What Happened on July 12?

July 12 is National Simplicity Day — honoring writer Henry David Thoreau, born this day in 1817 — and the date the Medal of Honor was created in 1862, the Rolling Stones played their first gig in 1962, and Kiribati gained independence in 1979.

• 1543 — King Henry VIII of England marries Catherine Parr — his sixth and final wife

  On July 12, 1543, Henry VIII wed Catherine Parr at Hampton Court — the last of his six marriages that reshaped English religion and politics. Read the full story →

• 1862 — President Lincoln signs the Medal of Honor into law

  On July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln authorized the Medal of Honor — America's highest military award for bravery in combat. Read the full story →

• 1943 — One of history's largest tank battles rages at Prokhorovka

  On July 12, 1943, hundreds of German and Soviet tanks clashed near Prokhorovka — a pivotal day in the Battle of Kursk on the Eastern Front. Read the full story →

• 1962 — The Rolling Stones play their first public gig in London

  On July 12, 1962, a band of London blues fans performed at the Marquee Club — the first show by the Rolling Stones. Read the full story →

• 1979 — Kiribati gains independence from Britain

  On July 12, 1979, the Pacific island nation of Kiribati became independent — a chain of atolls spread across a vast ocean area. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) · Malala Yousafzai (1997) · Kristi Yamaguchi (1971) · Michelle Rodriguez (1978)

Days & observances

National Simplicity Day · Different Colored Eyes Day · National Pecan Pie Day · Paper Bag Day