June 11 holds a unique place in history with events spanning centuries and disciplines. From pivotal political decisions in the 18th century to daring escapes and cultural milestones in the 20th, this date offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Significant figures were born, iconic works premiered, and records were set. What specific moments shaped this day? Uncover the stories that define June 11 across time.
History
Major Historical Events
1776 – Continental Congress Appoints Committee of Five: On this day, the Continental Congress appointed a committee of five members, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston, to draft the Declaration of Independence.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the formal process to declare the American colonies’ separation from British rule, with Jefferson taking the lead in writing the historic document.
1919 – Sir Barton Wins Belmont Stakes, First Triple Crown: Sir Barton became the first horse to win the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the United States by clinching the Belmont Stakes.
Having already triumphed in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes earlier that year, this victory cemented Sir Barton’s place in horse racing history, though the term “Triple Crown” wasn’t widely used until later.
1962 – Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers Escape Alcatraz: In a daring and infamous escape, Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin broke out of Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, a maximum-security prison on an island in San Francisco Bay.
Using handmade tools and a raft made of raincoats, they disappeared into the night, and their fate remains a mystery to this day, fueling speculation and inspiring countless stories.
1982 – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Released: Steven Spielberg’s iconic science fiction film, *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*, premiered in theaters across the United States.
The heartwarming story of a young boy befriending a stranded alien became a cultural phenomenon, breaking box office records and earning critical acclaim for its emotional depth and innovative special effects.
2001 – Timothy McVeigh Executed for Oklahoma City Bombing: Timothy McVeigh, the perpetrator of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people, was executed by lethal injection at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana.
This marked the first federal execution in the United States since 1963, closing a tragic chapter in American history.
Famous Birthdays
1910 – Jacques Cousteau: The legendary French oceanographer, filmmaker, and inventor Jacques Cousteau was born on this day in Saint-André-de-Cubzac, France.
Known for co-inventing the Aqua-Lung, a pioneering scuba diving apparatus, Cousteau brought the wonders of the underwater world to millions through his documentaries and television series, inspiring generations of marine explorers.
1935 – Gene Wilder: Beloved American actor and comedian Gene Wilder was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Famous for his roles in films like *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory* and his collaborations with Mel Brooks in movies such as *Young Frankenstein* and *Blazing Saddles*, Wilder’s unique blend of humor and heart left an indelible mark on cinema.
1956 – Joe Montana: Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana was born in New Eagle, Pennsylvania.
A quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Montana led his team to four Super Bowl victories in the 1980s, earning the nickname “Joe Cool” for his calm demeanor under pressure and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest NFL players of all time.
1978 – Joshua Jackson: Canadian-American actor Joshua Jackson was born in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Best known for his roles in television series like *Dawson’s Creek* and *Fringe*, Jackson has also appeared in numerous films, showcasing his versatility as a performer across genres.
1986 – Shia LaBeouf: American actor and filmmaker Shia LaBeouf was born in Los Angeles, California.
Rising to fame with Disney Channel’s *Even Stevens* and later starring in blockbuster films like the *Transformers* series, LaBeouf has also garnered attention for his experimental art projects and intense dramatic roles in independent cinema.
Notable Deaths
1936 – Robert E. Howard: The American author Robert E. Howard, best known for creating the character Conan the Barbarian, passed away on this day at the age of 30 in Cross Plains, Texas.
A pioneer of the sword-and-sorcery genre, Howard’s imaginative storytelling influenced countless writers and remains a cornerstone of fantasy literature.
1979 – John Wayne: Iconic American actor John Wayne, often associated with rugged Western and war film roles, died on this day in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 72.
Known for classics like *True Grit*, for which he won an Academy Award, Wayne’s larger-than-life persona made him a symbol of American grit and determination.
2015 – Ron Moody: British actor Ron Moody, famous for portraying Fagin in the 1968 film *Oliver!*, passed away on this day in London at the age of 91.
His memorable performance earned him a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination, leaving a lasting impact on musical theater and film.
Today in Music History
1966 – The Rolling Stones Release “Paint It Black” in the US: The Rolling Stones’ haunting single “Paint It Black” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart on this day after its release in the United States.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song’s dark themes and innovative use of the sitar made it a standout hit of the 1960s rock era.
1977 – Joe Strummer and Topper Headon Arrested: Members of The Clash, Joe Strummer and Topper Headon, were arrested on this day in London for failing to appear in court on earlier charges.
This incident added to the punk band’s rebellious reputation during the height of their influence in the British music scene.
1988 – Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert: A massive concert honoring Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday took place at Wembley Stadium in London on this day, while Mandela remained imprisoned in South Africa.
Featuring artists like Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston, the event raised global awareness for the anti-apartheid movement.
Today in Sports History
1919 – Sir Barton’s Historic Triple Crown Win: As mentioned earlier, Sir Barton completed the first-ever Triple Crown in American horse racing by winning the Belmont Stakes on this day.
