1863

The pivotal, three-day Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, resulting in a Union victory, began in Pennsylvania.

1867

Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain as the British North America Act took effect. Called Dominion Day until 1982, the national holiday is now known as Canada Day.

1973

The Drug Enforcement Administration was established.

1984

The first movie rated PG-13 (“Red Dawn,” starring Patrick Swayze) debuted.

1991

President George H.W. Bush nominated federal appeals court judge Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, beginning an ultimately successful confirmation process marked by allegations of sexual harassment.

1997

Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule after 156 years as a British colony.

Birthdays

Rock singer Deborah Harry (Blondie) is 80. Actor Terrence Mann is 74. Rock singer Fred Schneider (The B-52s) is 74. Actor-comedian Dan Aykroyd is 73. Actor Alan Ruck is 69. Singer Evelyn “Champagne” King is 65. Actor Pamela Anderson is 58. Hip-hop artist Missy Elliott is 54. Actor Julianne Nicholson is 54. Actor Liv Tyler is 48. Actor Hilarie Burton is 43.