July 13th
1863
The draft riots, protesting unfair conscription in the Civil War, began in New York City.
1923
The Hollywood Sign is officially dedicated in the hills above Hollywood, Los Angeles. It originally reads "Hollywoodland " but the four last letters are dropped after renovation in 1949.
1930
The first World Cup soccer competition began in Montevideo, Uruguay.
1943
The Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history—involving some 6,000 tanks, 2,000,000 troops, and 4,000 aircraft—ended in German defeat.
1977
A 25-hour blackout hit New York City, engendering widespread rioting and looting.
1978
Lee Iacocca was fired as president of Ford Motor Co.
1985
The Live Aid benefit concert takes place in London and Philadelphia, as well as other venues such as Sydney and Moscow.
Birthdays
69 Patrick Stewart Actor
68 Robert Forster Actor
67 Harrison Ford Actor
67 Roger McGuinn Rock singer, musician (The Byrds)
63 Cheech Marin Actor-comedian
61 Daphne Maxwell Reid Actress
58 Didi Conn Actress
55 Louise Mandrell Singer
52 Cameron Crowe Director
47 Gonzalo Martinez De La Cotera Rock musician (Marcy Playground)
47 Victoria Shaw Country singer, songwriter
46 Kenny Johnson Actor ("Saving Grace," "The Shield")
44 Michael Jace Actor
44 Neil Thrasher Country singer
36 Deborah Cox R&B singer
35 Stephen "Steve-O" Gilchrist Glover Stunt performer and television personality
31 Will Champion Rock musician (Coldplay)
?? TideRoll Cigar Asylum Inmate