatlantic television program, featuring images broadcast between the United States and Europe.
This event marks a milestone in global communications and the beginning of satellite television.
1986 – Prince Andrew’s Wedding: Prince Andrew, Duke of York, marries Sarah Ferguson at Westminster Abbey in London, an event watched by millions worldwide.
The marriage, though later ending in divorce, captures major public attention at the time.
2012 – Sally Ride’s Passing: Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel to space, passes away on this day, though her death is not the focus here as it will be covered under Notable Deaths.
Instead, note that this date also sees the International Astronomical Union naming a crater on Mars in her honor, reflecting her lasting impact on space exploration.
Famous Birthdays
1888 – Raymond Chandler: The American novelist and screenwriter, known for his hard-boiled detective stories like “The Big Sleep,” is born in Chicago, Illinois. Chandler’s work greatly shapes the noir genre in literature and film.
1961 – Woody Harrelson: The American actor, recognized for roles in films like “Natural Born Killers” and the television series “True Detective,” is born in Midland, Texas. His versatile performances earn him critical acclaim over a prolific career.
1973 – Monica Lewinsky: The American activist and public figure, known for her involvement in a political scandal during the 1990s, is born in San Francisco, California. She later becomes an advocate against cyberbullying.
1989 – Daniel Radcliffe: The British actor, famous for portraying Harry Potter in the film series based on J.K. Rowling’s books, is born in London, England. His role catapults him to international stardom at a young age.
1996 – David Dobrik: The Slovakian-American YouTuber and social media personality, known for his comedic vlogs and the creation of the app Dispo, is born in Košice, Slovakia. He becomes a prominent figure in online entertainment.
Notable Deaths
1885 – Ulysses S. Grant: The 18th President of the United States and a key Union general during the American Civil War passes away in Mount McGregor, New York. His leadership in the war and presidency leave a lasting legacy in American history.
1951 – Philippe Pétain: The French military leader and head of the Vichy government during World War II dies on the Île d’Yeu, France. His collaboration with Nazi Germany remains a controversial chapter in French history.
2012 – Sally Ride: The first American woman to travel to space, aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983, passes away in La Jolla, California. Her contributions to science and education continue to inspire future generations.
Today in Music History
1963 – The Beach Boys’ Hit: The Beach Boys release their single “Surfer Girl,” which becomes one of their early hits and helps define the surf rock genre.
The song showcases their signature harmonies and beach culture themes.
1980 – Billy Joel’s Milestone: Billy Joel’s album “Glass Houses” reaches number one on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying his status as a leading artist of the era. The album includes hits like “You May Be Right.”
1995 – Selena’s Posthumous Album: Selena’s album “Dreaming of You” is released posthumously and debuts at number one on the Billboard 200, making her the first Latin artist to achieve this feat after her tragic death.
Today in Sports History
1962 – Jackie Robinson’s Honor: Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to the sport and civil rights.
1984 – Vanessa Williams’ Resignation: Vanessa Williams resigns as Miss America after controversy, becoming the first winner to step down. Despite this, she later rebuilds her career as a successful singer and actress.
2000 – Lance Armstrong’s Victory: Lance Armstrong wins his second consecutive Tour de France, further cementing his reputation as a cycling legend at the time, though his legacy later faces challenges due to doping scandals.
2019 – Shane Lowry’s Triumph: Shane Lowry of Ireland wins the British Open at Royal Portrush, becoming the second golfer from Northern Ireland to claim the title and earning widespread acclaim for his performance.
Today in Military and Naval History
1812 – Battle of Mogilev: During Napoleon’s invasion of Russia, French forces engage Russian troops at the Battle of Mogilev in present-day Belarus.
The French victory, though minor, is part of the broader campaign that ultimately leads to their disastrous retreat.
1942 – Operation Edelweiss Ordered: Adolf Hitler issues orders for Operation Edelweiss, a German military plan to capture the oil fields of the Caucasus during World War II.
The operation, part of the larger Case Blue, ultimately fails to achieve its objectives.
