On August 19, 1812, the USS Constitution earned its nickname: Old Ironsides. Launched in 1797, the wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate, under the command of Captain Isaac Hull, “sailed from Boston on August 2, 1812 to off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. On the afternoon of August 19,…
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The Hardest Day: A Defining Moment in the Battle of Britain The Battle of Britain, a pivotal confrontation during World War II, reached its most intense and harrowing moment on August 18, 1940—a day that would later be known as “The Hardest Day.” This…
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On August 18, 1868, one of the most abundant gases in the universe was discovered. Though less common on Earth, the discovery of helium marked a significant milestone in the history of chemistry and physics and has been credited to two scientists who made…
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On August 17, 1998, the United States witnessed a historic and dramatic moment in its political landscape as President Bill Clinton admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with Monica Lewinsky, a former White House intern. This admission came after months of speculation, investigation, and…
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On August 17, 1807, Robert Fulton changed how Americans traveled, taking a steamboat between New York City and Albany and heralding the beginning of steam navigation on the Hudson River. In 1801 Fulton met Robert R. Livingston, a signer of the U.S. Declaration of…
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On August 16, 1858, a monumental event in the history of communication took place when U.S. President James Buchanan and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom exchanged greetings over the newly laid transatlantic telegraph cable. This achievement marked the first time that two continents…
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On August 15, 1954, Americans got their first ever copy of their new favorite magazine, Sports Illustrated. The initial cover photo snapped by Mark Kauffman on June 9, 1954 showed Milwaukee Braves slugger Eddie Mathews taking a swing against the New York Giants while…
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On August 15, 1914, the world witnessed a monumental achievement in engineering and global trade with the official opening of the Panama Canal. The first vessel to navigate this vital new passage was the SS Ancon, a cargo ship that would forever be remembered…
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On August 15, 1935, one of the brightest flames in American film and radio was suddenly snuffed out. Renowned for his wit, humor, and versatility, Will Rogers had endeared himself to millions as a vaudeville performer, film actor, radio personality, and prolific newspaper columnist.…
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On August 14, 1920, the world saw the unveiling of a symbol that would become synonymous with global unity and peaceful competition: the Olympic flag. Introduced during the VII Olympiad in Antwerp, Belgium, the flag was more than just a new emblem for the…
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