Discover what happened on August 10 in history as remarkable achievements, historic milestones, technological advances, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on August 10 in History?
Important events on this day include the creation of the Smithsonian Institution, the formal dedication of Mount Rushmore, Franklin D. Roosevelt being stricken with polio, Ruth Bader Ginsburg joining the U.S. Supreme Court, and Michael Phelps beginning his record-breaking Olympic performance.
AUGUST 10 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1821 – Missouri was admitted as the 24th state.
1846 – Congress chartered the Smithsonian Institution using a bequest left by English scientist James Smithson.
1859 – In Boston, MA, the first milk inspectors were appointed.
1869 – O.B. Brown received a patent for an early image projection device that contributed to later motion picture technology.
1885 – The first electric streetcar, to be used commercially, was operated in Baltimore, MD, by Leo Daft.
1918 – The Grand Rapids, MI Police Court Docket for the day was blank, something that had only happened twice in 25 years.
1921 – Franklin D. Roosevelt was stricken with polio.
1927 – Construction of Mount Rushmore officially began with a dedication ceremony in South Dakota. The individual faces of the Presidents were dedicated later.
1937 – The Rickenbacker “Frying Pan,” widely considered the world’s first commercially successful electric guitar, received its patent.
1946 – The Pere Marquette became the nation’s first streamlined passenger train introduced after World War II, connecting Grand Rapids and Detroit. It made the trip in 160 minutes.
1947 – A 4.7 magnitude earthquake was centered at Coldwater, MI. It was felt as far away as Wisconsin and Illinois.
1947 – William Odom completed an around-the-world flight. He set the solo record by completing the flight in 73 hours and 5 minutes.
1948 – On ABC, “Candid Camera” made its TV debut. The show was hosted by its creator, Allen Funt. The TV show ran for 56 years.
1949 – The National Military Establishment was renamed the Department of Defense.
1954 – Construction began on the St. Lawrence Seaway.
1965 – A fire at the University of Texas damaged a collection containing artifacts once owned by Harry Houdini and P.T. Barnum.
1977 – In Yonkers, NY, 24 year old postal worker, David Berkowitz, was arrested for New York’s “Son of Sam” slayings.
1981 – Pete Rose hit a single and broke the National League all-time hit record with his 3,631 hit.
1985 – Michael Jackson paid $47.5 million for the ATV catalog, which owned and controlled 251 songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. McCartney was outbid in the sale by Jackson.
1990 – The Magellan space probe reached the planet Venus.
1993 – Ruth Bader Ginsburg took office as only the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
1994 – President Bill Clinton claimed presidential immunity. He asked a federal judge to dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Paula Jones.
1995 – Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols were indicted for the bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building. Michael Fortier pleaded guilty in a plea-bargain for his testimony.
2001 – The movie “American Pie 2” premiered in theaters.
2003 – Yuri Ivanovich Malenchenko became the first person to marry in space. His bride was on Earth.
2004 – The iTunes Music Store became the first store to have a catalog of more than one million songs.
2008 – American swimmer Michael Phelps won the first of a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics by smashing his own world record in the 400-meter individual medley.
2017 – A 100 year-old fruit cake by Huntley & Palmers was deemed “almost eatable” after being discovered in a hut used by Captain Scott’s expedition in Antarctica.
2020 – A powerful derecho swept across Iowa and parts of the Midwest, causing billions of dollars in damage and becoming the costliest thunderstorm event in U.S. history.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 10:
Betsey Johnson – 84 years old (1942) – Fashion designer
Michael Mantler – 83 years old (1943) – Trumpet player and composer
Patti Austin – 76 years old (1950) – Singer-songwriter
Daniel Hugh Kelly – 74 years old (1952) – Actor
Diane Venora – 74 years old (1952) – Actress
Rick Overton – 72 years old (1954) – Screenwriter, actor and comedian
Thomas Kidd – 71 years old (1955) – Illustrator
Fred Ottman – 70 years old (1956) – Wrestler
Charlie Peacock – 70 years old (1956) – Singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer
Rosanna Arquette – 67 years old (1959) – Actress, director, and producer
Kenny Perry – 66 years old (1960) – Golfer
Suzanne Collins – 64 years old (1962) – Author and screenwriter
Andrew Sullivan – 63 years old (1963) – English-American journalist and author
Aaron Hall – 62 years old (1964) – Singer-songwriter
Claudia Christian – 61 years old (1965) – Actress, singer, writer, and director
Pat Pitney – 61 years old (1965) – University leader and sport shooter
Mike E. Smith – 61 years old (1965) – Jockey and sportscaster
John Starks – 61 years old (1965) – Basketball player and coach
Riddick Bowe – 59 years old (1967) – Boxer
Todd Nichols – 59 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Michael Bivins – 58 years old (1968) – Singer and producer
Doug Flach – 56 years old (1970) – Tennis player
