DAY IN HISTORY

Friday, July 3, 2020

Today is the 185th day of 2020 and the 14th day of summer.

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1775, George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army.

In 1844, the last two confirmed great auk specimens were killed on the island of Eldey, off the coast of Iceland.

In 1863, an assault by Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Confederate forces failed, and the Battle of Gettysburg ended in a Union victory.

In 1890, Idaho was admitted as the 43rd U.S. state.

In 1998, Bill Clinton completed the first presidential visit to China since the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS:

George M. Cohan (18781942), songwriter/entertainer; Franz Kafka (18831924), author; Dave Barry (1947- ), author/journalist; Montel Williams (1956), TV personality; Tom Cruise (1962- ), actor; Thomas Gibson (1962- ), actor; Yeardley Smith (1964- ), actress; Connie Nielsen (1965- ), actress; Brian Cashman (1967- ), baseball executive; Teemu Selanne (1970- ), hockey player; Patrick Wilson (1973- ), actor; Olivia Munn (1980- ), actress.

TODAY’S FACT: The world speed record for a steam locomotive is held by London and North Eastern Railway’s Mallard, which reached 125.88 mph on this day in 1938.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1974, Mike Marshall of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitched in relief of starter Tommy John, setting a major league record for consecutive games pitched in, at 13.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “I have based my life on being strong enough to do anything.” — Montel Williams

TODAY’S NUMBER: 25 — films starring Tom Cruise that have grossed more than $200 million worldwide, as of June 2020.

TODAY’S MOON: Between first quarter moon (June 28) and full moon (July 4).