1586day.year

English colonists leave Roanoke Island, after failing to establish England's first permanent settlement in North America.

In 1586, struggling English colonists abandoned Roanoke Island after failing to establish England's first permanent settlement in North America.
The Roanoke venture, sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh, aimed to plant England’s first enduring colony on the North American coast. Settlers faced food shortages, hostile encounters with indigenous peoples, and harsh environmental conditions. After repeated supply delays and miscommunication with England, the colonists chose to evacuate under Sir Francis Drake’s arrival. They boarded ships, abandoning the settlement that would later become known as the 'Lost Colony.' Their departure underscored the immense challenges of early colonization. Roanoke's mysterious fate continues to intrigue historians and archaeologists today. The site remains a symbol of ambition, adversity, and the unknown in colonial history.
1586 Roanoke Island England's first permanent settlement
1785day.year

The Boston King's Chapel adopts James Freeman's revised prayer book, without the Nicene Creed, establishing it as the first Unitarian congregation in the United States.

In 1785, Boston's King's Chapel rejected the Nicene Creed, adopting James Freeman's revised prayer book and becoming America's first Unitarian congregation.
James Freeman, a pioneering clergyman, led reform at Boston’s historic King's Chapel by revising its Anglican Book of Common Prayer. His version omitted the Nicene Creed, emphasizing a more rational approach to faith. After years of debate, the congregation officially adopted Freeman's liturgy, marking a break from orthodox Trinitarian doctrine. This decision established King's Chapel as the first Unitarian church in the United States. The move influenced the broader Unitarian movement and American religious diversity. King's Chapel continues to stand as a landmark of early American religious innovation and tolerance.
1785 King's Chapel James Freeman revised prayer book
1811day.year

The Carlton House Fête is held in London to celebrate the establishment of the Regency era.

In 1811, Londoners celebrated the start of the Regency era with the lavish Carlton House Fête, a dazzling display of pageantry and festivity.
Hosted by the Prince Regent at his Carlton House residence, the fête was designed to showcase British splendor and royal patronage of the arts. Illuminations, fireworks, and theatrical performances adorned the grounds, attracting thousands of spectators. The event marked the formal transition of power as George, Prince of Wales, assumed regency duties for his incapacitated father, George III. Musicians, dancers, and painters were commissioned to contribute to the evening's exhibitions. The Carlton House Fête set new standards for public celebrations in Britain and symbolized the cultural vibrancy of the Regency period. Its legacy endures in the era’s distinctive artistic and architectural styles.
1811 Carlton House Fête London Regency era
1865day.year

Over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves in Galveston, Texas, United States, are officially informed of their freedom. The anniversary was officially celebrated in Texas and other states as Juneteenth. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in the United States.

On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, an anniversary now celebrated as Juneteenth.
More than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to announce the end of slavery. Granger's General Order No. 3 informed over 250,000 enslaved individuals that they were free, marking a pivotal moment in American history. The news sparked jubilation and the beginning of what would become known as Juneteenth, a portmanteau of 'June' and 'nineteenth.' Celebrations featured music, cookouts, and community gatherings that honored resilience and the pursuit of liberty. Juneteenth evolved into an annual observance in Texas and beyond, commemorating freedom and African American heritage. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth was officially designated a federal holiday in the United States, cementing its place in the national narrative.
1865 Emancipation Proclamation Galveston, Texas Texas Juneteenth federal holiday in the United States
1910day.year

The first Father's Day is celebrated in Spokane, Washington.

On June 19, 1910, Spokane, Washington, held the first official Father's Day celebration in the United States.
The inaugural Father's Day observance was held on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, organized by Sonora Smart Dodd. Dodd proposed the holiday to honor her Civil War veteran father and recognize paternal contributions to family life. The first celebration included church services, parades, and gift-giving in tribute to fathers. Although it gained immediate local popularity, national recognition took decades more. President Woodrow Wilson and Congress eventually endorsed Father's Day, cementing its place alongside Mother's Day. Today, Father's Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June across the United States and in many countries worldwide.
1910 Father's Day Spokane, Washington
1964day.year

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is approved after surviving an 83-day filibuster in the United States Senate.

After an 83-day filibuster, the U.S. Senate approved the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting segregation and discrimination.
On June 19, 1964, following an unprecedented 83-day filibuster, the United States Senate passed the Civil Rights Act. This landmark legislation banned segregation in public accommodations and schools. It also outlawed discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the act into law on July 2, cementing a major victory for the civil rights movement. The law empowered the federal government to enforce desegregation and protect voting rights. Its passage reshaped American society and laid the groundwork for future equality measures.
1964 Civil Rights Act of 1964 filibuster United States Senate
2018day.year

Antwon Rose II is fatally shot in East Pittsburgh by East Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Rosfeld after being involved in a near-fatal drive-by shooting.

In June 2018, 17-year-old Antwon Rose II was fatally shot by a police officer in East Pittsburgh, sparking protests and renewed calls for police reform.
On June 19, 2018, Antwon Rose II was standing near a vehicle implicated in a drive-by shooting when Officer Michael Rosfeld responded and opened fire, killing the unarmed teenager. The shooting was captured on video, leading to widespread outrage and protests across Pennsylvania demanding justice. Activists and community leaders decried the use of lethal force against a minor, highlighting issues of racial profiling and deficient police training. The incident prompted a grand jury investigation and debates over law enforcement accountability. Antwon’s death became a poignant rallying point in the broader movement for criminal justice reform and the Black Lives Matter campaign.
Antwon Rose II East Pittsburgh
2020day.year

Animal rights advocate Regan Russell is run over and killed by a transport truck outside of a pig slaughterhouse in Burlington, Ontario.

In June 2020, animal rights activist Regan Russell was tragically killed by a livestock transport truck while protesting outside a pig slaughterhouse in Burlington, Ontario.
On June 19, 2020, Regan Russell was taking part in a peaceful demonstration by Animal Justice at the HyLife Foods pig slaughterhouse when she was fatally struck by a reversing transport truck. A longtime advocate for farmed animals, Russell had dedicated her life to nonviolent protests and public education. The fatal accident intensified discussions on protester safety, corporate accountability, and humane treatment of animals. Animal rights organizations called for stricter operational protocols around slaughterhouses and better protections for demonstrators. Russell’s death resonated throughout Canada, inspiring memorials and renewed activism aimed at advancing animal welfare reforms.
2020 Regan Russell