Death of James Russell Lowell
Poet, critic, and diplomat James R. Lowell died on August 12, 1891. He spent his last years giving speeches and collecting his works in volumes.
This Day in History
Babe Ruth Becomes First Player to Hit 500 Home Runs
Hitting the first pitch he saw, Babe Ruth made history on August 11, 1929, becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 500 home runs.
Missouri Becomes 24th State
On August 10, 1821, President James Monroe signed legislation adding Missouri to the Union as our 24th state. When the U.S. took ownership of Missouri, most of the land had already been explored. Many communities had already been founded, and farming and mineral industries had been developed. Missouri was made a part of Upper Louisiana; then, in 1812, the Missouri Territory was organized.
Betty Boop Makes Cartoon Debut
On August 9, 1930, Betty Boop made her first cartoon appearance in Fleischer Studios’ Dizzy Dishes. The last Betty cartoon was released in 1939, but since then, she’s enjoyed several “comebacks” and appearances in such hit movies as Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Peace Bridge Dedicated
On August 7, 1927, the Peace Bridge linking the U.S. and Canada was dedicated by representatives from both nations and the United Kingdom.
Happy Birthday President Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II was born August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Obama won the 2008 presidential election over Republican John McCain with 52.9% of the popular vote and 365 electoral votes, making him the United States’ first African American President.
Birth of NASA and Dawn of the Space Age
On July 29, 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower signed legislation creating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Introducing… The Beatles Controversy
On July 22, 1963, the first US Beatles album was planned for release, but was delayed for several months due to a shakeup at the record company.
Death of President Zachary Taylor
On July 9, 1850, President Zachary Taylor died just 16 months into his term.