Today In American History

July 3, 1775 - George Washington takes command of the Continental Army on Cambridge Common in Massachusetts.

July 3, 1819 - The first United States bank, The Bank for Savings, opens in New York City. Deposits for the first day total $2807.00.

July 3, 1861 - The first Pony Express run occurs from New York City to San Francisco, California.

July 3, 1863 - The Battle of Gettysburg ends when General Robert E. Lee's last attempt to break the union line fails. Read more about it at the Gettysburg Welcome Center.

July 3, 1940 - The radio show of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello debuts on network radio NBC.

July 3, 1962 - Actor Tom Cruise (Risky Business, Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, War of the Worlds) is born.

July 3, 1971 - Jim Morrison, of the rock group The Doors, dies at the age of 27. He died in a bathtub in Paris, allegedly of a heart attack brought on by a drug overdose.

July 3, 1988 - Iran Air Flight 655 is shot down by the United States Navy Cruiser Vincennes. In the event, two missiles are fired and all 190 people on the jet are killed. The crew of the Vincennes testifies that they believed that they flight had a hostile intent. In 1996, $62 million is paid to the families of the victims for damages.

 

"In war, as in life, it is often necessary, when some cherished scheme has failed, to take up the best alternative open, and if so, it is folly not to work for it with all your might." - Sir Winston Churchill

Today in American History Archives

For more patriotic quotes, visit our patriotic quotes page.

Our American History section will show you the best U. S. History websites.

Visit our "support our troops" section for information on helping soldiers and their families.

Our Patriotic Art section provides links to purchase patriotic prints, posters, and fine art, including Americana art, and September 11 tribute art!

If you are looking for a historical document, from the United States Constitution, to Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, our American historical documents section is the place you will find it.

Quotes from Ben Franklin, many presidents, and other great patriots in our patriotic quotes section.

Visit our U S Flag section for rules on flag etiquette, the U S flag code, flag specifications, how to fold the U S flag, and good deals on purchasing American flags.

Another reference section is our patriotic organizations page, where you will find various clubs and groups that share our dedication to America.

Share our feelings of grief and anger by visiting the sites in our September 11 tribute area. These are the sites that we found to be among the best organized and most respectful  tributes to the day America was attacked.

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