1776 – Declaration of Independence is read to George Washington’s troops (NY).
1795 – James Swan pays off the $2,024,899 US national debt.
1815 – 1st natural gas well in US is discovered.
1869 – Corncob pipe, made from small corn kernels, invented.
1893 – Daniel Williams performs 1st successful open heart surgery without anesthesia.
1918 – US Congress creates Distinguished Service Medal (not to be confused with other countries’ decorations of the same name).
1944 – In World War II, US troops secure Saipan as Japan fell.
1948 – Satchel Paige, 42, debuts in majors pitching 2 scoreless innings for Cleveland Indians.
1951 – US President Harry Truman asks Congress to formally end state of war with Germany.
1955 – Bill Haley & Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock” tops billboards chart.
1956 – Dick Clark’s 1st appearance as host of American Bandstand.
1962 – US performs atmospheric nuclear test at Johnston Island.
1963 – All star MVP: Willie Mays (SF Giants).
1966 – 95th British Golf Open: Jack Nicklaus shoots 282 at Muirfield Gullane to become only the 4th person to win all 4 majors.
1970 – In Atlanta, Chief-No-ka-home is joined by cousin Chief Round-the-Horn.
1982 – Pan Am Boeing 727 crashes in Kenner, La, killing 153.
1995 – US international postage rates rise to 60 cents per ounce.
2002 – 73rd All Star Baseball Game: 7-7 tie when both teams ran out of available pitchers at Miller Park, Milwaukee.
2015 – 48th San Diego Comic-Con begins (till 12th) – includes preview of new Star Wars film by J.J. Adams.
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