In History, Today on June 26

The Panama Canal expansion project, known as the 'Third Set of Locks Project,' was completed, allowing larger ships to pass through the canal.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right under the 14th Amendment, legalizing it across the United States.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in District of Columbia v. Heller that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess a firearm for lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.

Montenegro joined the United Nations, becoming the 192nd member state after gaining independence from Serbia.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Lawrence v. Texas, striking down sodomy laws in the United States and making same-sex sexual activity legal in every U.S. state and territory.

The Human Genome Project announced that it had completed a 'working draft' of the human genome, a significant milestone in genetics and biotechnology.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Reno v. American Civil Liberties Union that the Communications Decency Act violated the First Amendment.

Elvis Presley performed his last concert at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Universal Product Code (UPC) was scanned for the first time to sell a pack of Wrigley's chewing gum at a supermarket in Troy, Ohio.

U.S. President John F. Kennedy delivered his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech in West Berlin.

Lavrentiy Beria, the head of the Soviet Union's Ministry of Internal Affairs, was arrested after a power struggle within the Kremlin following the death of Joseph Stalin.

The Berlin Airlift began as the Western Allies organized a massive airlift to supply West Berlin amidst a Soviet blockade.

The United Nations Charter was signed in San Francisco, establishing the United Nations as an international organization.

The first American troops of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) arrive in France during World War I.

The first Grand Prix motor race was held in Le Mans, France.

The American Railway Union strikes against the Pullman Company and is joined by the employees of railways under the General Managers Association in Chicago.

The Battle of Little Big Horn is fought five days earlier and on this date, the bodies of U.S. troops are buried on the battlefield in Little Bighorn.

The Christian holiday of Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States.

Hong Kong was proclaimed a crown colony of the British Empire. The island had been ceded to Britain in 1841, during the First Opium War, and its formal governance now marked the start of a significant chapter in colonial and global trade history.

The Savannah, a steamboat, became the first steam-powered ship to successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean, arriving in Liverpool, England. It sailed from Savannah, Georgia, marking a significant advancement in maritime technology.

The Battle of Fleurus was fought during the French Revolutionary Wars, resulting in a victory for the French forces.

Dr. Zabdiel Boylston gave the first smallpox inoculations in Boston, Massachusetts during a smallpox epidemic. His actions, although controversial at the time, were a significant step towards the understanding and development of vaccines.

The Treaty of Plessis-les-Tours was signed, forming the foundation of the Union of Utrecht that would lead to the independence of the Dutch Republic from Spanish rule.

Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador known for conquering the Inca Empire, was assassinated by forces of rival Spanish conquistador Diego de Almagro II in Lima, Peru.

The toothbrush, a significant advancement in personal hygiene products, was first created by Chinese innovators using bristles from hogs attached to a handle made of bamboo or bone.

Richard III was declared King of England after the deposition of his nephew, Edward V.

The Treaty of Kremmen was signed, ending disputes between Brandenburg and Pomerania.

En no Ozuno, a Japanese ascetic and mystic, was banished to Izu Ōshima. He is considered the founder of the Shugendō religion, which combines elements of Buddhism, Shinto, and Taoism.

Roman Emperor Julian, known as Julian the Apostate, died from wounds received during the Battle of Samarra against the Sasanian Empire. His death marked the end of his campaign to restore paganism in the Roman Empire.