July 1997

Tuesday 01:

The United Kingdom hands sovereignty over Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China.

Friday 04:

NASA's Pathfinder space probe lands on the surface of Mars.

Tuesday 08:

NATO invites the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland to join the alliance in 1999.

Wednesday 09:

Mike Tyson's boxing license is suspended for at least a year and he is fined $3 million for biting Evander Holyfield's ear in a televised match.

Thursday 10:

London, scientists report their DNA analysis findings from a Neandertal skeleton which support the out of Africa theory of human evolution placing an "African Eve" at 100,000 to 200,000 years ago.

Tuesday 15:

In Miami, Florida, serial killer Andrew Phillip Cunanan guns down Gianni Versace outside his home.

Wednesday 16:

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gains 63.17 to close at 8,038.88, closing above 8,000 for the first time.

Thursday 17:

The F.W. Woolworth Company closes after 117 years in business.

Friday 18:

1997 - 8000 low-caste Indians riot in Mumbai (Bombay) following a funeral for 10 children who had been killed by police.

Monday 21:

The fully restored USS Constitution (aka "Old Ironsides") celebrates her 200th birthday by setting sail for the first time in 116 years.

Tuesday 22:

The second Blue Water Bridge opens between Port Huron, Michigan and Sarnia, Ontario.

Wednesday 23:

Digital Equipment Company files antitrust charges against chipmaker Intel.

Friday 25:

K.R. Narayanan is sworn-in as India's 10th president and the first member of the Dalits caste to hold this office.

Sunday 27:

Si Zerrouk massacre in Algeria; about 50 people killed.

Monday 28:

Guatemala becomes a member of the Berne Convention copyright treaty.

Wednesday 30:

A double suicide bombing kills 14 people in Jerusalem,Israel.