July 24: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On July 24, 1969, Apollo 11 splashed down safely in the Pacific, returning humanity's first moonwalkers home—and that's just one of this date's historic firsts.
About July 24
July 24 brims with the bold, Leo-season energy of exploration and high-stakes drama. In 1911, American historian Hiram Bingham III stumbled upon Machu Picchu, bringing the breathtaking ruins of the Inca empire to global attention. Exactly 58 years later, the Apollo 11 capsule bobbed safely in the Pacific Ocean, successfully concluding humanity's first lunar landing mission. And in 1959, U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev engaged in an impromptu, heated debate about capitalism versus communism inside a model American kitchen at a Moscow exhibition.
Before the modern era, July 24 saw pivotal moments like Jacques Cartier claiming the Gaspé Peninsula for France in 1534 and Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac establishing a trading post that would become Detroit in 1701. Mary, Queen of Scots lost her throne on this day in 1567, compelled to abdicate in favor of her infant son, James VI. In the realm of technology, Richard March Hoe patented the rotary printing press in 1847, dramatically accelerating how the world shared information.
Today also marks Pioneer Day in Utah, honoring Brigham Young's 1847 arrival in the Salt Lake Valley with 148 Mormon settlers. Meanwhile, several South American nations celebrate Simón Bolívar Day, remembering the legendary liberator born on this date in 1783. From the founding of the Motor City to the moonwalkers' safe return, this date has reliably delivered history-making turns.
Holidays & Observances on July 24
- Carnival of Awussu (Tunisia)
- Children's Day (Vanuatu)
- Pioneer Day (Utah)
- Police Day (Poland)
- Simón Bolívar Day (Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Bolivia) Navy Day (Venezuela)
Fun & National Days on July 24
- Amelia Earhart Day — Honor the legendary aviator's birthday by reading about her groundbreaking flights and adventurous spirit.
- Cousins Day — Call or text your cousins today to reminisce about childhood memories and shared family gatherings.
- National Drive-Thru Day — Roll down your window and celebrate the convenience of grabbing a quick meal without leaving your car.
- National Tell an Old Joke Day — Dust off your corniest, most classic groan-inducers and share them with friends who appreciate nostalgia.
- National Tequila Day — Sip a smooth pour or enjoy a margarita while toasting to Mexico's most famous agave-based spirit.
- National Thermal Engineer Day — Appreciate the science of heat management that keeps our computers, cars, and gadgets running cool.
On This Day in History
- 1534 — French explorer Jacques Cartier planted a cross on the Gaspé Peninsula, claiming the territory for King Francis I of France.
- 1567 — Mary, Queen of Scots was compelled to abdicate the throne, which passed to her one-year-old son, James VI.
- 1701 — Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac established a trading post called Fort Pontchartrain, forming the foundations of modern Detroit.
- 1847 — Brigham Young led 148 Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley, establishing what would become Salt Lake City.
- 1847 — American inventor Richard March Hoe secured a patent for the rotary-type printing press, revolutionizing publishing speeds.
- 1911 — Hiram Bingham III rediscovered Machu Picchu, bringing the spectacular lost city of the Incas to worldwide attention.
- 1923 — The Treaty of Lausanne was signed in Switzerland, defining the modern borders of Turkey after World War I.
- 1959 — At a Moscow exhibition, U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev held the famous Kitchen Debate.
- 1969 — The Apollo 11 capsule splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean, successfully concluding the historic first lunar landing mission.
- 1974 — The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ordered President Nixon to surrender White House tapes to the Watergate special prosecutor.
- 1983 — Kansas City Royals slugger George Brett had a game-winning home run famously nullified due to excessive pine tar on his bat.
- 2019 — Boris Johnson assumed office as British Prime Minister after defeating Jeremy Hunt in a Conservative leadership contest.
Famous Birthdays on July 24
- 1783 — Simón Bolívar, Venezuelan military leader and politician who liberated much of South America from Spanish rule.
- 1802 — Alexandre Dumas, French novelist behind beloved adventure classics like The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers.
- 1860 — Alphonse Mucha, Czech painter and illustrator whose distinctive Art Nouveau style defined a visual era of European posters.
- 1895 — Robert Graves, Prolific English poet, novelist, and critic best known for his historical novel I, Claudius.
- 1897 — Amelia Earhart, Pioneering American aviator who shattered flying records before her mysterious disappearance over the Pacific.
- 1900 — Zelda Fitzgerald, American author, visual artist, and Jazz Age icon who served as inspiration for her husband F. Scott's novels.
- 1951 — Lynda Carter, American actress who became a pop culture icon playing the title superhero in the Wonder Woman television series.
- 1952 — Gus Van Sant, American film director known for acclaimed indie and mainstream films like Good Will Hunting and Elephant.
- 1969 — Jennifer Lopez, American actress, singer, and dancer who rose from the Bronx to become a global entertainment powerhouse.
- 1982 — Anna Paquin, Canadian-New Zealand actress who won an Oscar as a child and later starred in the hit series True Blood.