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 History
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.
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.
Birth of Francis Scott Key, Author of National Anthem
Born on August 1, 1779, in western Maryland, Francis Scott Key witnessed the devastating attack of Fort McHenry which inspired him to pen one of our nation’s most patriotic tunes – “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
America Declares Independence
When the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, the American colonists wanted equal representation and relief from unjust taxes. Fighting continued for over a year before the Continental Congress took steps to separate the colonies from the United Kingdom.