Today in History: Israeli commandos carry out Entebbe Raid

The following is a chronological list of notable events that occurred on July 3 throughout history:

87 – Hugh Capet crowned King of France
Hugh Capet was crowned in Noyon, founding the Capetian dynasty that would rule France for centuries.

1608 – Samuel de Champlain founds Quebec City
The French explorer established Quebec City, one of the oldest European settlements in North America.

1775 – George Washington assumes command of the Continental Army
Washington formally took command of the colonial forces during the American Revolutionary War at Cambridge, Massachusetts.

1844 – Last known great auks killed
Two great auks, the last confirmed of the species, were killed on Eldey Island, Iceland, marking their extinction due to overhunting.

1863 – Battle of Gettysburg ends
The decisive Civil War battle concluded with a Union victory after Pickett’s Charge failed, shifting the war’s momentum.

1890 – Idaho becomes the 43rd U.S. state
Idaho was officially admitted to the Union, continuing the U.S. westward expansion.

1938 – Steam locomotive Mallard sets world speed record
The British locomotive Mallard reached 126 mph (203 km/h), a steam train record that still stands.

1962 – France grants Algeria independence
Following years of war and a referendum, France officially recognized Algerian independence.

1976 – Israeli commandos carry out Entebbe Raid
Israeli forces rescued over 100 hostages in a daring operation at Uganda’s Entebbe Airport. The operation lead to 53 deaths, including Yonatan Netanyahu, in 1976

1988 – USS Vincennes shoots down Iran Air Flight 655
A U.S. Navy cruiser mistakenly shot down an Iranian civilian airliner, killing all 290 on board, escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf.