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Old clock in sand with the words: It Happend in July

View Historical Events by Day: What Happened on July 3 in History?

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on July 3rd. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

987 CE, July 3

Hugh Capet is crowned as the King of the Franks (approximate date), ending the almost three century rule of the Carolingian dynasty and marking the beginning of the Capetian dynasty and the consolidation of power in France, laying the foundation for the for the French nation-state. Hugh Capet was the first of a direct line of 14 Capetian kings who ruled France until 1328. The dynasty came to an end with the death of Charles IV without a male heir in 1328. More

1260 CE, July 3

The Battle of Ain Jalut occurs between the Mongol Empire and the Mamluk Sultanate, resulting in a decisive Mamluk victory and halting the Mongol expansion into the Middle East.

1663 CE, July 3

King Charles II of England grants a charter establishing the Carolina Colony, named in honor of his father, Charles I.

1775 CE, July 3

George Washington takes command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts.

1890 CE, July 3

Idaho is admitted into the Union becoming the 43rd State.

1988 CE, July 3

The U.S. cruiser USS Vincennes fires two guided missiles and shoots down an Iranian passenger jet, Iran Air 655, an Airbus 300. All 290 passengers and crew on board were killed. More 

2013 CE, July 3

Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi, is overthrown in a military coup.