Today in History graphic for August 6 featuring the Hiroshima atomic bombing, the Voting Rights Act, the World Wide Web, NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars, and the debut of Mad magazine.

August 6 in History: Hiroshima Is Bombed, the Voting Rights Act Is Signed, and the World Wide Web Is Born

Scott Winters August 6, 2026 3 Comments

Discover what happened on August 6 in history as remarkable achievements, historic milestones, technological advances, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on August 6 in History?

Important events on this day include the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act, Tim Berners-Lee introducing the World Wide Web to the public, NASA’s Curiosity rover landing on Mars, and the first issue of Mad magazine hitting newsstands.

AUGUST 6 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1787 – Delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia began debating the first draft of what would become the U.S. Constitution..

1890 – At Auburn Prison in New York, NY, murderer William Kemmler became the first person to be executed by electric chair.

1926 – At the age of 19, Gertrude Ederle became the first American woman to swim the English Channel. The swim took 14-1/2 hours. She was sometimes referred to as the “Queen of the Waves”.

1926 – Warner Brothers premiered its Vitaphone system in New York, NY with the movie was “Don Juan,” starring John Barrymore.

1945 – The B-29 Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb used in warfare on Hiroshima, Japan, causing devastating destruction and the deaths of an estimated 140,000 people by the end of 1945.

1952 – “Mad” magazine was published for the first time.

1952 – Satchel Paige, at age 46, became the oldest pitcher to complete a major league baseball game.

1965 – The Voting Rights Act was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

1981 – Firefighters in Indianapolis, IN, answered a false alarm. When they returned to their station, it was ablaze due to a grease fire.

1986 – William J. Schroeder died. He lived 620 days with the Jarvik-7 artificial heart. He was the world’s longest surviving recipient of a permanent artificial heart.

1986 – Timothy Dalton became the fourth actor to be named “James Bond.”

1991 – Tim Berners-Lee released files describing the World Wide Web, making his invention publicly available and laying the foundation for the modern internet.

1993 – The U.S. Senate confirmed Louis Freeh to be the director of the FBI.

1993 – The movie “The Fugitive”, starring Tommy Lee Jones, opened in theaters.

1996 – NASA scientists announced that a Martian meteorite might contain evidence of ancient microscopic life, a claim that sparked worldwide scientific debate.

1997 – Apple Computer and Microsoft agreed to share technology in a deal giving Microsoft a stake in Apple’s survival. The deal included Microsoft investing $150 million in Apple and continued development of Microsoft Office for the Mac.

1998 – Monica Lewinsky testified before a grand jury about her affair with President Bill Clinton. She spent 8½ hours testifying.

1999 – The movie “The Sixth Sense”, starring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment, premiered in theaters.

2003 – Republican movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger announced on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” that he planned to run for governor in California’s recall election.

2007 – The Crandall Canyon Mine in Huntington, Utah collapsed, trapping six miners. The mine’s operator says that the collapse was due to an earthquake. Despite extensive rescue efforts, the trapped miners were never recovered, and the mine was permanently sealed later that year.

2009 – Bronx, NY native Sonia Sotomayor was sworn in to become the third woman — and first Latina — to sit on the United States Supreme Court.

2012 – NASA’s Curiosity rover successfully landed in Gale Crater on Mars to begin one of the most ambitious planetary exploration missions ever undertaken.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 6:

Piers Anthony – 92 years old (1934) – English-American soldier and author

Peter Bonerz – 88 years old (1938) – Actor and director

Louise Sorel – 86 years old (1940) – Actress

Ray Culp – 85 years old (1941) – Baseball player

Dorian Harewood – 76 years old (1950) – Actor

Catherine Hicks – 75 years old (1951) – Actress

Pat MacDonald – 74 years old (1952) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Jim McGreevey – 69 years old (1957) – Lawyer and politician, 52nd Governor of New Jersey

Randy DeBarge – 68 years old (1958) – Singer-songwriter and bass player

Dale Ellis – 66 years old (1960) – Basketball player

David Robinson – 61 years old (1965) – Basketball player and lieutenant

Regina Carter – 60 years old (1966) – Jazz and classical violinist, and composer

M. Night Shyamalan – 56 years old (1970) – Indian-American director, producer, and screenwriter

Vera Farmiga – 53 years old (1973) – Actress

Soleil Moon Frye – 50 years old (1976) – Actress

Melissa George – 50 years old (1976) – Australian-American actress

Travis Reed – 47 years old (1979) – Basketball player

Leslie Odom Jr. – 45 years old (1981) – Actor and singer

Garrett Weber-Gale – 41 years old (1985) – Swimmer

Hunter Greene – 27 years old (1999) – Baseball player

Nessa Barrett – 24 years old (2002) – Singer-songwriter

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 6:

India Pale Ale Day: Sip on a hoppy and refreshing brew that's perfect for any occasion, whether you're grilling with friends or just kicking back after work.
National Wiggle Your Toes Day: Trade your cramping, stuffy trainers and dress shoes for sandals, or walk barefoot in the sand or grass to give your toes some well-deserved wiggle room.
National Fresh Breath Day: Many people suffer from halitosis, or bad breath, without even realizing it. Check your breath, practice good oral hygiene, and pop a sugar-free breath mint.
International Scuba Day: Exploring the hidden depths, where silence reigns and vibrant marine life dances, offers an unparalleled adventure.
National Root Beer Float Day: The simplest combination, the sweetest flavor: simply pour a tall glass or mug of root beer, add a scoop or two of ice cream, and enjoy this classic treat.
Balloons to Heaven Day: Gather together with other members of the community to remember and mourn the lives lost to senseless gun violence.
Farmworker Appreciation Day: Donate food, water, time and resources to the hard-working laborers who put veggies, fruit, grains, and other produce on our tables and in our stores.
National Eisteddfod of Wales: The National Eisteddfod of Wales is a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture, bringing together the best of the nation's music, literature, and performance arts. Each year, the festival moves to a different location within Wales, alternating between the north and south. This week-long event attracts thousands of visitors who immerse...
Jamaica Independence Day: Jamaica Independence Day celebrates the country’s freedom—a moment when it stepped into its own future, free from outside rule. It’s a time when communities pour into streets filled with color and sound. Bands march proudly, military and community groups performing in unison. Flags fly high and music echoes in the...
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...
World Breastfeeding Week: Nurturing a bond like no other, this natural act of love fosters the health and well-being of both mother and child.
Farmers Market Week: Farmers Market Week is a vibrant celebration of local markets across the country. It's a time when communities come together to appreciate the fresh, locally grown produce and unique handmade goods that these markets offer. The energy at these markets during this special week is contagious as people of all...
Stop on Red Week: Crossing at a red light has caused countless fatalities, many of them completely avoidable. These aren’t rare, freak accidents—they happen in everyday traffic, on ordinary roads, during normal routines. Someone rushes to beat the light, doesn’t see the pedestrian, or assumes they’ll make it in time. In a split second...
International Clown Week: Exploring playful characters, spreading joy with colorful costumes, and delighting audiences with whimsical performances and antics.
Simplify Your Life Week: Embracing minimalism, decluttering spaces, and focusing on what truly matters, finding peace in simplicity and mindful living.
National Exercise With Your Child Week: Encouraging outdoor play, fostering healthy habits, and instilling a love for movement in children for lifelong well-being.
International Assistance Dog Week: International Assistance Dog Week is a special time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hardworking dogs that change lives. These dogs provide essential support to individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate daily challenges. Their incredible skills, combined with their loyal companionship, make them invaluable to those who rely on them...