July 19: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1963, Joe Walker pushed the limits of human reach by flying the X-15 to an altitude exceeding 100 kilometers, officially entering the realm of human spaceflight.
Quick Facts for July 19
- Zodiac sign: Cancer
- Day of year: 200
About July 19
History on July 19 is often defined by the tension between human ambition and the unpredictable power of the elements. We see this in the dramatic saga of the Tudor warship Mary Rose, which met its end in 1545; its wreckage would not be recovered for nearly five centuries during a monumental feat of maritime archaeology. Similarly, the year 1843 saw the launch of the SS Great Britain, a vessel that forever changed naval engineering as the first large ocean-going ship to feature an iron hull and a screw propeller.
Technology also took a massive leap forward on this date in 1977, when the very first Global Positioning System (GPS) signal was successfully transmitted and received. This invisible revolution in navigation paved the way for the modern world, much like the 1900 opening of the Paris Metro transformed urban life in France. Whether through the stars or the sea, July 19 remains a day of profound movement and discovery.
Holidays & Observances on July 19
- Palace Day
- Martyrs' Day (Myanmar)
- Sandinista Day or Liberation Day (Nicaragua)
Fun & National Days on July 19
- National Ice Cream Day — Grab a cone and enjoy your favorite frozen treat today!
- National Raspberry Cake Day — Celebrate with a sweet, berry-filled slice of cake.
- National Words With Friends Day — Challenge a buddy to a fun game of vocabulary and strategy.
- Stick Out Your Tongue Day — Don't be shy—give a silly face for the camera!
- National Daiquiri Day — Sip on a refreshing, classic cocktail to cool down.
- Flight Attendant Safety Professionals' Day
- International Retainer Day
- National Flitch Day
- New Friends Day
On This Day in History
- 64 — A catastrophic blaze swept through Rome, raging for six days and leveling nearly half of the ancient city.
- 711 — At the Battle of Guadalete, Umayyad forces led by Tariq ibn Ziyad defeated the Visigoths to begin the conquest of Hispania.
- 1545 — The English warship Mary Rose sank off the coast of Portsmouth, eventually becoming a legendary archaeological salvage project.
- 1588 — The formidable Spanish Armada was spotted navigating the waters of the English Channel during the Anglo-Spanish War.
- 1832 — The British Medical Association was established after a meeting held at the Worcester Infirmary by Sir Charles Hastings.
- 1843 — The SS Great Britain launched, revolutionizing maritime travel as the world's largest vessel with an iron hull.
- 1848 — A landmark two-day convention for women's rights commenced in Seneca Falls, New York.
- 1900 — The initial line of the Paris Metro officially began its service to the public.
- 1903 — Maurice Garin secured his place in history by winning the very first Tour de France.
- 1963 — Joe Walker achieved human spaceflight by piloting an X-15 to an altitude of over 100 kilometers.
- 1977 — The inaugural GPS signal was transmitted from a navigation satellite and received in Iowa.
- 1979 — In Nicaragua, Sandinista rebels successfully overthrew the Somoza family's government.
Famous Birthdays on July 19
- 1814 — Samuel Colt, The American entrepreneur who established the famous Colt's Manufacturing Company.
- 1834 — Edgar Degas, The renowned French artist celebrated for his mastery of sculpture and painting.
- 1865 — Charles Horace Mayo, A prominent American surgeon and a founding figure of the Mayo Clinic.
- 1883 — Max Fleischer, An influential Austrian-American producer and pioneer in the world of animation.
- 1894 — Percy Spencer, The American physicist credited with the invention of the microwave oven.
- 1947 — Brian May, The iconic Queen guitarist who is also a respected astrophysicist.
- 1976 — Benedict Cumberbatch, The highly acclaimed English actor known for his diverse and powerful roles.