Hot Dog Day
Hot Dog Day, celebrated annually on July 19th, is a fun and informal holiday dedicated to enjoying and appreciating hot dogs. This day is a great opportunity for people to indulge in one of America’s favorite foods and to celebrate its cultural significance.
Daiquiri Day
Daiquiri Day, celebrated annually on July 19th, is a day dedicated to enjoying and appreciating the daiquiri, a classic cocktail that has become a staple in the world of mixology. This day offers a great opportunity to learn about the history of the daiquiri, try different variations, and enjoy this refreshing drink with friends and family.
July 19th has been marked by numerous significant events throughout history.
Historical Events
First Women’s Rights Convention Concludes (1848):
The Seneca Falls Convention, the first women’s rights convention in the United States, concluded on July 19, 1848. This event marked the beginning of the organized women’s rights movement in the U.S.
Great Fire of Rome Continues (64 AD):
The Great Fire of Rome, which started on July 18, continued to ravage the city. The fire lasted for six days, destroying much of the city and leading to significant social and political consequences.
Battle of Grunwald (1410):
The Battle of Grunwald, one of the largest battles in medieval Europe, took place on July 19, 1410. The Polish-Lithuanian alliance defeated the Teutonic Knights, marking a significant shift in power in Eastern Europe.
Franco-Prussian War Begins (1870):
The Franco-Prussian War officially began on July 19, 1870, when France declared war on Prussia. The conflict resulted in the unification of Germany and the fall of the Second French Empire.
Opening of the Paris Métro (1900):
The Paris Métro, one of the busiest underground systems in the world, opened on July 19, 1900. The initial line connected Porte Maillot to Porte de Vincennes and has since expanded to a comprehensive network.
First International Special Olympics Games (1968):
The first International Special Olympics Games were held on July 19, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois. This event marked the beginning of a global movement to provide sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Science and Technology
Apollo 11 Enters Lunar Orbit (1969):
On July 19, 1969, Apollo 11, the first manned mission to land on the Moon, entered lunar orbit. The mission, commanded by Neil Armstrong, with astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, made history with the Moon landing on July 20, 1969.
Culture and Entertainment
Release of “The Dark Knight” (2008):
Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight,” the second film in his Batman trilogy, was released on July 19, 2008. The film received critical acclaim and became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Politics
Spanish Civil War Begins (1936):
The Spanish Civil War began on July 19, 1936, when the Spanish army, led by General Francisco Franco, revolted against the Republican government. The war lasted until 1939 and resulted in Franco’s long dictatorship.
Iran-Contra Affair (1985):
On July 19, 1985, the Iran-Contra Affair came to public attention when news broke of the Reagan administration’s secret arms deals with Iran, and the illegal funding of Contra rebels in Nicaragua using the proceeds.
Sports
Tour de France:
Many significant stages of the Tour de France, the premier annual multiple-stage bicycle race, have occurred on July 19th. The race typically spans three weeks in July, and individual stages on this date have seen dramatic victories and turning points in the race.
Notable Birthdays
Samuel Colt (1814-1862):
Samuel Colt, an American inventor, industrialist, and founder of Colt’s Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company, was born on July 19, 1814. He is best known for popularizing the revolver.
Charles Mayo (1865-1939):
Charles Mayo, an American surgeon and one of the founders of the Mayo Clinic, was born on July 19, 1865. The Mayo Clinic has become a world-renowned medical practice and research group.
Edgar Degas (1834-1917):
Edgar Degas, a French artist famous for his paintings, sculptures, and drawings, was born on July 19, 1834. He is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism, although he preferred to be called a realist.
Notable Deaths
Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528):
Albrecht Dürer was a German painter, printmaker, and theorist of the German Renaissance. Known for his high-quality woodcut prints, his works include the “Apocalypse” series, “Knight, Death, and the Devil,” and “Melencolia I.”
José de Anchieta (1534-1597):
José de Anchieta was a Spanish Jesuit missionary to Brazil, where he played a key role in founding São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. He is considered one of the founders of Brazilian literature.
Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson (1758-1805):
Although Nelson is most famously associated with his death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, it should be noted he did not die on July 19th. However, his significant contribution as a British flag officer in the Royal Navy is noteworthy, leading his fleet to several decisive victories during the Napoleonic Wars.
Alexander Cartwright (1820-1892):
Alexander Cartwright is often recognized as a “father of baseball,” helping to develop the modern game and its rules. His contributions were pivotal in shaping baseball into the sport it is today.
George de Hevesy (1885-1966):
George de Hevesy was a Hungarian radiochemist and Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry in 1943. He is known for his work in radioisotopes and for discovering the element hafnium.
Allen Dulles (1893-1969):
Allen Welsh Dulles was an American diplomat and lawyer who became the first civilian Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) and its longest-serving director to date. He oversaw major CIA operations during the Cold War.
Sy Oliver (1910-1988):
Sy Oliver was an American jazz arranger, trumpeter, composer, singer, and bandleader. He was known for his work with the Jimmie Lunceford and Tommy Dorsey orchestras.
Jack Warden (1920-2006):
Jack Warden was an American character actor known for his roles in “12 Angry Men,” “Shampoo,” and “Heaven Can Wait.” He had a prolific career in film and television, spanning several decades.
Bill Bright (1921-2003):
Bill Bright was an American evangelist and the co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ International (now known as Cru), one of the largest evangelical Christian organizations in the world.
