American History Blogmanac: United States History On This Date: July 31st

Friday, July 31, 2026

United States History On This Date: July 31st

1777 — Congress Appoints Marquis de Lafayette a Major General

The Continental Congress formally accepts the services of the young French aristocrat Marquis de Lafayette, granting him the rank of major general. His enthusiasm for the American cause, personal wealth, and influential connections make him an invaluable ally. Lafayette’s arrival strengthens Franco‑American ties, boosts Continental morale, and introduces a charismatic leader whose battlefield service and diplomatic efforts will help secure French military support essential to eventual American victory.

1790 — First U.S. Patent Issued to Samuel Hopkins

The United States issues its first patent to Samuel Hopkins for a method of producing potash, a key ingredient in soap and fertilizer. The new patent system, authorized under the Constitution, encourages innovation and economic growth by protecting inventors’ rights. Hopkins’ patent symbolizes the nation’s early commitment to scientific advancement, industrial development, and the legal framework that will nurture generations of American inventors and entrepreneurs.

1930 — “The Shadow” Radio Mystery Program Debuts

The radio drama The Shadow airs for the first time, introducing listeners to the mysterious crime‑fighter whose eerie voice and catchphrase—“Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?”—become cultural landmarks. The program’s blend of suspense, noir atmosphere, and psychological intrigue captivates Depression‑era audiences. Its success helps shape the emerging genre of radio mystery storytelling and influences later pulp fiction, comic books, and early American broadcast entertainment.

1940 — Deadly Train Collision in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

A doodlebug passenger train collides head‑on with a multi‑car freight train in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, killing 43 people. The tragedy highlights vulnerabilities in mid‑20th‑century rail communication and safety systems. Investigators cite signaling failures and operational miscommunication as contributing factors. The disaster prompts renewed calls for improved rail oversight, better emergency response coordination, and modernization of safety protocols during a period when American rail travel remains vital to national transportation.

1945 — John K. Giles Attempts Escape from Alcatraz

In one of the most unusual escape attempts in Alcatraz history, inmate John K. Giles tries to flee the island using a stolen Army uniform and forged transfer papers. His plan nearly succeeds before guards discover inconsistencies and intercept him. The incident underscores both the ingenuity of desperate prisoners and the strict security measures of the federal penitentiary. Giles’ failed escape becomes part of Alcatraz lore, illustrating the prison’s reputation as America’s most escape‑proof institution.

1948 — New York International Airport (Later JFK) Dedicated

Idlewild Field—later renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport—is formally dedicated in New York. Designed to handle the growing demands of postwar aviation, the airport quickly becomes one of the busiest international gateways in the world. Its modern runways, expanded terminals, and strategic location position it as a central hub for global travel. Over time, JFK Airport becomes synonymous with American international aviation, immigration, and the cultural crossroads of New York City.

Samuel Hopkins recieved the first U.S. Patent, signed by George Washington, in 1790 for his method of potash and pearl ash manufacture

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U.S. SUPREME COURT SIZE TIMELINE

1789 — 6 Justices
Judiciary Act of 1789 establishes the Court with 6 seats tied to 3 judicial circuits.

1801 — Planned Reduction to 5
Federalist Congress attempts to cut the Court to deny Jefferson appointments; repealed before taking effect.

1802 — Restored to 6
Jeffersonian Republicans repeal the 1801 Act and return the Court to 6 seats.

1807 — Increased to 7
Seventh Circuit Act adds a new western circuit, requiring an additional justice.

1837 — Increased to 9
Two new circuits created as the nation expands westward; Court grows to 9 seats.

1863 — Increased to 10
Civil War expansion; Tenth Circuit Act adds a new seat under Lincoln.

1866 — Reduced Toward 7
Judicial Circuits Act reduces the Court by attrition to block Andrew Johnson appointments.

1869 — Set at 9 (Current Size)
Judiciary Act of 1869 restores the Court to 9 seats under President Grant.

About Our Header

The 1823 map of the United States above in our header is an interesting reflection of the time. It was engraved and distributed in 1823 by Sidney E. Morse, A.M. New-Haven: engraved and published by N. & S.S. Jocelyn. At this time in our history it has been three years since the Compromise of 1820 which is already beginning to buckle under the strain over the issue of slavery. It also reflects an issue overshadowed by the slavery issue: the dispute over the Oregon Territory and the existing border dispute for the territory claimed by the U.S. This dispute between the U.S and the United Kingdom would not be resolved until 1848 when clear and agreed upon boundaries would be reflected in all maps issued afterwards.

Confederate State Secession Dates

• South Carolina — December 20, 1860
• Mississippi — January 9, 1861
• Florida — January 10, 1861
• Alabama — January 11, 1861
• Georgia — January 19, 1861
• Louisiana — January 26, 1861
• Texas — February 1, 1861
• Virginia — April 17, 1861
• Arkansas — May 6, 1861
• North Carolina — May 20, 1861
• Tennessee — June 8, 1861

• Missouri* — October 31, 1861
• Kentucky* — November 20, 1861

*Secession ordinances passed by Confederate‑aligned rump governments; not recognized by the Union.

