Fact 1: American independence journey begins
On this day, 31st July 1777, the Marquis de Lafayette, a 19-year-old French nobleman, was made a major-general in the American Continental Army, signaling the start of France’s support for the American fight for Independence.
Fact 2: Unique anniversaries of famous personalities
Several notable personalities were born on July 31. These include J.K Rowling - the British author who gave us the magical world of Harry Potter, and Mark Cuban - the renowned American business tycoon and owner of the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA.
Fact 3: Discovery of Mars moons
On the 31st of July, 1877, American astronomer Asaph Hall discovered Mars's moon Deimos. Five days later, Hall discovered Phobos, the second moon of Mars, making this period especially significant for the scientific community.
Fact 4: The most decorated Olympian was born
Swimming champion Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history with 28 medals, was born on July 31, 1985. He holds the record for the most gold medals won at a single Olympics.
Fact 5: Start of MTV
The famous music television channel MTV was launched on 31st July 1981, revolutionizing the music and television industry with a fresh new format where musicians could promote their work through music videos.
Fact 6: The daylight saving saga
July 31, 1945, marks the last day the UK used 'Double British Summer Time'; an initiative where clocks were moved two hours ahead of GMT to maximize daylight and productivity during World War II.
Fact 7: The city of Ferrari
On July 31, 1932, the city of Modena, Italy saw the birth of a legend. Enzo Ferrari debuted as a racing car driver, eventually leading to the famous Ferrari automaker's establishment.
Fact 8: Anniversary of the first US patent
July 31 marks the anniversary of the first US patent in 1790. It was issued to Samuel Hopkins for his process for making potash, an ingredient used in fertilizer.
Fact 9: Switzerland and its Red Cross
Marking the birth of the medical humanitarian organization, Swiss businessman and social activist Jean-Henri Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, died on 31st July 1910.
Fact 10: The end of a violent era
Mob boss John Gotti, a significant figure in the criminal world, died while in prison on July 31, 2002. This event marks the symbolic end of the classic Mafia era in the United States.
Fact 11: Harry Potter's famous birthday
One of the most famous fictional characters around the globe, Harry Potter, also shares his birthday with his author J.K. Rowling on July 31.
Fact 12: Bridge of friendship
July 31, 1980, saw the inauguration of the Oresund Bridge, a remarkable piece of engineering that connects Denmark and Sweden.
Fact 13: The Subway Tragedy
On July 31, 1975, a New York Subway crash took the lives of two people and injured more than 35. This brought attention to the safety measures in the transit system.
Fact 14: Boxing History
One of the most famous boxers of all time, Evander Holyfield, won his first professional boxing match on July 31, 1984. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career.
Fact 15: Civil Guards Day
In Spain, July 31 is celebrated as 'Civil Guards Day', on the anniversary of the force's foundation in 1844.
Fact 16: Category 5 hurricane
On July 31, 2015, Hurricane Soudelor turned into a category 5 storm, the strongest classification for a hurricane, in the Western Pacific ocean.
Fact 17: The release of Forrest Gump
The internationally acclaimed film, Forrest Gump, premiered on 31 July, 1994. It later won an Academy Award for Best Picture.
Fact 18: Last lunar mission for Soviet Union
The Soviet Union launched Luna 24, its last lunar mission, on July 31, 1976. It successfully landed and returned to Earth with lunar soil samples.
Fact 19: Opening of the Zurich Airport
The Zurich Airport, which is the largest international airport in Switzerland, was officially opened on 31 July 1948.
Fact 20: A good day for jazz
The renowned Jazz musician, Kenny Burrell, recorded his iconic album “Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane” on 31 July, 1958. It is considered a significant contribution to the art of jazz music.