What Happened on July 26?

July 26 is National Aunt and Uncle Day — celebrating extended family — on the same date the Americans with Disabilities Act became law in 1990, Egypt seized the Suez Canal in 1956, and the FBI was founded in 1908.

• 1775 — Continental Congress creates the U.S. Post Office and names Benjamin Franklin postmaster general

  On July 26, 1775, the Continental Congress established a postal system — with Benjamin Franklin in charge — to carry letters between colonies during the Revolution. Read the full story →

• 1847 — Liberia declares independence

  On July 26, 1847, Liberia proclaimed itself an independent republic — the first African nation to gain independence in the modern era. Read the full story →

• 1908 — Attorney General Bonaparte creates the Bureau of Investigation — forerunner of the FBI

  On July 26, 1908, the U.S. Department of Justice formed a small detective unit that later grew into the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Read the full story →

• 1947 — President Truman signs the National Security Act

  On July 26, 1947, the National Security Act reorganized America's military and intelligence — creating the Air Force, CIA, and National Security Council. Read the full story →

• 1956 — Egypt nationalizes the Suez Canal

  On July 26, 1956, President Gamal Abdel Nasser announced Egypt would take control of the Suez Canal from British and French companies. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Sandra Bullock (1964) · Mick Jagger (1943) · Helen Mirren (1945) · George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)

Days & observances

National Aunt and Uncle Day · National Coffee Milkshake Day · National All or Nothing Day · Disability Independence Day