Jean-Pierre Blanchard
Pioneer of balloon flight invention
Inventor and aeronaut, played a key role in advancing balloon flight in the late 18th century. Conducted the first successful manned flight in the United States in 1793, launching from Philadelphia. Collaborated with various scientists and made significant contributions to aerial navigation. Developed different types of balloons and contributed to public demonstrations that popularized ballooning in Europe and America.
Conducted the first manned flight in the US
Developed multiple balloon designs
Popularized ballooning through public demonstrations
Other People Born on July 4th
Giuseppe Garibaldi
Italian general and politician
Born
July 4th, 1807 218 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1882 143 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1807, a significant figure in the Italian unification movement, played a critical role in the Risorgimento. Commanded the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860, leading volunteer troops to conquer Sicily and Naples, contributing to the establishment of a unified Italy. Additionally, served in various campaigns in South America, advocating for democratic governance and social reforms. Held positions in the Italian government post-unification, further shaping the nation's political landscape.
Continue ReadingGeorge Steinbrenner
Businessman, owner of the Yankees
Born
July 4th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
July 13th, 2010 15 years ago — 80 years old
An American businessman, led the New York Yankees as principal owner from 1973 until his death in 2010. Oversaw a major financial turnaround for the franchise, transforming it into a highly profitable sports entity. Focused on aggressive marketing strategies and player acquisitions. The team won seven World Series championships during his tenure, contributing to the Yankees' status as one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball history.
Continue ReadingRichard Garriott
Video game designer, Ultima series creator
Born
July 4th, 1961 64 years ago
An English-American video game designer, contributions include the development of the Ultima series, which significantly influenced the role-playing game genre. Garriott's work extended beyond game design; he pursued a successful career as an entrepreneur and involved himself in the gaming community through various innovations. Garriott held a strong interest in technology, used it to explore the virtual worlds he created, and was one of the first developers to leverage online gaming. His dedication to the medium culminated in exploration of space as part of a commercial flight in 2008.
Continue ReadingPaul Scoon
Governor-General of Grenada
Born
July 4th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2013 12 years ago — 78 years old
Served as the second Governor-General of Grenada from 1978 to 1992. Held office during a significant period in Grenadian history, including the U.S. invasion in 1983 which aimed to restore order following a coup. Actively participated in discussions about constitutional and legislative reforms, contributing to the development of Grenadian governance. Engaged in various diplomatic duties both locally and internationally, representing Grenada on numerous occasions.
Continue ReadingHenrietta Swan Leavitt
American astronomer studying Cepheid variables
Born
July 4th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1921 104 years ago — 53 years old
An American astronomer and academic contributed significantly to the field of astronomy through research on variable stars, specifically Cepheid variables. Developed a method to determine distances to far-off galaxies using the relationship between a Cepheid's luminosity and its pulsation period. This work laid the foundation for later discoveries regarding the expansion of the universe. Worked at the Harvard College Observatory, where many female astronomers operated under the title of 'computers', analyzing star data and making crucial astronomical advancements during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Continue ReadingMichael Johnson
Footballer and manager with coaching success
Born
July 4th, 1973 52 years ago
Died
July 25th, 2017 8 years ago — 44 years old
Played professional football primarily as a forward. Represented clubs such as Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Transitioned to coaching after retirement from playing. Managed teams including the Jamaican national team, contributing to their football development.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 7th
Jacob K. Javits
American politician and attorney general
Born
May 18th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
March 7th, 1986 39 years ago — 81 years old
Served as a U.S. Congressman and U.S. Senator from New York. During tenure in the Senate, advocated for labor reforms and civil rights. Played a significant role in the establishment of the New York City Fiscal Control Board. Served as the 58th Attorney General of New York, implementing various legal reforms. Worked on advancing issues related to health care and environmental protection.
Continue ReadingWłodzimierz Smolarek
Polish footballer and manager
Born
1957 69 years ago
Died
March 7th, 2012 13 years ago — 55 years old
Played as a forward, contributing significantly to the Polish national football team during the 1980s. Achieved notable success with Widzew Łódź, winning the Polish league title and the Polish Cup. Participated in the 1982 FIFA World Cup, where Poland secured third place. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, taking roles at various clubs and contributing to the development of football in Poland.
Continue ReadingBradbury Robinson
American football player and physician
Born
February 1st, 1884 142 years ago
Died
March 7th, 1949 76 years ago — 65 years old
An American football player and physician who played as a quarterback. He gained recognition for being the first player to throw a forward pass in a college football game. The forward pass became a crucial component of modern football gameplay. After his sports career, he pursued medicine and contributed to the field as a physician.
Continue ReadingYoshihiro Tatsumi
Japanese manga artist and author
Born
June 10th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
March 7th, 2015 10 years ago — 79 years old
An influential manga artist and writer, contributed significantly to the development of the manga genre, particularly through the art of gekiga, a form of graphic novel characterized by its more serious, adult themes. Released the groundbreaking work 'Gekiga, Story of the Life of a Comic Artist' that explored personal experience and societal issues. Established a legacy that shaped modern manga narrative and art style, influencing future generations of creators. Passed away in 2015.
Continue ReadingAntoninus Pius
Roman Emperor during the Pax Romana
Born
September 19th, 86 1939 years ago
Died
March 7th, 161 1864 years ago — 74 years old
Served as Roman Emperor from 138 to 161 CE. Oversaw a period of relative peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana. Implemented legal reforms that improved the judicial system. Known for his efforts in infrastructure, including building roads and temples. His reign is marked by stability and a lack of military conflict, apart from a few campaigns in Britain.
Continue ReadingRobert Townsend
Actor and director of Hollywood Shuffle
Born
February 6th, 1957 69 years ago
Died
March 7th, 1838 187 years ago — -119 years old
An American actor and director, engaged in film and television since the 1980s. Gained recognition through the film 'Hollywood Shuffle', which was released in 1987 and provided commentary on race and representation in the entertainment industry. Directed the acclaimed television series 'The Parenthood', which aired from 1995 to 2000. Contributed to various projects highlighting African American culture and experiences in media.
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