What Happened on June 26?

June 26 is National Chocolate Pudding Day on the same date delegates signed the United Nations Charter in 1945, Allied pilots began the Berlin Airlift in 1948, and the Supreme Court declared marriage equality nationwide in 2015.

• 1927 — The Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster opens in Brooklyn

  The wooden Cyclone debuted on June 26, 1927, at Coney Island — becoming one of America's most famous roller coasters with drops, turns, and nearly a century of screams. Read the full story →

• 1945 — Delegates sign the United Nations Charter in San Francisco

  On June 26, 1945, representatives of 50 nations signed the UN Charter — creating an organization dedicated to peace, security, and cooperation after World War II. Read the full story →

• 1948 — The Berlin Airlift begins after Soviet blockade of West Berlin

  On June 26, 1948, U.S. and British cargo planes started flying food and fuel into blockaded West Berlin — a massive Cold War relief operation that lasted over a year. Read the full story →

• 1960 — Madagascar gains independence from France

  On June 26, 1960, Madagascar became an independent nation after more than six decades of French colonial rule. Read the full story →

• 1976 — Toronto's CN Tower opens to the public

  On June 26, 1976, the CN Tower opened in Toronto — at 1,815 feet it was the world's tallest free-standing structure for decades. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Pearl S. Buck (1892–1973) · Derek Jeter (1974) · Ariana Grande (1993) · Chris O'Donnell (1970)

Days & observances

National Chocolate Pudding Day · International Day in Support of Victims of Torture · National Beautician's Day · National Canoe Day