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

View Historical Events by Day: What Happened on June 26 in History?

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on June 26th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

1807 CE, June 26

Lightning hits a fortress in Luxembourg being used as an armory during the occupation by Napoleon’s French forces, igniting the gunpowder stored inside resulting in a massive explosion that destroyed two city blocks with an estimated 300 or more fatalities and widespread fires and devastation. The Luxembourg disaster may have been the most deadly lightning strike in history. According to the NWS Storm Data, over the last 30 years (1989-2018) the U.S. has averaged 43 reported lightning fatalities per year. Only about 10% of people who are struck by lightning are killed, leaving 90% with various degrees of disability.

1917 CE, June 26

The first American troops, the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), arrive in Europe during WWI. They were under the command of General John Joseph Pershing. However they did not fully participate at the front until October, when the First Division, one of the best-trained divisions of the AEF, entered the trenches at Nancy, France. More

1945 CE, June 26

1945, June 26 - The United Nations Charter was signed by 50 nations in San Francisco. The United Nations Charter was ratified on October 24, 1945. More

1948 CE, June 26

In response to the Soviet blockade, the U.S. and Great Britain begin an emergency airlift of food and fuel to West Berlin to relieve two million isolated West Berliners. The Russians blockade of Berlin ended on May 12, 1949. More

1960 CE, June 26

Madagascar Independence Day from France. More

1993 CE, June 26

President Clinton orders missile attack against Iraq in retaliation for alleged plot to assassinate former President Bush.

2015 CE, June 26

The U.S. Supreme Court legalizes same-sex marriage nationwide. More