1804 – Alexander Hamilton Dies Following Duel with Aaron Burr
The United States lost one of its Founding Fathers when Alexander Hamilton succumbed to injuries from a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr. The fatal shot had been fired the day prior, July 11, at Weehawken, New Jersey. Hamilton was mortally wounded and died the next afternoon.
This duel was the result of years of political and personal animosity. Hamilton, a key architect of the American financial system and first Secretary of the Treasury, had long criticized Burr’s character and ambitions. Their deadly encounter highlighted the dangers of political rivalries in the early republic and effectively ended Burr’s political career.
Interesting Fact:
Hamilton reportedly fired his shot into the air—either as a moral gesture or poor aim—while Burr’s bullet struck true.
1863 – Grierson’s Raid Culminates During the Civil War
On July 12, 1863, Union Colonel Benjamin Grierson completed his daring cavalry raid through Confederate territory, having traveled over 600 miles through Mississippi. The raid disrupted Confederate supply lines and communications ahead of Ulysses S. Grant’s siege of Vicksburg.
Grierson’s Raid was not only a strategic success—it also demonstrated the Union’s growing ability to strike deep into the South. The mission was part of the larger Anaconda Plan and played a key role in weakening Confederate defenses during a crucial phase of the war.
Interesting Fact:
Grierson had once studied music and disliked horses before the war, yet became one of the Union’s most effective cavalry commanders.
1969 – The Rolling Stones Rock Hyde Park in Tribute to Brian Jones
Two days after founding member Brian Jones died, the Rolling Stones performed a free concert in London’s Hyde Park before an estimated crowd of over 250,000. The event marked the live debut of guitarist Mick Taylor.
The performance became a defining cultural moment of the 1960s. The band paid tribute to Jones by releasing thousands of butterflies into the air before playing, a poetic gesture that resonated with fans mourning the loss. Despite technical issues and mixed reviews, the concert cemented the Stones’ status as rock royalty.
Interesting Fact:
Mick Jagger read lines from Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem Adonaïs to honor Jones—a rare moment of lyrical solemnity in rock history.
1975 – Soviet Soyuz and U.S. Apollo Crews Begin Joint Space Mission
On July 12, 1975, the Soviet Soyuz spacecraft launched ahead of its scheduled docking with the American Apollo module. This mission, the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project, marked the first international human-crewed spaceflight collaboration between Cold War rivals.
This diplomatic breakthrough helped thaw tensions between the U.S. and USSR during the Cold War. The two spacecraft would dock on July 17, paving the way for future cooperation such as the International Space Station.
Interesting Fact:
Both crews had to learn each other’s languages to communicate, leading to humorous exchanges during their joint training.
1996 – Atlanta Olympics Torch Relay Passes Through Harlem, NYC
As part of its cross-country journey to Atlanta, the Olympic torch passed through Harlem on July 12, 1996. The torch relay, a tradition dating back to Nazi Germany’s 1936 games, had evolved into a symbol of unity, and Harlem’s moment was rich in cultural pride.
The stop was more than symbolic—it honored Harlem’s contributions to American culture, athletics, and resilience. Crowds gathered to cheer torchbearers, including local heroes, athletes, and community leaders.
Interesting Fact:
One torchbearer in Harlem was 100-year-old Alice Coachman, the first Black woman to win Olympic gold (high jump, 1948).
