What Happened on July 3?

July 3 is National Eat Your Beans Day — a tasty nod to healthy legumes — on the same date Gettysburg's battle ended in 1863, Idaho became a state in 1890, George Washington took command in 1775, and Algeria won independence in 1962.

• 1775 — George Washington assumes command of the Continental Army

  On July 3, 1775, George Washington rode out from Philadelphia to take charge of colonial forces besieging British troops in Boston. Read the full story →

• 1863 — Pickett's Charge fails and the Battle of Gettysburg ends

  On July 3, 1863, Confederate troops marched across open fields at Gettysburg in a massive assault that failed — ending the battle with a Union victory. Read the full story →

• 1890 — Idaho becomes the 43rd U.S. state

  On July 3, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed the act admitting Idaho — known for potatoes, mountains, and gem stones — into the Union. Read the full story →

• 1938 — The Mallard steam locomotive sets a world speed record

  On July 3, 1938, Britain's Mallard locomotive hit 126 miles per hour — a steam record that still stands. Read the full story →

• 1962 — Algeria celebrates independence from France

  On July 3, 1962, Algeria officially became independent after a brutal eight-year war against French colonial rule. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Franz Kafka (1883–1924) · Tom Cruise (1962) · Olivia Munn (1980) · Julian Assange (1971)

Days & observances

National Eat Your Beans Day · Stay Out of the Sun Day · National Chocolate Wafer Day · Compliment Your Mirror Day