August 26 is the 238th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 127 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about August 26th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about August 26th in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- National Dog Day
- Women’s Equality Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – August 26
1978: First German to go into Space
Sigmund Jähn, a pilot from the East German Air Force joined the crew of Soyuz 31, a Soviet manned space flight to the Salyut 6 space station.
1966: Namibian War of Independence Begins
The 24-year long rebellion against the South African government began with an attack by the South African Defence Force on the members of the South-West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) at Omugulugwombashe. Namibia gained independence on 21 March 1990. Namibians observe Heroes Day annually on August 26.
1955: First Tennis Match to be Telecast in Color
The Davis Cup match between Australia and the US from the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, New York, was telecast on NBC.
1920: 19th Amendment to the US Constitution Takes Effect
The amendment extended universal suffrage to women in the United States. Before this, women in some states could vote in local and state elections. The Amendment was first introduced in Congress 42 years ago in 1878 by Senator Aaron A. Sargent. In 1919, the Congress approved the amendment and sent it to the states to be ratified.
1768: James Cook Sails off on HMS Endeavour
The British explorer was the first European in recorded history to have visited the eastern shores of Australia. The ship reached Botany Bay in April 1770 and was back on British shores on July 12, 1771.
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, August 26
1971: Thalía, Mexican singer-songwriter, actress
1970: Melissa McCarthy, American actress, writer, producer
1966: Shirley Manson, Scottish singer-songwriter, actress
1910: Mother Teresa, Macedonian/Indian missionary, Nobel Prize laureate
1819: Albert, Prince Consort, of the United Kingdom
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, August 26
1974: Charles Lindbergh, American pilot, activist
1958: Ralph Vaughan Williams, English composer
1910: William James, American psychologist, philosopher
1850: Louis Philippe I, French king
1666: Frans Hals, Dutch painter
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