Birth of Ted Williams
Baseball legend Theodore Samuel Williams was born on August 30, 1918, in San Diego, California. One of the game’s all-time great hitters, he holds the record for career on-base percentage.
American History
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Tom Thumb Proves the Power of Steam
On August 28, 1830, the Tom Thumb steam locomotive raced against a horse-drawn car near Baltimore, Maryland. Though the contest ended unexpectedly, it proved to railroad executives and the public that steam power would revolutionize transportation.
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Third Pan-American Games
On August 27, 1959, the third Pan-American Games officially opened in Chicago, Illinois. These were the first Pan-Am Games held in the United States.
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The 19th Amendment
On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment went into effect, granting women’s suffrage. It was a major victory for suffragists following a decades-long fight.
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Red Ball Express
On August 25, 1944, the Red Ball Express truck convoy system opened to help rush supplies to soldiers at the front. It eventually helped to transport 3.5 tons of supplies per minute.
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Dolley Madison Saves Famous Washington Portrait
On August 24, 1814, as British troops approached the American capital, First Lady Dolley Madison insisted on saving important historical relics, including a portrait of our first president.
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First Presidential Motorcade
Touring New England on August 22, 1902, Theodore Roosevelt became the first sitting president to publicly ride in an electric automobile accompanied by security. This was the first modern presidential motorcade.
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Hawaii Becomes America’s 50th State
On August 21, 1959, America became the 50-state country we know today with the addition of Hawaii. Hawaii’s path to becoming the 50th state was long, complicated, and sometimes controversial.
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First Flight of the B-25 Mitchell Bomber
On August 19, 1940, the B-25 Mitchell bomber made its first flight. One of the most famous medium bombers of World War II, its combination…
