On this day: July 31
July 31, 1498 – Christopher Columbus
On July 31, 1498, Christopher Columbus, the famous Italian explorer, set sail on his third voyage to the New World. This voyage would take him to the island of Trinidad and the South American mainland, where he explored the Orinoco River in what is now Venezuela.
July 31, 1790 – The First US Patent
On July 31, 1790, Samuel Hopkins was granted the first US patent for a process of making potash, an important ingredient in fertilizer. This marked the beginning of the US patent system, which has since become one of the most important tools for protecting intellectual property.
July 31, 1875 – The Birth of Emily Carr
On July 31, 1875, Canadian artist Emily Carr was born in Victoria, British Columbia. Carr is best known for her paintings of the indigenous peoples and landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, and is considered one of Canada’s most important artists.
July 31, 1948 – The Berlin Airlift
On July 31, 1948, the Berlin Airlift began in response to the Soviet Union’s blockade of West Berlin. Over the next year, the US and its allies flew in supplies to the city, keeping its residents fed and fueled despite the Soviet blockade. The Berlin Airlift is considered one of the greatest humanitarian efforts in history.
July 31, 1962 – The Beatles’ First Recording Session
On July 31, 1962, the Beatles had their first recording session at Abbey Road Studios in London. The band recorded “Love Me Do” and “PS I Love You,” which would become their first single. This marked the beginning of the Beatles’ rise to fame as one of the most iconic bands in history.
July 31, 1991 – The End of the Warsaw Pact
On July 31, 1991, the Warsaw Pact, the military alliance of Soviet bloc countries, was officially dissolved. This marked the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of international relations. The dissolution of the Warsaw Pact paved the way for the reunification of Germany and the end of Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe.
July 31, 2006 – The Death of Peter Jennings
On July 31, 2006, Canadian-American journalist Peter Jennings passed away after a battle with lung cancer. Jennings was the longtime anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight and was known for his calm and authoritative reporting style. His death marked the end of an era in American journalism.
Conclusion
July 31 has been a significant day throughout history, with events ranging from the exploration of the New World to the dissolution of military alliances. These events have shaped the world we live in today and continue to inspire us to learn more about our past.
