Government
Thurgood Marshall Appointed Supreme Court Justice
On August 30, 1967, Thurgood Marshall became America’s first African American Supreme Court Justice.
National Park Service Established
Decades after the first national park was created, the National Park Service (N.P.S.) was officially established on August 25, 1916.
America Adds 50th State – Hawaii
On August 21, 1959, America became the 50-state nation we know today with the addition of Hawaii.
Work Begins on the Berlin Wall
When the Nazis were defeated in World War II, Germany was divided into two countries. Shortly after midnight on August 13, 1961, East German soldiers laid barbed wire and bricks, creating the Berlin Wall.
Birth of the Smithsonian Institution
After a decade of debates, the Smithsonian Institution was established on August 10, 1846.
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.
Northwest Ordinance Revolutionizes Addition of New States to the Union
The United States passed the Northwest Ordinance on July 13, 1787, to establish a set of steps territories would have to follow before becoming a state.
William Howard Taft – Only Man to Serve as President and Chief Justice
William Howard Taft always dreamed of being a Supreme Court Justice. After a term as President, the time was finally right for Taft to take his dream job – on July 11, 1921.