Today in History graphic for August 7 featuring George Washington's Badge of Military Merit, the Harvard Mark I computer, Philippe Petit walking between the Twin Towers, Michigan's Grand River Road, and Barry Bonds.

August 7 in History: The Purple Heart Is Created, IBM Unveils the Harvard Mark I, and Philippe Petit Walks Between the Twin Towers

Scott Winters August 7, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on August 7 in history as remarkable achievements, historic milestones, technological advances, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on August 7 in History?

Important events on this day include George Washington creating the Badge of Military Merit that later became the Purple Heart, IBM dedicating the Harvard Mark I computer, Philippe Petit’s daring tightrope walk between New York’s Twin Towers, Michigan’s first paved cross-state highway opening, and Barry Bonds breaking baseball’s all-time home run record.

AUGUST 7 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1782 – George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit, the predecessor of today’s Purple Heart.

1789 – Congress established the U.S. War Department.

1888 – Theophilus Van Kannel received a patent for the revolving door.

1909 – Alice Huyler Ramsey and three friends become the first women to complete a transcontinental auto trip. The trip took 59 days to complete. They traveled from New York, NY to San Francisco, CA.

1926 – Michigan opened Grand River Road (M-16), the state’s first paved highway stretching across the Lower Peninsula.

1944 – IBM dedicated the first program-controlled calculator, the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (known best as the Harvard Mark I).

1955 – Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering, later named Sony, sold its first transistor radios in Japan.

1959 – The Lincoln Memorial design on the penny went into circulation. It replaced the “sheaves of wheat” (or “wheat penny”) design and was minted until 2008.

1959 – The U.S. launched Explorer 6, which sent back the first crude photograph of Earth from orbit..

1966 – Race riots occurred in Lansing, MI.

1974 – French stuntman Philippe Petit walked a tightrope strung between the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center, 1,368 feet in the air.

1976 – Scientists announced that Viking 1 had returned intriguing results from Mars that sparked debate over the possibility of microbial life.

1978 – President Jimmy Carter declared a federal emergency at Love Canal due to toxic waste that had been negligently disposed of into the canal.

1981 – After 128 years of publication, “The Washington Star” ceased all operations.

1990 – The first American soldiers arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of the Gulf War.

1992 – Carl Lewis set the 100m world record and anchored the 100m relay team at the World Championships.

2003 – Stephen Geppi bought a 1963 G.I. Joe prototype for $200,000.

2006 – Gene Simmons, of the band KISS, got his own reality TV show when “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” premiered on A&E.

2007 – At AT&T Park, Barry Bonds hit his 756th career home run to surpass Hank Aaron’s 33-year-old record.

2013 – The movie “We’re the Millers”, starring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis, premiered in theaters.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 7:

Lee Corso – 91 years old (1935) – College football coach and broadcaster

Garrison Keillor – 84 years old (1942) – Humorist, novelist, short story writer, and radio host

John Glover – 82 years old (1944) – Actor

Alan Page – 81 years old (1945) – Football player and jurist

Marty Appel – 78 years old (1948) – Businessman and author

Rodney Crowell – 76 years old (1950) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Alan Keyes – 76 years old (1950) – Politician and diplomat, 16th Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs

Caroline Aaron – 74 years old (1952) – Actress and producer

Anne Fadiman – 73 years old (1953) – Journalist and author

Wayne Knight – 71 years old (1955) – Actor, comedian and voice actor

Greg Nickels – 71 years old (1955) – Lawyer and politician, 51st Mayor of Seattle

Russell Baze – 68 years old (1958) – Canadian-American jockey

Alberto Salazar – 68 years old (1958) – Cuban-American runner and coach

David Duchovny – 66 years old (1960) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

Alison Brown – 64 years old (1962) – Banjo player, songwriter, and producer

Nick Gillespie – 63 years old (1963) – Journalist and author

Marcus Roberts – 63 years old (1963) – Pianist and educator

Kristin Hersh – 60 years old (1966) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Jimmy Wales – 60 years old (1966) – American-British entrepreneur, co-founder of Wikipedia