1983 – Sri Lankan Civil War Escalates: The ambush of a Sri Lankan Army patrol by Tamil Tiger rebels in Jaffna marks the beginning of large-scale violence, often cited as the start of the Sri Lankan Civil War, a conflict that lasts for decades.
Today in Tech and Science History
1962 – First Live Transatlantic Broadcast: As mentioned earlier, Telstar 1 facilitates the first live television broadcast across the Atlantic, connecting viewers in the United States and Europe and revolutionizing global communication.
1999 – Space Shuttle Columbia Launch: The Space Shuttle Columbia launches mission STS-93, carrying the Chandra X-ray Observatory into orbit.
This mission, commanded by Eileen Collins, the first female shuttle commander, advances astronomical research.
2015 – Kepler-452b Discovery: NASA announces the discovery of Kepler-452b, an exoplanet considered one of the most Earth-like found at the time, orbiting in the habitable zone of its star and sparking discussions about potential life beyond our solar system.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1903 – Ford Motor Company’s First Sale: The Ford Motor Company sells its first car, the Ford Model A, marking the beginning of Henry Ford’s impact on the automotive industry and American culture.
1986 – “Aliens” Premiere: The science fiction film “Aliens,” directed by James Cameron and starring Sigourney Weaver, premieres, becoming a landmark in the genre with its blend of action and horror.
2007 – “Harry Potter” Finale Release: The final book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” is released worldwide, breaking sales records and concluding a cultural phenomenon that captivates millions.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1926 – Fox Film’s Odd Purchase: Fox Film buys the patents for the Movietone sound system, an early attempt to bring sound to movies, though initial experiments result in hilariously poor audio quality that audiences find more amusing than impressive.
1967 – Detroit Riot’s Strange Start: During the Detroit Riot, one of the largest civil disturbances in U.S. history, an unusual rumor spreads that the unrest began over a blind pig (an illegal bar), adding a quirky footnote to a serious event.
1982 – Lawn Chair Larry’s Flight: Larry Walters, a California man, takes flight in a homemade aircraft made of a lawn chair and weather balloons, reaching 16,000 feet before safely landing, earning him a place in oddball history.
Today in History for Kids
1829 – First Typewriter Invented: A man named William Austin Burt creates the first typewriter in America, a machine that helps people write faster by pressing keys instead of using a pen.
It looks very different from today’s keyboards but starts a big idea.
1962 – TV Goes Across the Ocean: For the first time, people in America and Europe watch the same TV show at the same time, thanks to a satellite called Telstar.
It’s like video chatting with someone far away, but for everyone!
1989 – A Wizard is Born: Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who plays Harry Potter in the movies, is born in England.
Kids all over the world know him as the boy who lived and fought evil wizards.
2015 – New Planet Found: Scientists discover a planet called Kepler-452b that might be a lot like Earth, far away in space.
It makes kids wonder if aliens could live there someday.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1793 – First U.S. Patent Law Test: Though not widely known, one of the early important patent disputes begins to take shape around this date, as the U.S. patent system, established just a few years prior, starts to face legal challenges over inventions.
1904 – Ice Cream Cone’s Big Moment: While the exact origin is debated, some sources credit July 23, 1904, as the day the ice cream cone gains popularity at the St. Louis World’s Fair, delighting fairgoers with a new way to eat a cool treat.
1970 – Qaboos bin Said’s Ascension: Sultan Qaboos bin Said overthrows his father in a palace coup in Oman, beginning a transformative reign that modernizes the country over the next five decades.
1984 – Metal Detector Treasure: A British man discovers the largest hoard of Roman gold and silver coins ever found in Britain, known as the Hoxne Hoard, using a metal detector, proving that history can literally be unearthed.
1996 – Olympic Bombing Aftermath: Just days before, on July 27, a bombing occurs at the Atlanta Olympics, but on July 23, security measures and preparations are particularly heightened in anticipation of the games, reflecting the era’s growing concerns over safety at global events.