First Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery
On August 30, 1984, the Space Shuttle Discovery made its first launch into space, two months later than initially planned. It would go on to make more flights than any other shuttle in its fleet.
American History
Founding of the Marine Corps Reserves
On August 29, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Naval Appropriations Act of 1916, establishing the Marine Corps Reserve.
Death of Jean Baptiste Point du Sable
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable died on August 28, 1818, in St. Charles, Missouri Territory. He’s credited as the founded of Chicago.
Birth of President Lyndon B. Johnson
America’s 36th President, Lyndon Baines Johnson, was born on August 27, 1908, in Stonewall, Texas. President Johnson promoted a “Great Society” and signed many initiatives into law aimed at civil rights, public broadcasting, health, education, the arts, and public services.
Opening of the 1972 Summer Olympics
On August 26, 1972, the Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XX Olympiad, opened in Munich, West Germany. The first games held in Germany since 1936, they were overshadowed by the “Munich Massacre.”
National Park Service Established
Decades after the first national park was created, the National Park Service (NPS) was officially established on August 25, 1916. The service has grown to include over 400 areas, covering over 84 million acres.
Founding of NATO
On August 24, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty came into force, officially establishing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The purpose of NATO was to maintain a unified military force to defend against Soviet invasion.
First Photo of Earth Taken from the Moon
On August 23, 1966, Lunar Orbiter I captured the first images of our planet from the vicinity of the Moon. Photographing Earth wasn’t the mission. It wasn’t even considered until the craft was out in space.
Happy Birthday Dorothy Parker
Poet and writer Dorothy Parker (born Dorothy Rothschild) was born on August 22, 1893, in Long Branch, New Jersey. A founding member of the Algonquin Round Table, she was known for her sharp wit.