Fact 1: The Day of Important Poetic Births
July 19 is a notable day in the world of literature. It is the shared birth date of two acclaimed poets—Elizabeth Jennings, an English poet born in 1926 and admired for her lyric poetry, and Jayanta Mahapatra, an Indian poet born in 1928 who won the Sahitya Akademi award for his work.
Fact 2: First Women Climb to Mount Everest
July 19 is a significant day in women's history. On this date in 1984, two women climbers—Brita Martin and Annalise Bello— successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, advocating women's strength in every field.
Fact 3: Historic San Francisco Earthquake
On July 19, 1957, an earthquake of 5.3 magnitude hit San Francisco, leading to minor injuries but no fatalities. This event left a mark in the city's rich history and bore testament to the fact that Mother Nature can stir up unexpectedly.
Fact 4: The Invention of the Harmonica
On July 19, 1828, Johann Christian Messner patented the harmonica. This small musical instrument created a big bang in the music industry, making music more appealing and accessible, due to its affordable price and easy portability.
Fact 5: Discovery of Comet Hale-Bopp
Comet Hale-Bopp, one of the most widely observed comets of the 20th century, was jointly discovered by Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp on the night of July 19, 1992. This discovery captivated the global audience and led to numerous scientific research projects.
Fact 6: First American Woman in Space Returns to Earth
July 19 carries importance for space exploration as well. On this day in 1983, Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel into space, returned to Earth after a successful mission, inspiring countless women and advocating gender equality in space exploration.
Fact 7: Anniversary of the Rosetta Stone Discovery
On July 19, 1799, the famous Rosetta Stone was discovered. This artifact helped historians unlock the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, significantly enriching our understanding of the ancient world.
Fact 8: The Birth of Modern Yacht Racing
Modern yacht racing dates back to July 19, 1843, when the Royal Hobart Regatta was first held. This spectacle marked the beginning of a new era in water sports, particularly yacht racing.
Fact 9: National Ice Cream Day
In the United States, the third Sunday of July is celebrated as National Ice Cream Day. More often than not, this sweet celebration falls on July 19, putting a delightful spin on this date.
Fact 10: The Repercussions of a Heat Wave
On July 19, 2006, a severe summer heatwave in New York City resulted in a major power outage in the borough of Queens, demonstrating the catastrophic effects of climate change and extreme weather events.
Fact 11: Afghanistan Achieves Full Sovereignty
On July 19, 1919, Afghanistan gained independence from British influence, a historic moment for the country, establishing its full sovereignty and self-governance.
Fact 12: World’s Oldest Hotel
In Japan, the Nisiyama Onsen Keiunkan, known as the world's oldest hotel, celebrated its 1311th anniversary on July 19, 2020. Established in 705 AD, it holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest hotel still in operation.
Fact 13: NASA's Skylab Returns to Earth
July 19 is significant for space research. In 1979, NASA’s first space station, Skylab, made its fiery re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, marking the end of a six-year orbital mission.
Fact 14: Return of American POWs
The day marks a significant milestone in American military history. On July 19, 1945, the last 600 of 22,000 American prisoners of war held in Japan during World War II were released, signifying a pivotal moment in the country's history.
Fact 15: First Floating Post Office
July 19 celebrates the launch of India's first floating post office in 2011. The post office, located on a houseboat in Dal Lake, Srinagar, serves as both a tourist attraction and a regular post office.
Fact 16: The Day of Multiple Record-Breaking Feats
July 19 is a record-setting day in athletics. On this date in 2019, two world records were set at the World U20 Championships: Ukrainian athlete Yaroslava Mahuchikh's high jump and Jamaican athlete Briana Williams' 100m dash.
Fact 17: National Daiquiri Day
In the United States, July 19 is observed as National Daiquiri Day. This chill cocktail, often enjoyed in hot weather, has an entire day dedicated to its celebration, frequently falling on the nineteenth
Fact 18: Birth of Edgar Degas
July 19, 1834, marks the birth of renowned French impressionist painter, Edgar Degas. Known for his paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings, Degas was a leading figure in the art world and is still widely celebrated today.
Fact 19: Founding of the Women's Army Corps (WAC)
July 19, 1943, marks the inception of the Women's Army Corps in America during World War II. The Corps, primarily composed of women, was significant in aiding the military and enhancing gender balance in the army.
Fact 20: The Opening of the Mont Blanc Tunnel
The Mont Blanc Tunnel between France and Italy, one of the major trans-alpine transport routes in Europe, was officially opened to traffic on July 19, 1965. This tunnel symbolizes international cooperation and signifies significant technological achievement.