July 10: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1962, the world's first communications satellite, Telstar, successfully launched into orbit, forever changing how we connect.
Quick Facts for July 10
- Zodiac sign: Cancer
- Day of year: 191
About July 10
July 10 serves as a profound marker of sovereignty and scientific progress. For the people of the Bahamas, it is a day of national pride, celebrating their formal independence from the United Kingdom in 1973. It is a moment that honors the journey of a nation finding its own voice within the Commonwealth of Nations.
While nations celebrate their freedom, the scientific world honors the genius of Nikola Tesla. As we observe Nikola Tesla Day, we reflect on the electrical innovations that power our modern lives. Whether it is the liberation of a country or the breakthrough of a satellite, July 10 is a date where humanity moves forward, both politically and technologically.
Holidays & Observances on July 10
- Armed Forces Day (Mauritania)
- Independence Day (Bahamas), celebrates the independence of the Bahamas from the United Kingdom in 1973.
- Nikola Tesla Day
- Statehood Day (Wyoming)
Fun & National Days on July 10
- National Piña Colada Day — Mix up a tropical, creamy cocktail to celebrate this sweet summer treat!
- National Kitten Day — Spend some quality time playing with or admiring the world's smallest feline friends.
- World Kebab Day — Indulge in some delicious, grilled meat skewers from your favorite local eatery.
- Don't Step on a Bee Day — Practice mindfulness and watch your step to protect these essential little pollinators.
- Clerihew Day
- Collector Car Appreciation Day
- Martyrdom of the Báb
- Pick Blueberries Day
- Teddy Bear Picnic Day
On This Day in History
- 138 — The Roman Emperor Hadrian passed away from heart failure at his residence in Baiae, eventually being interred in Rome.
- 1499 — Portuguese explorer Nicolau Coelho arrived back in Lisbon after participating in Vasco da Gama's historic voyage to India.
- 1553 — A pivotal moment in English history occurred when Lady Jane Grey ascended to the throne.
- 1778 — The American Revolution expanded globally when King Louis XVI of France officially declared war against Great Britain.
- 1890 — Wyoming officially entered the Union, joining the United States as its 44th state.
- 1925 — The Scopes 'Monkey Trial' began in Tennessee, centering on the controversial teaching of evolution in schools.
- 1938 — Aviation pioneer Howard Hughes embarked on an ambitious 91-hour flight around the globe to set a new record.
- 1962 — Humanity reached a new era of connectivity with the orbital launch of the first communications satellite, Telstar.
- 1973 — The Bahamas achieved full independence from British rule, becoming a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth.
- 1991 — Boris Yeltsin assumed his role as the first democratically elected President of the Russian Federation.
- 2011 — Following a massive scandal involving phone hacking, the long-running British newspaper News of the World ceased publication.
Famous Birthdays on July 10
- 1509 — John Calvin, An influential French theologian who became a primary figure in the development of Protestantism.
- 1856 — Nikola Tesla, The visionary Serbian-American engineer who revolutionized our modern understanding of electricity and magnetism.
- 1871 — Marcel Proust, A celebrated French novelist known for his profound and complex literary style.
- 1875 — Mary McLeod Bethune, A pioneering American educator and civil rights activist who fought for social justice.
- 1914 — Joe Shuster, The talented Canadian-American artist who helped create the iconic superhero, Superman.
- 1972 — Sofía Vergara, The famous Colombian-American actress and producer known for her comedic timing and stardom.