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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for July 3, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
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.
International and other global observances on this date (may include days, weeks, or months).
Events that occurred on July 3 throughout history
George Washington takes command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts, after becoming the elected Commander-in-Chief by the Second Continental Congress.
The Battle of Gettysburg ends in a major victory for the Union Army after Major General George Meade’s Army defeated Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army.
The Charles Dow, the Dow Jones and Company, publishes its first stock average in his daily financial newsletter, the Customer's Afternoon Letter (later named The Wall Street Journal).
The New-York Tribune becomes the first newspaper to use a linotype machine, eliminating typesetting by hand. The move revolutionized the printing industry, speeding up printing times.
President Benjamin Harrison signed the statehood act, allowing Idaho to be admitted as the 43rd U.S. state to join the Union.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicates the Eternal Light Peace Memorial and lights the eternal flame at the Gettysburg Battlefield.
People born on July 3
Endocrinologist who discovered the stress hormone.
Multi-award winning actor with lead roles in Risky Business, Top Gun, Jerry Maguire, Rain Man, The Last Samurai, and Top Gun: Maverick.
Founder of the Napa Valley Wine Library.
Well-established portrait painter known for his historical watercolor paintings.
Sideshow performer known as "The World's Tallest Man" who was believed to be 8 ft 6 ft 5 in It was later discovered his height was only around 7 ft 6 in tall.
The only astronaut without a background in military aviation to have walked on the Moon.
Attorney known for taking high-profile and often controversial cases, particularly those involving feminist causes. She has been inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame for her accomplishments.
Considered the "Father of Musical Comedy."
Politician from the Minnesota who was the first woman to be nominated by a major party for the U.S. Senate.
