Today in History graphic for August 13 featuring the first women in the U.S. Marine Corps, the beginning of the Berlin Wall, and the debut of South Park.

August 13 in History: Women Join the Marines, Berlin Wall Begins & South Park Debuts

Scott Winters August 13, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on August 13 in history as military milestones, world-changing events, entertainment premieres, and remarkable achievements helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on August 13 in History?

On this day, women enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps for the first time, East Germany began constructing the Berlin Wall, and the animated series South Park made its television debut.

AUGUST 13 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1846 – During the Mexican-American War, the American flag was raised over Los Angeles for the first time.

1889 – William Gray was granted a patent for the coin-operated telephone.

1912 – The first experimental radio license was issued to St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia, PA.

1918 – Women enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps for the first time. Opha Mae Johnson was the first woman to enlist.

1931 – The nation’s first community hospital was dedicated in Elk City, OK.

1934 – Al Capp’s comic strip “L’il Abner” made its debut in newspapers.

1942 – Henry Ford unveiled his experimental “Soybean Car.” Its plastic body made it about 1,000 pounds lighter than a comparable steel automobile.

1942 – Walt Disney’s fifth full-length animated film, “Bambi”, was released in theaters.

1959 – Ground was broken on the $320 million Verrazano Narrows Bridge in New York, NY.

1960 – The balloon satellite Echo I made possible the first two-way telephone conversation relayed by satellite.

1961 – East Germany sealed off East Berlin with barbed wire, marking the beginning of what would become the Berlin Wall.

1969 – The Apollo 11 astronauts were released from a three-week quarantine to enjoy a ticker tape parade in New York, NY. That evening, at a state dinner in Los Angeles, CA, they were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Richard Nixon.

1979 – The roof of the uncompleted Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, IL, collapsed, killing five workers and injuring 16.

1982 – The movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” debuted in theaters.

1988 – The Palace of Auburn Hills opened.

1994 – A report indicated that aspirin not only helps reduce the risk of heart disease, but it also helps prevent colon cancer.

1997 – The animated series “South Park” made its debut on Comedy Central.

2016 – Swimmer Michael Phelps ended his career at the Rio Olympics as part of the winning 4×100 medley relay, his record 23rd gold medal.

2019 – Entertainment companies CBS and Viacom announced they would merge.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 13:

Joycelyn Elders – 93 years old (1933) – Admiral and physician, 15th Surgeon General of the United States

Fred Hill – 83 years old (1943) – Football player

Kevin Tighe – 82 years old (1944) – Actor

Gary Gregor – 81 years old (1945) – Basketball player

Janet Yellen – 80 years old (1946) – Economist, 78th United States secretary of the treasury

Fred Stanley – 79 years old (1947) – Baseball player and manager

Kathleen Battle – 78 years old (1948) – Operatic soprano

Jim Brunzell – 77 years old (1949) – Wrestler

Rusty Gerhardt – 76 years old (1950) – Baseball player, coach, and manager

Gary Gibbs – 74 years old (1952) – Football player and coach

Suzanne Muldowney – 74 years old (1952) – Performance artist

Tom Cohen – 73 years old (1953) – Philosopher, theorist, and academic

Danny Bonaduce – 67 years old (1959) – Actor and wrestler

Tom Niedenfuer – 67 years old (1959) – Baseball player

Dawnn Lewis – 65 years old (1961) – Actress

Tom Perrotta – 65 years old (1961) – Novelist and screenwriter

John Slattery – 64 years old (1962) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

Steve Higgins – 63 years old (1963) – Talk show co-host and announcer, writer, producer, comedian and impressionist

Valerie Plame – 63 years old (1963) – CIA agent and author

Jay Buhner – 62 years old (1964) – Baseball player and sportscaster

Debi Mazar – 62 years old (1964) – Actress

Tom Prince – 62 years old (1964) – Baseball player and manager

Mark Lemke – 61 years old (1965) – Baseball player, coach, and radio host

Scooter Barry – 60 years old (1966) – Basketball player

Quinn Cummings – 59 years old (1967) – Actress, author, and entrepreneur

Dave Jamerson – 59 years old (1967) – Basketball player

Todd Hendricks – 58 years old (1968) – Football player and coach

Will Clarke – 56 years old (1970) – Author

Elvis Grbac – 56 years old (1970) – Football player and coach

Seana Kofoed – 56 years old (1970) – Actress

Adam Housley – 55 years old (1971) – Baseball player and journalist

Kevin Plank – 54 years old (1972) – Businessman, founded Under Armour

Molly Henneberg – 53 years old (1973) – Journalist

Scott MacRae – 52 years old (1974) – Baseball player and coach

Jarrod Washburn – 52 years old (1974) – Baseball player and coach

Geno Carlisle – 50 years old (1976) – Basketball player

Kenyan Weaks – 49 years old (1977) – Basketball player and coach

Dwight Smith – 48 years old (1978) – Football player

Corey Patterson – 47 years old (1979) – Baseball player

Sarah Huckabee Sanders – 44 years old (1982) – Governor of Arkansas , American political consultant and press secretary

Sebastian Stan – 44 years old (1982) – Romanian-American actor

Dallas Braden – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player

Boone Logan – 42 years old (1984) – Baseball player

Demetrious Johnson – 40 years old (1986) – Mixed martial artist

Devin McCourty – 39 years old (1987) – Football player

Jason McCourty – 39 years old (1987) – Football player

Keith Benson – 38 years old (1988) – Basketball player

Jerry Hughes – 38 years old (1988) – Football player

Brandon Workman – 38 years old (1988) – Baseball player

Justin Greene – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player

DeMarcus Cousins – 36 years old (1990) – Basketball player

Dave Days – 35 years old (1991) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Taijuan Walker – 34 years old (1992) – Baseball player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 13:

National Prosecco Day: Bubbly white wine that doesn’t break the bank! Host a party with plenty of prosecco, a popular drink with ancient roots grown in a region of Italy.
International Lefthanders Day: Navigating life with a unique perspective, it's like being part of an exclusive club where creativity and adaptability shine.
National Filet Mignon Day: The words “filet mignon” call to mind rich, succulent, melt-in-your mouth flavor. Treat yourself to a nice steak dinner, or try cooking it at home.
Afternoon Tea Week: Host a British-inspired Afternoon Tea and plug that gap between lunch and dinner with tea, biscuits (cookies), scones, clotted cream, whatever you like.
International Plum Fair: Plum Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a lively celebration that brings together communities and showcases the region's deep-rooted connection to this fruit. The event, held in the town of Gradačac, attracts hundreds of exhibitors and visitors from across the country and beyond. It’s more than just an agricultural fair...
Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...
National Bargain Hunting Week: Exploring discounts and deals, seekers unearth treasures while navigating the maze of savings, discovering hidden gems.