On this day: July 15

Woodstock Opens in Rain and Disorder, 1969

On July 15, 1969, the Woodstock Music & Art Fair began on a dairy farm in Bethel, N.Y., marked by heavy rain, overwhelmed organizers and unexpectedly massive crowds that transformed the concert into a chaotic, improvisational gathering.

Mariner 4 Returns First Close-Up Photographs of Mars

On July 15, 1965, NASA's Mariner 4 transmitted the first close-up images of Mars, revealing a cratered, Moon-like surface and providing the first direct data on the Martian atmosphere and environment.

U.S. Marines Land in Lebanon During 1958 Crisis

On July 15, 1958, U.S. Marines landed in Lebanon after President Camille Chamoun requested U.S. assistance amid mounting internal unrest and regional tension during the Cold War. The deployment aimed to stabilize the government and deter perceived external intervention.

NASA Clears Space Shuttle Challenger for Future Flights After Post-Disaster Review

On July 15, 1986, federal and agency reviews concluded that Space Shuttle Challenger could return to flight pending implementation of technical and managerial changes following the January disaster. The decision emphasized corrective actions and continued investigation into organizational causes.

Mexican cartel violence surges in July 2010, spreading beyond traditional strongholds

In mid-July 2010 Mexico experienced a sharp escalation of drug cartel violence, marked by high-profile confrontations, coordinated attacks on security forces and civilians, and widening territorial clashes as federal, state and local authorities struggled to contain armed groups.