Bret Hedican – 56 years old (1970) – Ice hockey player and sportscaster
Sal Fasano – 55 years old (1971) – Baseball player and coach
Justin Theroux – 55 years old (1971) – Actor
Angie Harmon – 54 years old (1972) – Model and actress
Lisa Raymond – 53 years old (1973) – Tennis player
Rachel Simmons – 52 years old (1974) – Scholar and author
Roadkill – 50 years old (1976) – Wrestler
Marcus Fizer – 48 years old (1978) – Basketball player
JoAnna Garcia Swisher – 47 years old (1979) – Actress
Ted Geoghegan – 47 years old (1979) – Author, screenwriter, and producer
Brandon Lyon – 47 years old (1979) – Baseball player
Aaron Staton – 46 years old (1980) – Actor
Josh Anderson – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player
Kyle Brown – 43 years old (1983) – Soccer player
C. B. Dollaway – 43 years old (1983) – Mixed martial artist
Ryan Eggold – 42 years old (1984) – Actor and composer
Matt Prater – 42 years old (1984) – Football player
Lucas Till – 36 years old (1990) – Actor
Marcus Foligno – 35 years old (1991) – American-Canadian ice hockey player
Archie Bradley – 34 years old (1992) – Baseball player
Michelle Khare – 34 years old (1992) – YouTuber and television host
Andre Drummond – 33 years old (1993) – Basketball player
Dalvin Cook – 31 years old (1995) – Football player
Kylie Jenner – 29 years old (1997) – Television personality and businesswoman
Ja Morant – 27 years old (1999) – Basketball player
Sophia Smith – 26 years old (2000) – Soccer player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 10:
- Vlogging Day: Connect with other Vloggers or join the growing community of people sharing their expertise, interests, and lives online via video blogs, or vlogs.
- World Lion Day: Visit a wildlife preserve, watch a nature documentary, or simply read up online or in books to learn more about one of nature’s most majestic creature, the lion.
- National Lazy Day: There's nothing like taking a break from the hustle and bustle of life. Give yourself permission to unwind and enjoy the moment!
- National S’mores Day: Gather your friends or family around a campfire, roast some marshmallows to a golden brown (or charred black), pop it on a graham cracker with chocolate and enjoy.
- Duran Duran Appreciation Day: Hungry like the wolf? Get on the hunt for a Duran Duran album to honor this ground-breaking ‘80s rock band who helped change the face of new wave music.
- Skyscraper Appreciation Day: Take a trip to the grandest skyscraper in your area and appreciate the architectural marvel, or appreciate an entire skyline from just outside a city.
- National Spoil Your Dog Day: Spend time with your cuddly canine and make them feel super special in honor of National Spoil Your Dog Day! History of National Spoil Your Dog Day Dogs have been considered to be the best friends and companions to humans for centuries. Loyal, lovable and cuddly, dogs offer friendship and...
- Afternoon Tea Week: Host a British-inspired Afternoon Tea and plug that gap between lunch and dinner with tea, biscuits (cookies), scones, clotted cream, whatever you like.
- National Connecticut Day: National Connecticut Day offers a chance to appreciate the state's unique character and contributions. Connecticut, often called the "Constitution State," played a significant role in America's formation. Its nickname reflects its early adoption of self-governance principles, influencing the U.S. Constitution. Celebrating this day allows residents and visitors to reflect on...
- Agent Orange Awareness Day: Agent Orange Awareness Day sheds light on the silent battles many still fight. This toxic herbicide, used during the Vietnam War, left a lasting mark on countless lives. Veterans, their families, and entire communities continue to experience health complications linked to exposure. Some face serious illnesses, while others deal with...
- Herbert Hoover Day: Herbert Hoover Day stands as a moment to honor a man who answered the call to help others. The day invites people to recognize his deep sense of care. He grew from childhood hardships into a leader who believed in lending a hand and mind. Communities highlight his efforts with thoughtful...
- Update Your Bio Day: Update Your Bio Day is a fun, virtual moment that nudges you to revisit your personal descriptions online. It asks you to pause, take stock, and refresh the snapshot that people see first. Am I showing current goals? Have I shared new accomplishments? You carve out a few minutes to...
- National Shapewear Day: National Shapewear Day honors garments that enhance our natural curves, boosting confidence and style. Shapewear smooths and shapes the body, helping clothes fit better and making us feel more self-assured. From tummy-controlling briefs to full-body suits, these undergarments offer various options to suit individual needs. They provide support and comfort...
- Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
- Puck Fair: Puck Fair is a lively festival held in Killorglin, Ireland, where a goat is crowned as "King Puck" and honored by the town. This unique tradition, one of the oldest in Ireland, draws crowds eager to witness the crowning and take part in the festivities. The town comes alive with...
- National Bargain Hunting Week: Exploring discounts and deals, seekers unearth treasures while navigating the maze of savings, discovering hidden gems.
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