Throughout history, July 24 has witnessed remarkable events that have influenced politics, religion, science, technology, exploration, sports, and culture. From pioneering inventions and groundbreaking explorations to important political developments and memorable achievements, this date has left an enduring mark on human civilization.
Here are some of the most significant events associated with July 24.
1847 – The Mormon Pioneers Arrive in the Salt Lake Valley
Brigham Young led the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley after a difficult journey of nearly 1,300 miles from Illinois. According to tradition, upon seeing the valley, Young declared, “This is the right place.”
The settlement eventually became Salt Lake City, now the capital of Utah, and the event remains one of the most important moments in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
1911 – Hiram Bingham Rediscovers Machu Picchu
Hiram Bingham III brought international attention to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu after being guided there by local residents.
Although local Indigenous communities had always known of its existence, Bingham’s expedition introduced Machu Picchu to the wider world, making it one of the most famous archaeological sites on Earth and later a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1915 – The Passenger Steamer SS Eastland Disaster
The passenger ship SS Eastland capsized while docked in the Chicago River during a company outing.
More than 840 people lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters in American history. The tragedy prompted major reforms in maritime safety regulations.
1923 – The Treaty of Lausanne Is Signed
Representatives of several nations signed the Treaty of Lausanne, officially recognizing the sovereignty of the modern Republic of Turkey after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
The treaty established many of Turkey’s present-day borders and replaced the earlier Treaty of Sèvres.
1937 – Amelia Earhart Is Declared Legally Dead
Three years after disappearing during her attempt to fly around the world, pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart was officially declared legally dead by a U.S. court.
Her disappearance remains one of aviation’s greatest mysteries.
1959 – The “Kitchen Debate”
Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev engaged in the famous Kitchen Debate at the American National Exhibition in Moscow.
Standing inside a model American kitchen, they debated capitalism, communism, technology, and standards of living, creating one of the Cold War’s most memorable public exchanges.
1969 – Apollo 11 Returns Safely to Earth
Following humanity’s first successful Moon landing, the Apollo 11 command module splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean.
Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins were recovered by the USS Hornet, completing one of the greatest achievements in the history of space exploration.
1974 – Watergate: Supreme Court Orders Nixon to Release Tapes
In the landmark case United States v. Nixon, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that President Richard Nixon had to surrender the White House tape recordings sought during the Watergate investigation.
The decision became a defining moment in constitutional law and the principle that no person is above the law.
1983 – The Black July Riots Begin in Sri Lanka
Following the killing of 13 Sri Lankan soldiers by Tamil militants, anti-Tamil violence erupted across Sri Lanka.
The riots claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands, and marked a turning point that intensified the Sri Lankan Civil War, leaving lasting social and political consequences.
2013 – The Rana Plaza Building Owner Is Arrested
The owner of the collapsed Rana Plaza factory complex in Bangladesh was arrested months after the disaster that killed more than 1,100 garment workers.
The tragedy led to major international reforms in factory safety and labor standards within the global garment industry.
Notable Births on July 24
- Simón Bolívar (1783) – Liberator of much of South America from Spanish rule.
- Alexandre Dumas (1802) – Author of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo.
- Jennifer Lopez (1969).
- Anna Paquin (1982).
Notable Deaths on July 24
- Robert Graves (1985).
- Peter Sellers (1980).
- Sally Ride (2012) – The first American woman in space.
July 24: A Date of Discovery, Achievement, and Change
July 24 is remembered for milestones that span continents and centuries—from the rediscovery of Machu Picchu and the founding of Salt Lake City to the triumphant return of Apollo 11 and pivotal political events such as the Kitchen Debate and the Watergate ruling. It also recalls moments of tragedy, such as the SS Eastland disaster and the Black July riots, reminding us of the importance of learning from history.
Each year, reflecting on the events of July 24 offers an opportunity to appreciate humanity’s capacity for exploration, innovation, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and progress.
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