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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for July 2, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
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These observances run for a full week; this calendar day falls inside the week.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for July.
Events that occurred on July 2 throughout history
The Continental Congress legally voted to adopt the Lee Resolution, severing ties with the Kingdom of Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, Congress formally approved the Declaration of Independence to explain that historic decision to the world.
President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act. The Act granted 10 million acres of federal public land to states to be used to fund public colleges that focused on agriculture, mechanical arts, and military tactics.
Charles J. Guiteau shoots and fatally wounds U.S. President James A. Garfield. President Garfield died on September 19 from complications from his wounds.
The U.S. Congress passes the Sherman Antitrust Act, establishing free market competition as the fundamental rule of American trade and strictly prohibiting businesses from using unfair practices to create or maintain monopolies.
President Warren G. Harding signs the Knox–Porter Resolution formally ending the war between the United States and Germany (WWI).
Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan are last heard from over the Pacific Ocean. The duo disappears during an attempt to make the first equatorial round-the-world flight.
The first Walmart store opens for business in Rogers, Arkansas. There was a crowd of over 500 people waiting to get in on opening day!
President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, officially ending segregation in public places and illegalizing employment discrimination.
The Susan B. Anthony dollar is issued and becomes the first U.S. coin to honor a woman.
Horn and Hardart opens in first New York and becomes the first self-service restaurant. The establishment was coin-operated, waiterless, and dispensed hot meals, pies, and famous fresh-brewed coffee through gleaming glass-and-chrome cubbies.
People born on July 2
Lawyer and civil rights activist who was the first African American to be elected to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Rock piano and accordion player for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
The first race car driver to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship seven times. His racing career lasted for 34 years.
Actress who played the sassy character Flo in the sitcom Alice.
Founding member and original lead singer of the Temptations (Motown).
Civil rights movement activist who was the the NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi. Evers was was murdered at his home in Jackson, Mississippi.
Actor who is fondly remembered for his role Festus Haggen in the Western television show Gunsmoke.
Founder of the fast food restaurant Wendy's.
Radio personality and interviewer who started call-in radio.
