August 21 is the 233rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 132 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about August 21st, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about August 21st in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- Poet’s Day
- National Spumoni Day
- National Senior Citizens Day
- World Honey Bee Day
- Break the Monotony Day
- International Geocaching Day
- International Homeless Animal’s Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – August 21
1993: NASA loses communication with the Mars Observer almost a year after its launch
The robotic space probe was tasked with exploring and studying the Red Planet.
1991: Latvia gains full independence from the Soviet Union
Founded in 1918, the Republic of Latvia was fully incorporated as a Soviet republic after the Second World War. Independence for the Baltic state was achieved after a peaceful revolution known as the Singing Revolution, which began in Estonia.
1986: Limnic eruption in Lake Nyos in Cameroon kills about 1700 people
A high amount of carbon dioxide was released by the underwater volcanic eruption.
1911: The Mona Lisa is stolen
The famed Leonardo da Vinci painting was stolen by a Louvre employee. It was recovered 2 years later in Italy.
1879: Oldsmobile is founded by Ransom Eli Olds of Olds Motor Works
The popular brand of car was first manufactured in Lansing, Michigan. The company was purchased by GM in 1908 and closed its doors in 2004.
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, August 21
1986: Usain Bolt, Jamaican sprinter
1984: Eve Torres, American wrestler, model, dancer
1952: Joe Strummer, English singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor
1936: Wilt Chamberlain, American basketball player
1765: William IV of the United Kingdom
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, August 21
1993: Tatiana Troyanos, American soprano
1983: Benigno Aquino, Jr., Filipino politician
1979: Giuseppe Meazza, Italian footballer
1940: Leon Trotsky, Russian theorist, politician, founded the Red Army
1762: Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, English author
