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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for July 31, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
These observances run for a full week; this calendar day falls inside the week.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for July.
International and other global observances on this date (may include days, weeks, or months).
Events that occurred on July 31 throughout history
Samuel Hopkins is issued the first patent for his improvement to the potassium carbonate process. Also known as "potash", the improvement moved away from burning wood, mixing the ashes with water, and then boiling off the liquid in large iron kettles.
Stones are laid for the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building was the first federal government building under the U.S. Constitution.
Patrick Francis Healy became the first Black person to be inaugurated as President of Georgetown University. The University was a predominantly white university. Healy was born into slavery to a mixed race mother and her Irish owner. He identified as white his entire life, but was posthumously recognized as being mixed until later years if his life.
The Coast Guard officers' training school is established in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Academy later moved to its current permanent location in New London, Connecticut.
Congress to pass the Sims Act in 1912, censors movies and photos of prizefights. The Act was passed after Black heavyweight champion Jack Johnson defeated white boxer James J. Jeffries.
Astronauts David Scott (Commander) and James Irwin (Lunar Module Pilot) on Apollo 15 become the first to ride in a lunar rover. The duo covered 17 miles (27 km) at 10 mph.
Michael Phelps breaks the 1964 record for the most medals won at the Olympics. The record was previously held by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina’s.
People born on July 31
Actor who played Lurch in the Addams Family television series during the 1960s.
Chemist who invented Kevlar (tire material). She became the fourth woman to be added to the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Founder of the S.S. Kresge Company, which later launched and transitioned into the Kmart discount chain.
Painter and illustrator known for her watercolor paintings of wildflowers.
Businessman and television personality on Shark Tank.
Second woman to race in top level NASCAR.
Animation producer best known for producing the cartoon Tom and Jerry.
Non-commissioned Army officer with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. He is considered to be the most highly decorated soldier with Easy Company. He was also portrayed in Band of Brothers (played by Scott Grimes).
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