Today in History: Hong Kong handed over to China

The following is a chronological list of notable events that occurred on July 1 throughout history:

Battle of Gettysburg begins (July 1, 1863)
The first day of the pivotal American Civil War battle near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, began on July 1, 1863.

Dominion of Canada formed (July 1, 1867)
The British North America Act took effect on July 1, 1867, uniting provinces under a self-governing dominion.

Rough Riders storm San Juan Hill (July 1, 1898)
Theodore Roosevelt’s volunteer cavalry led the charge on Kettle Hill in Cuba on July 1, 1898.

First Tour de France begins (July 1, 1903)
The inaugural race started in Montgeron near Paris on July 1, 1903.

Wiley Post completes round‑the‑world flight (July 1, 1931)
Post and navigator Harold Gatty finished their record-setting flight on July 1, 1931.

U.S. ZIP Codes introduced (July 1, 1963)
The Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP Codes) debuted nationwide on that date.

Sony Walkman debuts (July 1, 1979)
Sony launched the TPS‑L2 Walkman personal cassette player in Japan on July 1, 1979.

Hong Kong handed over to China (July 1, 1997)
The sovereignty transfer ceremony occurred at midnight on July 1, 1997.