What Happened on July 10?

July 10 is National Kitten Day — celebrating playful young cats — on the same date Telstar relayed the first live TV signal across the Atlantic in 1962, the Scopes Monkey Trial began in 1925, and Wyoming became a state in 1890.

• 1890 — Wyoming becomes the 44th U.S. state

  On July 10, 1890, Wyoming entered the Union — the first state where women had already been voting for decades. Read the full story →

• 1925 — The Scopes Monkey Trial opens in Dayton, Tennessee

  On July 10, 1925, teacher John Scopes went on trial for teaching evolution — drawing national attention to science versus state law. Read the full story →

• 1940 — Germany opens the Battle of Britain with air attacks on shipping

  On July 10, 1940, Luftwaffe bombers began targeting British convoys — the opening phase of the Battle of Britain. Read the full story →

• 1962 — Telstar 1 launches as the first active communications satellite

  On July 10, 1962, NASA and partners launched Telstar 1 — the satellite that first relayed live television signals across the Atlantic Ocean. Read the full story →

• 1985 — Coca-Cola brings back its original formula as Coca-Cola Classic

  On July 10, 1985, Coca-Cola reintroduced its old recipe after 'New Coke' sparked a nationwide backlash from loyal drinkers. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) · Sofia Vergara (1972) · Arlo Guthrie (1947) · Jessica Simpson (1980)

Days & observances

National Kitten Day · Teddy Bear Picnic Day · Don't Step on a Bee Day · National Piña Colada Day