Reflecting on the Civil Rights Act: July 2 in History

A look back at pivotal moments and influential figures commemorated on this day.

On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, outlawing discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin.
In 1776, the Continental Congress declared the United States' independence from Britain.
In 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot, leading to his death months later.
Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan disappeared over the Pacific Ocean on this day in 1937 during their round-the-world flight attempt.
The first Walmart store opened in Rogers, Arkansas, on July 2, 1962.