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 […]
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 […]