What Happened On July 24th?

Historical Discoveries

1701: French explorer and adventurer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded the city of Detroit. Cadillac established Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit to protect French interests in the fur trade. Eventually, Detroit become a major hub of the American automotive industry and a symbol of American manufacturing prowess.

1847: A group of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, where they would establish Salt Lake City. The settlement marked the end of a long and difficult journey for the pioneers, who sought a place to practice their faith without persecution. Today, Salt Lake City serves as the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

1969: Apollo 11, the first manned mission to land on the moon, safely returned to Earth. Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, marking the successful conclusion of their historic journey. Today, the Apollo 11 mission remains one of humanity’s most significant achievements in space exploration.

Political Milestones

1567: Mary, Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate in favor of her infant son, James VI. Eventually, James became James I of England. Political turmoil, religious conflict, and scandal had plagued Mary’s reign. As a result, this ultimately led to her imprisonment in England. After being accused of conspiring against England’s Queen Elizabeth I, Mary was executed in 1587.

1959: U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev engaged in a series of impromptu debates during Nixon’s visit to the Soviet Union. Known as the “Kitchen Debate,” the exchanges took place in a model American kitchen at the U.S. National Exhibition in Moscow. They highlighted the ideological differences between the two superpowers during the Cold War. Moreover, they touched on topics such as capitalism, communism, and the merits of their respective societies.

Cultural Events

1911: American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The remarkable site, hidden for centuries, is now considered one of the most significant archeological discoveries of the 20th century. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction, Machu Picchu draws visitors from around the world.

Notable Birthdays

1. Simón Bolívar (1783–1830) – Known as “El Libertador,” South American independence leader Bolívar played a central role in liberating several South American countries from Spanish rule. Markedly, these include Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Bolívar’s vision of a united South America, while never fully realized, continues to inspire regional unity and cooperation.
2. Alexandre Dumas (1802–1870) – A celebrated French author Alexandre Dumas. Dumas is best known for his historical adventure novels, such as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. Indeed, his works have been adapted countless times for stage, screen, and television, earning him a lasting legacy as one of the most influential authors of the 19th century.
3. Robert Graves (1895–1985) – An English poet, novelist, and classical scholar. Graves is best remembered for his historical novels, particularly I, Claudius, which vividly portrayed the Roman Empire’s intrigues and power struggles. Furthermore, Graves was a prominent figure in the Georgian school, which aimed to revitalize English poetry through a return to traditional forms and themes.
4. Amelia Earhart (1897–1937) – A pioneering American aviator. Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932. She broke barriers for women in aviation and earned international acclaim. In 1937, during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe, Earhart disappeared over the Pacific Ocean, sparking one of the most enduring mysteries in aviation history.
5. Jennifer Lopez (1969) – An American singer, actress, and entrepreneur. Lopez’s diverse career spans the music, film, television, and fashion industries. She is a global icon and influential figure in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, Lopez has established herself as a trailblazer for Latinx artists in the United States and around the world with numerous awards and record-breaking sales.

Final Word

From the discovery of Machu Picchu to the founding of Detroit, July 24th offers a unique insight into the diverse and often surprising moments that have occurred throughout history. By celebrating the accomplishments of individuals like Simón Bolívar and Amelia Earhart and remembering the legacies of those who have passed, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of our past.