What Happened on June 25?

June 25 is National Leon Day — exactly six months before Christmas — on the same date North Korean forces invaded South Korea in 1950, Custer's command fell at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, and Virginia became the tenth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788.

• 1788 — Virginia ratifies the U.S. Constitution, becoming the tenth state

  Virginia's convention approved the Constitution on June 25, 1788 — giving the document the ninth state needed for it to take effect nationwide. Read the full story →

• 1876 — Lakota and Cheyenne warriors defeat Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn

  On June 25, 1876, combined Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho forces overwhelmed Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry in Montana — a stunning victory in the struggle over the Great Plains. Read the full story →

• 1950 — North Korea invades South Korea, starting the Korean War

  On June 25, 1950, North Korean troops crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea — triggering a three-year war that drew in the United States, China, and a United Nations coalition. Read the full story →

• 1950 — The FCC approves the first national color television standard

  On June 25, 1950, the Federal Communications Commission authorized CBS's mechanical color system — launching the long road to color TV in American living rooms. Read the full story →

• 1978 — Gilbert Baker's rainbow flag flies at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade

  Artist Gilbert Baker raised his hand-dyed rainbow flag on June 25, 1978, at San Francisco's Gay Freedom Day Parade — creating a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride recognized worldwide. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

George Orwell (1903–1950) · Sonia Sotomayor (1954) · Carly Simon (1945) · George Michael (1963–2016)

Days & observances

National Leon Day · Day of the Seafarer · Global Beatles Day · National Strawberry Parfait Day