What Happened on June 2?

June 2 is National Rocky Road Day — a scoop of chocolate, marshmallow, and nutty history — on the same date Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953, mutineers from HMS Bounty battled for a new home in 1789, and Congress granted citizenship to Native Americans in 1924.

• 1789 — HMS Bounty mutineers clash with islanders at Tubuai

  Weeks after the April mutiny, Fletcher Christian's crew fought islanders on Tubuai on June 2, 1789, while searching for a hideaway in the South Pacific. Read the full story →

• 1835 — P.T. Barnum begins his first American road show

  Showman P.T. Barnum launched his first touring exhibition on June 2, 1835 — starting a career that would reshape American entertainment. Read the full story →

• 1883 — Chicago's first elevated railroad line opens to passengers

  On June 2, 1883, Chicagoans rode the city's first 'L' train — an elevated steam line that kept rails above crowded streets. Read the full story →

• 1924 — Congress passes the Indian Citizenship Act

  On June 2, 1924, the United States granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the country — though many still could not vote for years. Read the full story →

• 1946 — Italians vote to abolish the monarchy and become a republic

  On June 2, 1946, Italians chose a republic over King Umberto II in a referendum — ending the monarchy after World War II and fascism. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Marvin Hamlisch (1944–2012) · Justin Long (1978) · Wentworth Miller (1972) · Terry Fox (1958–1981)

Days & observances

National Rocky Road Day · Festa della Repubblica (Italy) · National Leave the Office Early Day · National Rotisserie Chicken Day