Today in the history of the American comic strip: July 12

American cartoonists and writers may not have invented the comic strip, but some argue that the comics, as we know them today, are an American creation. Clearly, the United States has played an outsize role in the development of this underappreciated art form.

7.12.1937: Abbie an’ Slats, initially written by All Capp and illustrated by Raeburn Van Buren, begins its run. The strip survived until 1971.

7.12.1993: Brooke McEldowney unveils 9 Chickweed Lane, which follows the fortunes of three generations of women from one family. The National Cartoonists Society honored McEldowney with its Newspaper Comic Strip award in 2005.
 

9 Chickweed Lane

Most of the information listed here from one day to the next comes from two online sites -- Wikipedia, and Don Markstein's Toonopedia -- as well as 100 Years of American Newspaper Comics, edited by Maurice Horn. Note that my focus is on American newspaper comic strips (and the occasional foreign strip that gained popularity in the United States). Thus, comic books and exclusively online comics are not included here.