Jason Grimsley – 59 years old (1967) – Baseball player

Francesca Gregorini – 58 years old (1968) – Italian-American director and screenwriter

Rachel York – 55 years old (1971) – Actress and singer

Danny Graves – 53 years old (1973) – Vietnamese-American baseball player

Chico Benymon – 52 years old (1974) – Actor

Michael Shannon – 52 years old (1974) – Actor

Rebecca Kleefisch – 51 years old (1975) – Journalist and politician, 44th Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin

Shane Lechler – 50 years old (1976) – Football player

Jamey Jasta – 48 years old (1978) – Singer-songwriter

Cirroc Lofton – 48 years old (1978) – Actor

Eric Johnson – 47 years old (1979) – Actor, director, and screenwriter

Abigail Spanberger – 47 years old (1979) – Politician, intelligence officer, and first female governor of Virginia

David Testo – 45 years old (1981) – Soccer player

Randy Wayne – 45 years old (1981) – Actor and producer

Ryan Lavarnway – 39 years old (1987) – Baseball player

Melody Oliveria – 38 years old (1988) – Blogger

Beanie Wells – 38 years old (1988) – Football player

DeMar DeRozan – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player

Mike Trout – 35 years old (1991) – Baseball player

Kyler Murray – 29 years old (1997) – Football player

Jalen Hurts – 28 years old (1998) – Football player

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone – 27 years old (1999) – Hurdler and sprinter

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 7:

International Beer Day: Sharing laughs with friends over a refreshing, bubbly, golden pint is a classic recipe for good times and memorable moments.
National Lighthouse Day: Often used as metaphors, lighthouses are the beautiful towers that keep ships safe in the night. Visit one to appreciate their majesty and mystery.
National Water Balloon Day: Colorful spheres of fun bursting with laughter, turning ordinary moments into refreshing, playful memories under the sun.
National Handloom Day: National Handloom Day is a celebration of India's rich textile traditions and the people who bring them to life. It highlights the artistry and dedication of Handloom weavers, who create fabrics that are not only beautiful but also deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Handloom textiles, ranging from intricate sarees to...
Braham Pie Day: Braham Pie Day brings a slice of joy to everyone who attends. Known as the "Homemade Pie Capital of Minnesota," Braham transforms into a bustling hub of excitement every first Friday of August. The town buzzes with activities ranging from pie-baking contests to quirky art shows, all celebrating the delightful...
National Raspberries n’ Cream Day: National Raspberries n’ Cream Day brings a sweet sparkle to everyone who loves this delightful treat. The day is all about celebrating the fantastic blend of fresh raspberries with creamy toppings. This treat isn't just delicious—it also brightens up any dish, from pies to smoothies, making it a favorite for...
Aged Care Employee Day: Show some appreciation to the warm, caring people who take care of the elderly in Aged Care Homes. Send a card or gift basket to say thanks.
Professional Speakers Day: Attend a seminar to see the pros at work, or practice your own public speaking on Professional Speakers Day to appreciate this nerve-wracking role.
National Sea Serpent Day: National Sea Serpent Day brings to life the mystique and excitement surrounding sea serpents, legendary creatures steeped in folklore and myth. Imagine colossal, snake-like beings that roam the depths of our oceans, sparking curiosity and awe. On this day, people embrace the stories of these elusive giants, celebrating the rich...
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...
Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day: Why do I need scissors to open up brand new scissors? Write an email to manufacturers, and talk openly about these ridiculous packaging techniques.
Purple Heart Day: Recognizing sacrifice and valor, this symbol stands as a tribute to those who courageously served their nation.
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.
National Twins Day: National Twins Day is a vibrant celebration that recognizes and honors the unique connection between twins. This day is not just about the remarkable similarities twins share but also about embracing their individuality. Across the globe, twins, their families, and friends come together to share experiences and celebrate the extraordinary...
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...