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June 11: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Did you know that on this day, June 11, 1982, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial by Steven Spielberg was released?

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Facts & Historic Events That Happened on June 11

June 11th is known as National German Chocolate Cake Day & Corn On The Cob Day.

We made it to day 162 of the year, and there are 203 days remaining until the end of 2026.

Is June 11 an important day for you? If so you’re not alone! This day has been pretty important one throughout history, it’s a day full of interesting discoveries, movie releases and so much more.

Did you know that on this day, June 11, 1982, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial by Steven Spielberg was released? It became the highest-grossing film of all time and held this position for 11 years.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about June 11th in history!

Historical Events

What memorable events happened on June 11 in history? Keep reading to find out!

Uruguay defeated Italy 1-0 in La Plata, Argentina, to win their first FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The winning goal was scored late, in the 86th minute. This was Uruguay's first victory in the Under-20's version of the famed international soccer competition.

Toy Story 4 premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in LA, California.

South Africa played host to the first FIFA World Cup in Africa.

The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope was launched into Earth’s orbit atop a Delta II rocket.

Previously known as the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST), the telescope was designed to observe gamma rays from a low Earth orbit. At the time of its launch, it was the most highly advanced and sensitive gamma-ray telescope in space.

British prime minister Margaret Thatcher won elections for a record third term.

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial by Steven Spielberg was released.

The movie had a budget of just $10.5 million and had a box office success of $792.9 million.

The comedy-drama musical “Nashville” written by Robert Altman was released.

The Rolling Stones hit single “Paint It Black” reached number 1 in the US.

Alabama Governor George Wallace stood in front of the schoolhouse door, refusing entry to two African American students.

This took place at the Foster Auditorium at the University of Alabama. Wallace's attempt to continue segregation brought him into the national spotlight once President John F. Kennedy issued Executive Order 11111. The order brought in the National Guard, which forced Wallace to step aside.

President John F. Kennedy gained an honorary degree from Yale University.

Napoleon took the island of Malta.

Thousands of soldiers surrounded the island at strategic points, procuring the island in the process.

After narrowly escaping a shipwreck, British explorer Captain James Cook discovered the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Cook's ship was severely damaged and needed serious repair that set him back seven weeks.

American leading figure Benjamin Franklin created the Franklin Stove.

King Henry VIII married Catherine of Aragon.

When his marriage to Catherine did not produce a male heir, King Henry became infatuated with Anne Boleyn. After Pope Clement VII refused to grant a divorce from Catherine, King Henry took it upon himself to assume supremacy over the church. This set off a chain of events that eventually led to England's division with the Catholic Church.

The Basilica of St Denis in Paris was completed and dedicated.

The church was the first structure to include all Gothic Architecture elements in the world.

Famous Birthdays

Are you celebrating your birthday today? If so, did you know that you share the same birthday as Peter Dinklage? See what other famous people were born on this day.

Born on This Day

Everyone who was born on June 11th shares the zodiac sign of Gemini.

Air is the element given to Gemini, which is quite fitting since Geminis tend to have a way of breezing through life like the wind.

Those of you that were born in June have the Alexandrite birthstone. Depending on the time of day or type of light it is exposed to, alexandrite can change from a green color to purplish-red.

If you were born on this day, it’s likely that you were conceived on September 18th in the previous year.

Babies conceived on this day will be due around March 4, 2027.

Quotes

Here we have the most notable quotes that have been said on this day throughout history.

1956

I am a typed director. If I made Cinderella, the audience would immediately be looking for a body in the coach.

Alfred Hitchcock

English Filmmaker

Special Holidays

If you're looking for something to do today, maybe these special holidays might just help to cure your boredom!

United States

National Corn On The Cob Day

Corn is such an incredibly versatile vegetable; there are so many delicious ways to prepare it, but sometimes simplicity is king. Get back to basics today and eat some corn the old-fashioned way, on the cob with slathers of butter and cracked pepper, and try to tell us it’s not the best!

United States

National German Chocolate Cake Day

This ain't no chocolate cake from Germany, oh no. It’s actually one of America’s best inventions, made with a dark chocolate invented by Sam German in 1852. So practice a bit of patriotism today by baking yourself one of America’s favorite cakes!

Fact Of The Day

Check out our daily facts page for fresh, random facts updated every day!

Days Until

Your countdown to 2026's upcoming special days!

  • Flag Day

    3 days

  • Juneteenth

    8 days

  • Independence Day

    23 days

  • Halloween

    142 days

  • Christmas Day

    197 days

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About The Author

Luke Ward
Owner

Luke Ward is the owner of The Fact Site. He has over 14 years of experience in researching, informative writing, fact-checking, SEO & web design. In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights.

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