So, what exciting stuff happened on this day in the past? Well, July 11th has seen some pretty amazing events over the years. It’s like opening a treasure chest of stories – some fun, some serious, and some that changed the world. Let’s take a quick trip back in time and check out some cool things that happened on July 11th. You might be surprised by what you learn!
Let’s start all the way back in 1576 when Martin Frobisher sighted Greenland
Martin Frobisher sights Greenland during his search for the Northwest Passage. His voyages marked early attempts to explore and navigate the Arctic regions, paving the way for future explorations in the quest for new trade routes.
1804 Alexander Hamilton Dies in a Duel

Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers, dies in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr. Hamilton’s contributions to the formation of the United States, including his role in drafting the Constitution and establishing the nation’s financial system, continue to influence our country today.
1818 John Keats’ Poetic Contributions
John Keats wrote “In the Cottage Where Burns is Born,” “Lines Written in the Highlands,” and “Gadfly,” marking significant contributions to English literature with his poignant verses and romantic ideals.
1877 Kate Edger Becomes First Woman Graduate in New Zealand
Kate Edger becomes New Zealand’s first woman graduate and the first woman in the British Empire to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, pioneering women’s education and empowerment.
1893 Kōkichi Mikimoto Cultivates First Pearl
Kōkichi Mikimoto obtains the first cultured pearl in Japan, revolutionizing the pearl industry and paving the way for modern techniques in pearl cultivation.
1902 Lord Salisbury Resigns from Third Term
British Prime Minister Lord Salisbury resigns from his third term in office due to ill health, marking the end of an era in British politics and leadership.
1906 Grace Brown Murder Inspires Literature
Factory worker Grace Brown is murdered by her boyfriend Chester Gillette at Big Moose Lake, New York, later inspiring Theodore Dreiser’s novel “An American Tragedy,” highlighting issues of class, morality, and justice in early 20th-century America.
1940 Marshall Philippe Pétain Heads Vichy Government
Marshall Philippe Pétain, the French hero of World War I, becomes head of the Vichy collaborationist government of France, a controversial chapter in French history during World War II.
1960 “To Kill a Mockingbird” Published

Credit to bookmarks.reviews
Harper Lee’s timeless novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” is published. This poignant tale about justice and compassion continues to resonate with readers of all ages, offering valuable lessons on empathy and standing up for what is right.
1967 Kenny Rogers Forms The First Edition
Kenny Rogers forms The First Edition, an American country rock band, marking the beginning of his influential music career that spans decades and includes hits like “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” and “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).”
1969 David Bowie Releases “Space Oddity”
David Bowie released the single “Space Oddity,” a song that captured the public imagination about space exploration, just nine days before Apollo 11 landed on the moon, forever linking music and space exploration in popular culture.
1984 Airbags or Seat Belts Required in Cars
The government ordered that airbags or seat belts must be required in cars by 1989, a significant step in improving automobile safety standards worldwide.
1986 Ingrid Kristiansen Sets 10,000m World Record
Ingrid Kristiansen of Norway sets a world record by running the 10,000 meters in 30:13.74, showcasing exceptional athleticism and breaking barriers in women’s distance running.
1991 Total Solar Eclipse in Hawaii
A total solar eclipse is seen in Hawaii, captivating observers and scientists alike with its rare celestial spectacle.
2007 “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” Film Released
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” the fifth film based on J.K. Rowling’s beloved book series, is released, continuing the magical journey of Harry Potter and his friends on screen.
2012 Fifth Moon of Pluto Discovered
S/2012 P 1, the fifth moon of Pluto, is discovered, expanding our knowledge of the distant reaches of our solar system.

2013 “Orange Is the New Black” Premieres on Netflix
“Orange Is the New Black” premieres on Netflix, starring Taylor Schilling, and becomes the first series to be nominated for comedy and drama Emmy awards, revolutionizing television streaming platforms.
2018 Oldest Stone Tools Outside Africa Discovered
The oldest stone tools outside Africa are discovered in Lantian county, western China, estimated to be 2.12 million years old, shedding light on early hominin activity and migration.
2019 Hayabusa2 Lands on Ryugu Asteroid
Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft successfully lands on the Ryugu asteroid 300 million kilometers (185 million miles) from Earth for a second time, collecting samples that could provide insights into the origins of our solar system.
2022 Dogs Can ‘See’ with Their Noses
A new study suggests that dogs can ‘see’ with their noses, marking the first documentation of a direct connection between the olfactory bulb and occipital lobe in any species.
2023 93rd MLB All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park
The 93rd MLB All-Star Game takes place at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington. The National League beats the American League 3-2 to earn their first win since 2012. Elías Díaz, catcher for the Colorado Rockies, is named MVP of the game.
Wow, what a ride through time! From old explorers seeing new lands to the latest space missions, July 11th has been a pretty busy day in history. It’s amazing to think about all these different events happening on the same day, just in different years. These stories aren’t just old news – they’re pieces of a big puzzle that shows how we got to where we are today. Each event, big or small, helped shape our world in some way. Next time you’re hanging out with family or friends, why not share some of these fun facts? It’s a great way to learn together and maybe even spark some interesting conversations. Remember, history isn’t just about the past – it’s happening right now too. Who knows? Maybe something you do today will be remembered as an important event in the future.