Discover what happened on August 31 in history as publishing and broadcasting reached new milestones, famous inventions emerged, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on August 31 in History?
On this day, Michigan’s first newspaper was published, Detroit radio station 8MK made broadcasting history, Princess Diana died in Paris, and Disney announced its $4 billion deal to acquire Marvel.
AUGUST 31 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1803 – Meriwether Lewis departed Pittsburgh, PA, with a small crew, beginning the first phase of what would become the Lewis and Clark Expedition. William Clark joined him later in the journey.
1809 – Michigan’s first newspaper, The Michigan Essay: or, The Impartial Observer, was published in Detroit. Only one issue was ever produced.
1914 – Bloomingdale, MI, received 9.78 inches of rain in 24 hours, setting a Michigan record for 24-hour rainfall.
1920 – Detroit radio station 8MK, which later became WWJ, broadcast election returns and news from the Detroit News, an early milestone in regularly scheduled radio news broadcasting.
1920 – John Lloyd Wright received a patent for his “Toy-Cabin Construction,” the interlocking wooden building toy better known as Lincoln Logs.
1964 – California officially surpassed New York as the most populous state in the United States.
1985 – Serial killer Richard Ramirez, known as the “Night Stalker,” was captured in Los Angeles after residents recognized, chased and subdued him until police arrived.
1997 – Diana, Princess of Wales, died at age 36 from injuries suffered in a car crash in Paris, France. Her companion Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul were also killed. (Do you remember where you were when you heard the news?)
2004 – The reality series Dog the Bounty Hunter premiered on A&E, following bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman and his family.
2006 – Norwegian police recovered Edvard Munch’s The Scream and Madonna, two years after the paintings were stolen at gunpoint from Oslo’s Munch Museum.
2009 – The Walt Disney Company announced plans to acquire Marvel Entertainment in a deal valued at approximately $4 billion, bringing characters including Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men and Captain America under the Disney corporate umbrella.
2015 – President Barack Obama’s administration officially restored the name Denali to North America’s highest mountain, replacing the federal government’s longtime use of Mount McKinley.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 31:
Larry Hankin – 86 years old (1940) – Actor, director, and producer
William DeWitt – 85 years old (1941) – Jr. , American businessman
Itzhak Perlman – 81 years old (1945) – Israeli-American violinist and conductor
Jerome Corsi – 80 years old (1946) – Conspiracy theorist and author
Tom Coughlin – 80 years old (1946) – Football player and coach
Lowell Ganz – 78 years old (1948) – Screenwriter and producer
Richard Gere – 77 years old (1949) – Actor and producer
Stephen McKinley Henderson – 77 years old (1949) – Actor
Hugh David Politzer – 77 years old (1949) – Physicist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate
Rick Roberts – 77 years old (1949) – Country-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist
Kim Kashkashian – 74 years old (1952) – Viola player and educator
Marcia Clark – 73 years old (1953) – Attorney and author
Julie Brown – 72 years old (1954) – Actress and screenwriter
Aleksander Krupa – 71 years old (1955) – Polish-American actor
Edwin Moses – 71 years old (1955) – Hurdler
Gina Schock – 69 years old (1957) – Drummer
Dee Bradley Baker – 64 years old (1962) – Voice actor
Reb Beach – 63 years old (1963) – Guitarist
Raymond P. Hammond – 62 years old (1964) – Poet and critic
Gene Hoglan – 59 years old (1967) – Drummer
Jeff Russo – 57 years old (1969) – Musician
Debbie Gibson – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actress
Chris Tucker – 55 years old (1971) – Comedian and actor
John Grahame – 51 years old (1975) – Ice hockey player and coach
Sara Ramirez – 51 years old (1975) – Mexican-American actor and musician
Shar Jackson – 50 years old (1976) – Actress and singer
Jeff Hardy – 49 years old (1977) – Wrestler and singer
Clay Hensley – 47 years old (1979) – Baseball player
Yara Martinez – 47 years old (1979) – Puerto Rican-American actress
Mickie James – 47 years old (1979) – Wrestler
Joe Budden – 46 years old (1980) – Broadcaster and former rapper
Steve Saviano – 45 years old (1981) – Ice hockey player
Ian Crocker – 44 years old (1982) – Swimmer
Chris Duhon – 44 years old (1982) – Basketball player
Josh Kroeger – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player
G. Willow Wilson – 44 years old (1982) – Journalist and author
Larry Fitzgerald – 43 years old (1983) – Football player
Ryan Kesler – 42 years old (1984) – Ice hockey player
Ted Ligety – 42 years old (1984) – Skier
Ryan Kelley – 40 years old (1986) – Actor
Blake Wheeler – 40 years old (1986) – Ice hockey player
Matt Adams – 38 years old (1988) – Baseball player
Athena – 38 years old (1988) – Wrestler
Dezmon Briscoe – 37 years old (1989) – Football player
Brittany Mahomes – 31 years old (1995) – Soccer player
Jalen Brunson – 30 years old (1996) – Basketball player
Jaylen Barron – 29 years old (1997) – Actress
BossMan Dlow – 28 years old (1998) – Rapper
Sauce Gardner – 26 years old (2000) – Football player
Amanda Anisimova – 25 years old (2001) – Tennis player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 31:
- International Overdose Awareness Day: Wear silver or purple, attend an event or seminar, and help raise awareness about the prevalence of overdoses and how such events can destroy families.
