Birth of America’s 36th President
Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) was born on August 27, 1908 in Stonewall, Texas, and was the oldest of five children.
American History
First Public Presidential Car Ride
Touring New England on August 22, 1902, Theodore Roosevelt became the first sitting President to publicly ride in an automobile.
America Adds 50th State – Hawaii
On August 21, 1959, America became the 50-state nation we know today with the addition of Hawaii.
Birth of First English Child in America
On August 18, 1587, Virginia Dare was born at Roanoke Island (present-day North Carolina). However, little of her life after that is know due to the mysterious disappearance of the entire colony.
American Victory at the Battle of Bennington
On August 16, 1777, American troops won the Battle of Bennington – though the battle didn’t actually take place in Vermont.
Opening of the Panama Canal
After a decade of construction, the Panama Canal opened to traffic on August 15, 1914.
U.S. Acquires Danish West Indies
Nearly 50 years after the first negotiations took place, the United States purchased the Danish West Indies from Denmark, later renaming them the U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. again entered into talks with the Danish and the treaty was signed on August 4, 1916.
Christopher Columbus Sets Sail
On August 3, 1492, Christopher Columbus left Spain to find a water route to the fabled gold and spice islands of China. Though he didn’t find what he was looking for, his trip made him famous.
President Harding Dies Suddenly
Though he had been in poor health for some time, President Warren G. Harding’s death on August 2, 1923, was a shock to the nation, and spurred numerous unfounded rumors.