What Happened on July 13?

July 13 is National French Fries Day — celebrating the crispy potato side dish — on the same date Live Aid rocked the world in 1985, the Hollywood sign was unveiled in 1923, and the Civil War draft riots erupted in New York in 1863.

• 1793 — Jean-Paul Marat is assassinated in his bathtub during the French Revolution

  On July 13, 1793, Charlotte Corday stabbed radical journalist Jean-Paul Marat while he soaked in a medicinal bath in Paris. Read the full story →

• 1863 — Draft riots erupt in New York City during the Civil War

  On July 13, 1863, angry mobs attacked draft offices in Manhattan — protesting conscription and targeting Black New Yorkers in deadly riots. Read the full story →

• 1923 — The Hollywood sign is dedicated as a real-estate advertisement

  On July 13, 1923, the hillside letters spelling 'Hollywoodland' were unveiled — later shortened to the iconic Hollywood sign. Read the full story →

• 1939 — Frank Sinatra records his first solo session with the Harry James band

  On July 13, 1939, a young Frank Sinatra cut his first commercial recordings — launching the career of one of America's greatest singers. Read the full story →

• 1977 — A massive blackout plunges New York City into darkness

  On the night of July 13, 1977, lightning strikes knocked out power across New York City — leaving millions without electricity for 25 hours. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Harrison Ford (1942) · Patrick Stewart (1940) · Cheech Marin (1946) · Ken Jeong (1969)

Days & observances

National French Fries Day · National Beans 'n' Franks Day · Embrace Your Geekness Day · Gruntled Workers Day