July 03

In July 1608, French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded Québec City on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. He chose the site for its strategic position and natural harbor, naming it 'Kébec' from an Algonquin word meaning 'where the river narrows.' Québec became the base of New France and a center for fur trade, missionary activity, and colonial administration. Champlain’s urban plan included fortified walls and a central plaza, fostering a European settlement pattern. The city grew into a vibrant cultural and economic hub, influencing the development of Canada. Québec City remains North America’s oldest French-speaking city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its founding marks a pivotal moment in the colonization of the New World.

In July 1767, printer and publisher Thomas Angell released the inaugural issue of Adresseavisen in Trondheim. Originally subtitled 'Sensible og Oplysende Efterretninger,' it served to inform citizens about local news, trade, and announcements. Over time, Adresseavisen evolved from a weekly gazette into a modern daily newspaper. It has chronicled Norway’s political, cultural, and social developments for over 250 years. The paper’s longevity makes it a key source for historians and genealogists. Adresseavisen’s archives reflect changing journalistic practices and technological innovations in printing. The newspaper remains an influential voice in Norwegian media today.

The Massachusetts State Normal School begins with just three students in Lexington. It represents the first public initiative in the U.S. to train teachers for the common schools. Over time, the institution expands its curriculum and relocates, evolving into the modern Framingham State University. Its foundation marks a milestone in American education reform and the professionalization of teaching. Today, Framingham State celebrates its roots dating back to this pioneering school.

On July 3, 1848, Peter von Scholten, the Danish West Indies' Governor-General, issues a decree emancipating the colony's remaining slaves. This landmark decision follows mounting pressure from abolitionist movements and slave revolts on islands like Saint Croix. The proclamation transforms the social and economic fabric of the islands, granting rights and mobility to former slaves. It stands as a pivotal moment in Denmark's colonial history and the wider struggle against human bondage. Today, the emancipation is commemorated as a key milestone in the Caribbean's path to freedom.

On July 3, 1913, fifty years after the climactic clash at Gettysburg, thousands of Civil War veterans gathered for the Great Reunion on the battlefield. Reenacting Pickett’s Charge, Confederate veterans advanced to the so-called high-water mark of the Confederacy, where Union survivors greeted them with outstretched hands. This moving moment symbolized a spirit of healing and unity that had grown since the end of the war. The event attracted national attention as one of the largest reunions in American history, showcasing shared memories and mutual respect. Speeches, parades, and memorial ceremonies filled the weeklong gathering, honoring the sacrifices of both sides. The 1913 reenactment remains an enduring emblem of reconciliation and the hope for lasting peace.