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 […]
President Clinton Testifies Before Grand Jury
On August 17, 1998, President Bill Clinton testified before a grand jury regarding the Monica Lewinsky scandal, a significant event in American political history. The testimony was part of a broader investigation led by Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr into allegations of sexual misconduct and possible obstruction of justice. The case had been a focal point […]
Balloon Crosses the Atlantic
On August 17, 1978, a landmark achievement in aviation history occurred when a hot air balloon, the Double Eagle II, successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Piloted by a team of three Americans—Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman—the flight was a remarkable feat of endurance and skill. The balloon took off from Presque Isle, Maine, […]
Dakota Uprising Begins in Minnesota
On August 17, 1862, the Dakota Uprising, also known as the Dakota War of 1862, began in Minnesota. This conflict was a result of growing tensions between the Dakota Sioux people and the U.S. government. The Dakota had faced significant hardships due to broken treaties, encroachments on their land, and delayed payments promised under the […]
Usain Bolt Sets 100-Meter Dash World Record
On August 16, 2009, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt set a new world record in the 100-meter dash at the World Championships in Berlin, Germany. Bolt completed the race in an astonishing 9.58 seconds, shattering his own previous world record of 9.69 seconds set the year before. His performance not only solidified his reputation as the […]
Elvis Presley Dies
On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” passed away at the age of 42. Presley was found unresponsive in his Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee, and despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead. His death shocked fans worldwide and marked the end of an era for the music […]
Gold Discovered in the Yukon
On August 16, 1896, gold was discovered in Bonanza Creek, a tributary of the Klondike River in the Yukon Territory. This discovery marked the beginning of the Klondike Gold Rush, a pivotal event that attracted thousands of prospectors and miners to the remote region. The initial find was made by George Carmack, his wife, and […]
Woodstock Festival Opens in Bethel, New York
On August 15, 1969, the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, commonly known as Woodstock, opened in Bethel, New York. This iconic festival, held on a dairy farm owned by Max Yasgur, was originally conceived as a “Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.” Woodstock was organized by four young entrepreneurs—Michael Lang, Artie Kornfeld, Joel […]
Panama Canal Open to Traffic
On August 15, 1914, the Panama Canal officially opened to traffic, marking a monumental achievement in engineering and global trade. The canal, a man-made waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was a groundbreaking project that revolutionized maritime navigation by significantly reducing the distance and time required for ships traveling between the two oceans. The […]