On this day: July 8
July 8 has been witness to many significant events throughout history. Let’s take a look at some of the notable occurrences that have taken place on this day.
1776: The Liberty Bell Rings for the First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
On July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell rang out for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. This historic event marked the beginning of a new era for the United States as it declared its independence from British rule.
1889: The Wall Street Journal is First Published
On July 8, 1889, the first issue of the Wall Street Journal was published. The newspaper quickly became a leading source of financial news and analysis, and continues to be a respected publication to this day.
1947: The Roswell UFO Incident
On July 8, 1947, the infamous Roswell UFO incident took place in New Mexico. The United States military initially claimed that a “flying disc” had crashed on a ranch, but later retracted the statement and said it was a weather balloon. The incident has since become a subject of controversy and conspiracy theories.
1960: The Etch A Sketch is Patented
On July 8, 1960, the iconic toy known as the Etch A Sketch was patented by French inventor André Cassagnes. The toy, which allows users to create drawings by turning knobs that control a stylus, quickly became a popular item among children and adults alike.
1994: Kim Jong-il Becomes Supreme Leader of North Korea
On July 8, 1994, Kim Jong-il became the Supreme Leader of North Korea following the death of his father, Kim Il-sung. Kim Jong-il ruled the country with an iron fist until his death in 2011, and was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-un.
2011: The Final Harry Potter Film Premieres
On July 8, 2011, the final installment of the Harry Potter film series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” premiered in London. The film was a box office success and received critical acclaim, bringing an end to the beloved franchise that had captured the hearts of fans around the world.
These are just a few of the many significant events that have taken place on July 8 throughout history. From declarations of independence to groundbreaking inventions, this day has seen it all.