Next Ten Battles After First Bull Run

Battle of Wilson’s Creek
August 10, 1861 — Near Springfield, Missouri
Casualties: ~2,300 total (Union ~1,200; Confederate ~1,100)

Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries
August 28–29, 1861 — Outer Banks, North Carolina
Casualties: ~50 total (Union ~3; Confederate ~47)

Battle of Carnifex Ferry
September 10, 1861 — Nicholas County, Western Virginia
Casualties: ~188 total (Union ~17; Confederate ~171)

Battle of Cheat Mountain
September 12–15, 1861 — Pocahontas County, Western Virginia
Casualties: ~100 total (Union ~9; Confederate ~90)

Battle of Lexington (First Battle of Lexington)
September 13–20, 1861 — Lexington, Missouri
Casualties: ~1,700 total (Union ~1,200; Confederate ~500)

Battle of Ball’s Bluff
October 21, 1861 — Loudoun County, Virginia
Casualties: ~1,700 total (Union ~1,100; Confederate ~600)

Battle of Camp Wildcat
October 21, 1861 — Laurel County, Kentucky
Casualties: ~75 total (Union ~25; Confederate ~50)

Battle of Belmont
November 7, 1861 — Mississippi County, Missouri
Casualties: ~1,100 total (Union ~600; Confederate ~500)

Battle of Port Royal
November 7, 1861 — Port Royal Sound, South Carolina
Casualties: ~79 total (Union ~31; Confederate ~48)

Battle of Round Mountain
November 19, 1861 — Near Stillwater, Oklahoma Territory
Casualties: ~70 total (Union‑allied Native forces ~25; Confederate‑allied Native forces ~45)

125th Anniversary of the Great Fire of Jacksonville

Ten Facts About the Great Fire of 1901

1. The fire began on a Friday around 12:30 p.m. and burned until 8:30 p.m.

2. Chimney embers ignited sun-dried moss to be used as stuffing at the Cleaveland Fibre Factory.

3. The factory was located at Davis and Beaver Streets.

4. Citizens’ bucket brigades joined the city and area fire departments to slow the spread of the flames.

5. Dark smoke clouds could be seen as far away as South Carolina.

6. Seven people died.

7. Ten thousand people were left homeless.

8. One of the few city landmarks to survive the fire was the Confederate Monument in Hemming Park.

9. The fire destroyed 146 city blocks, 1,700 homes, and 2,368 buildings.

10. The damage was estimated at $15 million in 1901 dollars—about $418 million today.

Notable American Birthdays — July

July 1 — David Glasgow Farragut (1801–1870): First admiral of the U.S. Navy, famed for his cry “Damn the torpedoes!” during the Battle of Mobile Bay.
July 4 — Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864): Novelist of The Scarlet Letter, whose dark romanticism shaped early American literature.
July 6 — John Paul Jones (1747–1792): Revolutionary War naval hero remembered for his defiant spirit and command of the Bonhomme Richard.
July 9 — Elias Howe (1819–1867): Inventor of the sewing machine, whose innovation transformed American industry and domestic life.
July 12 — Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862): Philosopher and author of Walden, whose transcendental ideals influenced generations of reformers.
July 16 — Ida B. Wells (1862–1931): Journalist and civil rights pioneer who exposed racial violence and championed justice nationwide.
July 18 — Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) — Honorary American recognition: Global symbol of freedom and equality, granted honorary U.S. citizenship for his moral leadership.
July 24 — Amelia Earhart (1897–1937): Aviation trailblazer whose courage and disappearance remain part of American legend.
July 28 — Beatrix Farrand (1872–1959): Landscape architect who shaped the gardens of the White House and major universities.
July 30 — Emily Brontë (1818–1848) — Literary influence: Though British, her work profoundly influenced American writers exploring moral isolation and nature.

July Innovations & Inventions — U.S. History

July 1, 1874 — First U.S. Patent for the Typewriter Ribbon: A key improvement that made typed text clearer and more durable.
July 2, 1875 — Patent for the Gasoline Carburetor: Early fuel‑mixing technology that helped shape the American automobile industry.
July 4, 1806 — Construction Begins on the National Road: America’s first major federally funded highway, transforming national travel and commerce.
July 6, 1885 — First Successful Rabies Vaccine Used in the U.S.: Pasteur’s breakthrough reaches American medical practice, revolutionizing public health.
July 9, 1877 — First U.S. Telephone Switchboard Installed: Enabled multi‑line communication and launched the era of commercial telephone service.
July 12, 1895 — Patent for the Kinetoscope Viewer: Edison’s device advances early motion‑picture technology and American entertainment culture.
July 17, 1902 — Willis Carrier Designs Modern Air Conditioning: A landmark invention born in Buffalo, New York, reshaping American industry and daily life.
July 20, 1969 — Apollo 11 Lunar Landing: The United States achieves the first human landing on the Moon, a pinnacle of scientific innovation.
July 26, 1903 — Patent for the Ice Cream Cone: A small but iconic American invention that became a staple of summer culture.
July 30, 1956 — “In God We Trust” Adopted as National Motto: Not an invention, but a symbolic innovation in national identity and civic expression.