- Gravy Wrestling Championship: The Gravy Wrestling Championship is a wildly entertaining event that turns a quiet town into a lively spectacle. Wrestlers dive into pools of gravy to battle it out in front of cheering crowds. The thick, slippery gravy makes each match unpredictable and full of laughs. The event is not just...
- National Zoo Awareness Day: National Zoo Awareness Day encourages everyone to appreciate the beauty and importance of zoos. This day invites people to explore the wonders of wildlife and learn about the crucial role zoos play in conservation. When visiting zoos, families and friends can bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories. Zoos...
- National Trail Mix Day: Go for the classic, or check out the bulk bins for a mix of nuts, fruits, and chocolate to craft your own trail mix, from cashews to filberts, craisins to apricots.
- We Love Memoirs Day: Delving into someone else's life story, wrapped in their adventures and life lessons, can be a captivating journey worth taking.
- National Eat Outside Day: Savor the sunshine while delighting in the scrumptious flavors of nature. Eating outside is a treat for the senses and the soul!
- World Distance Learning Day: Learning has never been so flexible, fast, and full of choices. World Distance Learning Day shines a spotlight on education without borders. No crowded classrooms or heavy bags—just a screen, a spark of curiosity, and the tools to grow. People everywhere tap into lessons from across the globe, often without leaving...
- National Matchmaker Day: National Matchmaker Day is a delightful occasion that celebrates the individuals who bring people together. Whether they're professionals or just friends who enjoy playing Cupid, matchmakers help create love stories. This day is dedicated to those who work behind the scenes to connect hearts, reminding us of the importance of...
- International Day for People of African Descent: Honoring cultural richness, contributions, and resilience, amplifying voices and stories from the vibrant tapestry of African heritage.
- National South Carolina Day: National South Carolina Day honors the rich heritage of the Palmetto State. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic shoreline, South Carolina's diverse landscapes tell tales of natural beauty. Its vibrant cities and quaint towns reflect a blend of cultures and traditions, making it a unique tapestry of American...
- World Stop Sign Day: With the slogan, “STOP when you have to stop”, this event is here to honor the important history of the stop sign and encourage those who might simply need to put on the brakes of their life. World Stop Day can help to promote healthy boundaries, remind humans of their...
- Love Litigating Lawyers Day: If you know a lawyer or, take this opportunity to give them a big thank you for the hard work they do, while often being stereotyped and joked about.
- National Diatomaceous Earth Day: National Diatomaceous Earth Day celebrates one of nature’s quiet wonders—diatomaceous earth. This soft, chalky powder comes from ancient algae-like creatures called diatoms. Over time, their fossilized shells built up into thick layers beneath lakes and oceans. Today, this earthy dust helps with everything from keeping bugs out of gardens to...
- National Heroes’ Day: When the Philippines sought freedom from foreign rule, it sparked a fire of determination that lit the way for generations.
- Hari Merdeka: Hari Merdeka is a day when the Malayan people come together to celebrate independence. On this day, they feel a deep sense of pride and unity. Citizens reflect on the nation's journey and achievements. Vibrant parades and colorful displays fill the streets, and the atmosphere buzzes with excitement. This day is...
- Late Summer Bank Holiday: Take advantage of the perfect opportunity to soak up the last of the summer sun, make memories with loved ones, and unwind before the autumn.
- 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...
- Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
- Be Kind to Humankind Week: Genuine gestures illuminate hearts, weaving compassion into the fabric of everyday connections, fostering solidarity and empathy.
- Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...
Powered by Days Of The Year
For additional information check out websites like: www.on-this-day.com, www.born-today.com, www.famousbirthdays.com, www.daysoftheyear.com, and www.nationaldaycalendar.com.
