On August 17 in history, Robert Fulton launched commercial steamboat service, “Animal Farm” was published, the first commercial CDs began production, and Michael Phelps won his eighth Olympic gold medal. (READ MORE)
August 16 in History: Detroit Surrenders, Sports Illustrated Debuts & Elvis Presley Dies
On August 16 in history, Detroit surrendered to British forces, “Sports Illustrated” published its first issue, Joseph Kittinger made his record-setting parachute jump, and Elvis Presley died at age 42. (READ MORE)
August 15 in History: Panama Canal Opens, “The Wizard of Oz” Premieres & Woodstock Begins
On August 15 in history, the Panama Canal opened to commercial traffic, “The Wizard of Oz” premiered in Hollywood, Woodstock began in New York, and Thomas Edison helped make “hello” the standard telephone greeting. (READ MORE)
August 14 in History: Social Security Begins, World War II Ends & “Rocky Horror” Premieres
On August 14 in history, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, Japan surrendered to end World War II, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” premiered, and Michigan began requiring drivers to carry licenses. (READ MORE)
August 10 in History: The Smithsonian Is Chartered, Mount Rushmore Is Dedicated, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Joins the Supreme Court
On August 10 in history, Congress chartered the Smithsonian Institution, Mount Rushmore was dedicated, Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined the Supreme Court, and Michael Phelps won his first of eight Olympic gold medals. (READ MORE)
August 8 in History: Nixon Announces His Resignation, the Wright Brothers Fly Before the Public, and Grand Rapids Gets TV
On August 8 in history, Richard Nixon announced his resignation, Wilbur Wright made the Wright brothers’ first public flight, and Grand Rapids’ first television station began broadcasting. (READ MORE)
August 7 in History: The Purple Heart Is Created, IBM Unveils the Harvard Mark I, and Philippe Petit Walks Between the Twin Towers
On August 7 in history, George Washington created the Purple Heart’s predecessor, IBM unveiled the Harvard Mark I, Philippe Petit crossed the Twin Towers, and Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron’s home run record. (READ MORE)