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19 Facts About July 31st

William Watts

Written by William Watts

Modified & Updated: 31 Oct 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Ohmyfacts.com

July 31st might seem like just another day, but it's packed with intriguing events, birthdays, and historical moments. Did you know that Harry Potter shares his birthday with J.K. Rowling on this date? Or that in 1790, the first U.S. patent was issued? This day also marks the end of the Tour de France in many years, crowning cycling champions. From famous births to significant milestones, July 31st has a lot to offer. Whether you're a history buff, a sports enthusiast, or just curious, you'll find something fascinating about this date. Let's dive into 19 captivating facts about July 31st!

Key Takeaways:

  • July 31st marks significant historical, cultural, and natural events, from the first close-up images of the Moon to the release of iconic video games and books.
  • On July 31st, influential figures like J.K. Rowling and Michael Phelps were born, and important scientific discoveries, sports achievements, and even National Avocado Day are celebrated.
Table of Contents
01Historical Events on July 31st
02Birthdays on July 31st
03Cultural Events on July 31st
04Natural Events on July 31st
05Scientific Discoveries on July 31st
06Sports Achievements on July 31st
07Miscellaneous Facts about July 31st
08The Magic of July 31st

Historical Events on July 31st

July 31st has witnessed several significant events throughout history. Here are some notable ones:

  1. 1964: Ranger 7 Sends Back Images of the Moon
    NASA's Ranger 7 spacecraft transmitted the first close-up images of the Moon's surface. These images helped scientists plan future lunar missions.

  2. 1971: Apollo 15 Lands on the Moon
    Apollo 15 astronauts David Scott and James Irwin landed on the Moon, marking the fourth successful manned lunar landing. They spent over 18 hours exploring the surface.

  3. 1991: START I Treaty Signed
    The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I) was signed by the United States and the Soviet Union. This agreement aimed to reduce and limit strategic offensive arms.

Birthdays on July 31st

Many influential people were born on July 31st. Here are a few:

  1. 1965: J.K. Rowling
    The famous author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, was born on this day. Her books have captivated millions worldwide.

  2. 1912: Milton Friedman
    Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman was born on July 31st. His work in economics has had a lasting impact on economic policies.

  3. 1980: Harry Potter
    In the fictional world of J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter's birthday is also on July 31st. Fans celebrate this day as Harry Potter's birthday.

Cultural Events on July 31st

July 31st has also been a day of cultural significance. Here are some examples:

  1. 1987: The Legend of Zelda Released in North America
    The iconic video game "The Legend of Zelda" was released in North America on this day. It became a cornerstone of the gaming industry.

  2. 2006: Fidel Castro Transfers Power
    Cuban leader Fidel Castro temporarily transferred power to his brother Raúl Castro due to health issues. This marked a significant moment in Cuban history.

  3. 2012: Michael Phelps Becomes Most Decorated Olympian
    Swimmer Michael Phelps won his 19th Olympic medal on July 31st, making him the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Natural Events on July 31st

Nature has also made its mark on July 31st. Here are some natural events:

  1. 1976: Big Thompson Canyon Flood
    A devastating flood occurred in Big Thompson Canyon, Colorado, killing 144 people. It remains one of the deadliest flash floods in U.S. history.

  2. 2003: Heatwave in Europe
    A severe heatwave struck Europe, causing thousands of deaths. This event highlighted the dangers of extreme weather conditions.

Scientific Discoveries on July 31st

Science has made strides on July 31st. Here are some discoveries:

  1. 1999: Discovery of the First Brown Dwarf
    Astronomers discovered the first brown dwarf, a celestial object that is between a star and a planet in size. This discovery expanded our understanding of the universe.

  2. 2008: Mars Phoenix Lander Confirms Water on Mars
    NASA's Mars Phoenix Lander confirmed the presence of water ice on Mars. This finding was crucial for future Mars exploration missions.

Sports Achievements on July 31st

Athletes have achieved remarkable feats on July 31st. Here are some highlights:

  1. 1932: Summer Olympics in Los Angeles
    The 1932 Summer Olympics opened in Los Angeles, California. This event showcased the talents of athletes from around the world.

  2. 1996: Michael Johnson Wins Gold
    Sprinter Michael Johnson won the gold medal in the 200 meters at the Atlanta Olympics, setting a new world record.

Miscellaneous Facts about July 31st

Here are some other interesting facts about July 31st:

  1. National Avocado Day
    In the United States, July 31st is celebrated as National Avocado Day. It's a day to enjoy this nutritious fruit in various dishes.

  2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Released
    The final book in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," was released on July 31st, 2007. Fans eagerly awaited this conclusion to the beloved series.

  3. World Ranger Day
    July 31st is also World Ranger Day, a day to honor park rangers and the work they do to protect natural and cultural heritage.

  4. First U.S. Patent Issued
    The first U.S. patent was issued on July 31st, 1790, to Samuel Hopkins for a process of making potash, an ingredient used in fertilizer. This marked the beginning of the U.S. patent system.

The Magic of July 31st

July 31st is packed with historical events, celebrity birthdays, and unique celebrations. From the birth of J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter to the discovery of the first asteroid, this date holds a special place in history. It’s also National Avocado Day and National Mutt Day, giving us reasons to celebrate both healthy eating and our beloved mixed-breed dogs.

Whether you’re a history buff, a literature fan, or just someone who loves quirky holidays, July 31st offers something for everyone. It’s a day that reminds us of the rich tapestry of human achievements and the simple joys of life. Next time July 31st rolls around, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating facts and events that make this day truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes July 31st stand out in history?
Well, July 31st has seen its fair share of historical events, notable birthdays, and significant occurrences that set it apart. From the crowning of a king to groundbreaking scientific achievements, this day has been a stage for many memorable moments throughout history.
Who are some famous people born on July 31st?
July 31st boasts a list of celebrities and historical figures who've made their mark. J.K. Rowling, the mastermind behind the Harry Potter series, and Harry Potter himself (at least according to the books), share this birthday. Other notable names include the revolutionary scientist John Ericsson and the charismatic actor Wesley Snipes.
Are there any major holidays or observances on July 31st?
While July 31st might not host major international holidays, it's celebrated in specific circles and countries for various reasons. For instance, it marks the end of the month-long observance of Plastic Free July, a global movement that encourages people to reduce plastic waste.
What are some unique facts about July 31st?
Did you know that on July 31st, the first US patent was issued in 1790? Or that it's the day when the Ranger 7 sent back the first close-up photographs of the moon's surface in 1964? Each fact adds a layer of uniqueness to this date.
How does July 31st impact pop culture?
Beyond birthdays and historical events, July 31st has left its mark on pop culture, especially with the connection to Harry Potter. Fans worldwide celebrate this day as Harry Potter Day, showcasing the impact of J.K. Rowling's creation on literature and film.
Can July 31st be considered a lucky day?
Luck is in the eye of the beholder, but for some, July 31st has been a day of fortune and significant achievements. Whether it's launching a successful mission to the moon or patenting a revolutionary invention, this day has been lucky for many.
What historical events happened on July 31st?
From the realm of exploration to technological advancements, July 31st has witnessed several key events. For example, in 1971, Apollo 15 astronauts drove the lunar rover on the moon's surface for the first time, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

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