Trained by H. Guy Bedwell, the colt’s achievement set a benchmark for future champions in the sport.
1997 – Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” in NBA Finals: During Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls delivered an iconic performance against the Utah Jazz despite being severely ill with flu-like symptoms.
Scoring 38 points, Jordan led his team to a vital victory, showcasing his unparalleled determination.
2013 – Rafael Nadal Wins French Open: Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal secured his eighth French Open title on this day, defeating David Ferrer in straight sets.
This victory further solidified Nadal’s dominance on clay courts, earning him the nickname “King of Clay.”
Today in Military and Naval History
1775 – Battle of Machias Begins: During the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Machias started on this day in what is now Maine.
Considered one of the first naval engagements of the conflict, American colonists captured a British schooner, marking an early victory against British forces.
1944 – USS Missouri Commissioned: The USS Missouri, a battleship of the United States Navy, was commissioned on this day during World War II.
Nicknamed “Mighty Mo,” it later became the site of Japan’s formal surrender in 1945, ending the war in the Pacific.
Today in Tech and Science History
1955 – Le Mans Disaster: On this day, a horrific crash occurred during the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France when Pierre Levegh’s car collided with another.
Killing 83 spectators and injuring nearly 180 others, this tragedy was the deadliest in motorsport history.
It led to significant safety reforms in racing.
2008 – Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope Launched: NASA launched the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope on this day to study high-energy phenomena in the universe, such as black holes and gamma-ray bursts.
Named after physicist Enrico Fermi, the telescope has provided groundbreaking insights into cosmic events.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1903 – Premiere of *The Lower Depths* in the US: Maxim Gorky’s play *The Lower Depths*, a stark depiction of poverty and despair in a Russian flophouse, premiered in the United States on this day.
Its raw portrayal of human struggle resonated with audiences and influenced social realist theater.
1982 – *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* Cultural Impact: As previously noted, Spielberg’s *E.T.* debuted on this day, not only becoming a cinematic milestone but also influencing pop culture with iconic imagery like the bike ride across the moon.
The film’s themes of friendship and wonder continue to inspire artists and storytellers.
2002 – *American Idol* Auditions Begin: Auditions for the first season of the reality TV show *American Idol* kicked off on this day, launching a cultural juggernaut that reshaped television and the music industry.
The show introduced stars like Kelly Clarkson and became a global phenomenon.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1927 – Charles Lindbergh Honored with Ticker-Tape Parade: Just weeks after his historic solo flight across the Atlantic, Charles Lindbergh was celebrated with a massive ticker-tape parade in New York City on this day.
Oddly, an estimated 4.5 million people turned out, showering so much confetti that it reportedly took days to clean up the streets.
1963 – Buddhist Monk’s Protest Captured on Film: On this day, Thích Quảng Đức, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, self-immolated in Saigon to protest the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government.
The shocking image, captured by photographer Malcolm Browne, became one of the most iconic and unsettling photographs of the 20th century.
Today in History for Kids
1776 – Writing the Declaration of Independence: Imagine a group of brave people deciding to tell the world they want to be free!
On this day, a special team, including Thomas Jefferson, started writing the Declaration of Independence to say America wanted to be its own country, not ruled by a faraway king.
1919 – A Super Fast Horse: A horse named Sir Barton won a big race called the Belmont Stakes on this day and became the first to win three huge races in one year.
It’s like winning the biggest gold medals in horse racing, and kids today still cheer for horses trying to do the same!
1982 – E.T. Phones Home: A super sweet movie called *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* came out on this day.
It’s about a boy who finds a friendly alien and helps him get back to his home in space.
Kids everywhere loved watching E.T. fly on a bike with his new friend!
2008 – A Space Telescope Takes Off: A cool space tool called the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope was sent into space on this day to look at super powerful things like black holes.
It’s like a giant eye in the sky helping scientists learn secrets about the universe.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
Did You Know? Escape from Alcatraz Mystery: The 1962 Alcatraz escape by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, which happened on this day, remains unsolved.
Some believe they drowned in the cold San Francisco Bay, while others think they made it to freedom—nobody knows for sure!
Did You Know? John Wayne’s Nickname: When John Wayne passed away on this day in 1979, fans remembered him as “The Duke,” a nickname he got from a childhood pet dog named Duke.
Even firefighters at a local station called him that long before he became a movie star.
Did You Know? Michael Jordan’s Determination: During the 1997 “Flu Game” on this day, Michael Jordan was so sick he could barely stand, yet he played basketball like a champion, scoring 38 points.
His teammates said he inspired everyone by never giving up.
Did You Know? Ticker-Tape Overload: The 1927 ticker-tape parade for Charles Lindbergh on this day used so much paper—nearly 1,800 tons—that it buried parts of New York City’s streets under a blanket of confetti, making it one of the messiest celebrations ever recorded.