Hawaii Becomes the 50th State
On August 21, 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th state of the United States. The journey to statehood for Hawaii was a complex process influenced by its unique geographic, cultural, and historical context. The push for statehood began in earnest during the early 20th century, with growing local support for greater political integration and representation […]
1975 Viking 1 Launched to Mars
On August 20, 1975, NASA’s Viking 1 spacecraft was launched towards Mars, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. Viking 1 was the first spacecraft to be part of the Viking program, which aimed to explore and investigate Mars, including its surface, atmosphere, and potential for past or present life. The launch was carried out […]
17-Year-Old Becomes Youngest to Hit an MLB Home Run
On August 20, 1945, 17-year-old Joe Nuxhall made history by becoming the youngest player ever to hit a home run in Major League Baseball (MLB). This remarkable achievement occurred during a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies. Nuxhall, who was making only his second appearance in the major leagues, hit the home […]
First Enslaved Africans Arrive in Jamestown, Setting the Stage for Slavery in North America
On August 20, 1619, the first recorded arrival of enslaved Africans in English North America occurred at Jamestown, Virginia. This event marked a significant and tragic milestone in American history. The Africans were brought to Jamestown by a Dutch ship, which had captured them from a Portuguese vessel engaged in the transatlantic slave trade. This […]
“West Memphis Three” Released from Prison After 18 Years
On August 19, 2011, the “West Memphis Three” were released from prison after serving 18 years for a crime they maintained they did not commit. The case involved three teenage boys—Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley Jr.—who were convicted in 1994 of the murders of three eight-year-old boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. The case […]
The Beatles Kick Off Their First U.S. Tour at San Francisco’s Cow Palace
On August 19, 1964, The Beatles began their first major tour of the United States with a performance at San Francisco’s Cow Palace. This event marked a significant milestone in the band’s career and was the beginning of their extensive American tour, which played a crucial role in solidifying their global popularity. The Beatles, comprised […]
First Race Held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
On August 19, 1909, the inaugural race was held at the newly constructed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most iconic and prestigious venues in the world of motorsports. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, was designed by Carl G. Fisher and his associates, and it […]
Soviet Hard-Liners Launch Coup Against Gorbachev
On August 18, 1991, hard-line members of the Soviet government attempted a coup against President Mikhail Gorbachev, marking a critical turning point in Soviet history. The coup was orchestrated by a group known as the State Committee on the State of Emergency (GKChP), which was composed of conservative Soviet officials opposed to Gorbachev’s reform policies […]
Yangtze River Peaks in China
On August 18, 1931, the Yangtze River in China reached unprecedented levels, leading to one of the most devastating floods in recorded history. The flood was part of a series of catastrophic events that affected the Yangtze, Yellow, and Huai rivers, collectively known as the 1931 China floods. Heavy rainfall, combined with the melting of […]
Roanoke Colony Deserted
On August 18, 1590, the Roanoke Colony, established by Sir Walter Raleigh, was found deserted by its governor, John White. Roanoke, located on Roanoke Island in present-day North Carolina, was one of the earliest English attempts at establishing a permanent settlement in the New World. The colony had been founded in 1585, and a second […]