Discover what happened on August 26 in history as landmark achievements, technological advances, cultural milestones, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on August 26 in History?
On this day, the 19th Amendment was officially certified as part of the U.S. Constitution, Major League Baseball was televised for the first time, and Ford’s first Edsel rolled off the assembly line.
AUGUST 26 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1791 – Inventor John Fitch received a U.S. patent for his steamboat design.
1873 – The St. Louis, MO, school board authorized the nation’s first public kindergarten program as part of a public school system.
1895 – The Edward Dean Adams Power Plant at Niagara Falls began generating electricity, marking a major milestone in the development of large-scale hydroelectric power.
1920 – U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the 19th Amendment as part of the Constitution, prohibiting the denial of voting rights on the basis of sex.
1939 – The first Major League Baseball game was televised when experimental New York station W2XBS broadcast a doubleheader between the Cincinnati Reds and Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.
1957 – The first Edsel produced by Ford Motor Company rolled off the assembly line.
1961 – The Hockey Hall of Fame opened its first permanent home in Toronto, Canada.
1987 – Entertainer Sonny Bono announced his candidacy for mayor of Palm Springs, CA. He won the election the following year, beginning a political career that eventually took him to Congress.
1987 – After 81 years of primarily selling its products door-to-door, the Fuller Brush Company announced plans to open retail stores.
1992 – Little Caesars co-founder Mike Ilitch purchased the Detroit Tigers from Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan for approximately $85 million.
2009 – A Greenwich Village house measuring just 9½ feet wide went on the market for $2.75 million, earning attention as one of New York City’s narrowest homes.
2011 – Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner received certification from U.S. and European aviation regulators, clearing the way for the aircraft to enter commercial service.
2015 – Television journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward were shot and killed by a former coworker while conducting a live television interview near Moneta, VA.
2017 – Boxer Floyd Mayweather stopped Conor McGregor by a 10th round TKO to win his final fight before retiring. Mayweather’s career record was 50-0.
2018 – A gunman opened fire during a Madden NFL 19 video game tournament in Jacksonville, FL, killing two people and wounding several others before taking his own life.
2023 – Three people were killed in a racially motivated shooting at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, FL, exactly five years after the deadly shooting at a Madden NFL tournament in the same city.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 26:
Vic Dana – 84 years old (1942) – Dancer and singer
Maureen Tucker – 82 years old (1944) – Singer-songwriter and drummer
Tom Ridge – 81 years old (1945) – Sergeant and politician, 1st Secretary of Homeland Security
Valerie Simpson – 80 years old (1946) – Singer-songwriter
Bill Whitaker – 75 years old (1951) – Journalist
Edward Witten – 75 years old (1951) – Physicist and academic
Will Shortz – 74 years old (1952) – Journalist and puzzle creator
Brett Cullen – 70 years old (1956) – Actor
Stan Van Gundy – 67 years old (1959) – Basketball player and coach
Branford Marsalis – 66 years old (1960) – Saxophonist, composer, and bandleader
Ola Ray – 66 years old (1960) – Model and actress
Roger Kingdom – 64 years old (1962) – Hurdler
Allegra Huston – 62 years old (1964) – English-American author and screenwriter
Chris Burke – 61 years old (1965) – Actor
Adrian Young – 57 years old (1969) – Drummer and songwriter
Melissa McCarthy – 56 years old (1970) – Actress, comedian, producer, and screenwriter
Thalía – 55 years old (1971) – Mexican-American singer-songwriter and actress
Kelvin Cato – 52 years old (1974) – Basketball player and coach
Meredith Eaton – 52 years old (1974) – Actress
Morgan Ensberg – 51 years old (1975) – Baseball player and coach
Mike Colter – 50 years old (1976) – Actor
Morris Peterson – 49 years old (1977) – Basketball player
Macaulay Culkin – 46 years old (1980) – Actor
Chris Pine – 46 years old (1980) – Actor
John Mulaney – 44 years old (1982) – Comedian, actor, writer, and producer
Saint Jhn – 40 years old (1986) – Guyanese-American rapper, singer, and songwriter
Cassie Ventura – 40 years old (1986) – Singer, dancer, actress and model
Evan Ross – 38 years old (1988) – Actor
Danielle Savre – 38 years old (1988) – Actress
Lorenzo Brown – 36 years old (1990) – Basketball player
Jessie Diggins – 35 years old (1991) – Cross-country skier
Dylan O'Brien – 35 years old (1991) – Actor
Keke Palmer – 33 years old (1993) – Actress and singer
Austin Gunn – 32 years old (1994) – Professional wrestler
Cordae – 29 years old (1997) – Rapper
Naz Reid – 27 years old (1999) – Basketball player
Kyren Williams – 26 years old (2000) – Football player
Patrick Williams – 25 years old (2001) – Basketball player
Lil Tecca – 24 years old (2002) – Rapper
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 26:
- National Dog Day: There's nothing like the wag of a tail to brighten your day. From big to small, fluffy to sleek, dogs bring joy and love to our lives.
- National Toilet Paper Day: Keeping the bathroom clean and hygienic, this everyday item is essential for daily life, ensuring comfort and convenience.
- La Tomatina: La Tomatina is a lively celebration in which thousands gather in the town of Buñol, Spain. People from all over the world come to participate in the massive tomato fight, which fills the streets with vibrant red. The festival offers a unique, messy, and joyful experience, creating an atmosphere of...
- National Cherry Popsicle Day: Cool down with a sweet, tart, cold cherry popsicle. Buy some at the store, or make your own with a popsicle mold and just a few simple ingredients.
- National Got Checked Day: National Got Checked Day is all about stopping for a moment and thinking about your health. It shines a light on breast cancer screenings and asks a simple question—have you been checked? It’s not just for women, either. Men can be affected too. The message is clear and urgent: don’t...
- National Spark the World Day: National Spark the World Day is all about celebrating the people who lift others up, often without even realizing it. These are the friends who listen when things feel heavy, the coworkers who bring energy into every room, or even strangers whose small acts of kindness shift someone’s whole day. The...
- National Webmistress Day: Honor the webmistresses of the world, those brilliant women who work hard to design and maintain the websites we rely on for work, social media, and fun.
- National Women’s Equality Day: Empowering women to reach their full potential and creating a world where gender doesn't limit opportunities.
- Mawlid al-Nabi: Mawlid al-Nabi is a special day on which Muslims around the world remember and celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It’s a time for reflection as people consider the Prophet's teachings and life. Communities come together in love and devotion, reciting poetry, sharing stories, and giving to the needy...
- 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...
- Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
- National Composites Week: National Composites Week is an event that spotlights the critical role composite materials play in various industries. These materials, known for their strength, durability, and flexibility, are used in everything from aerospace to everyday consumer goods. During this week, the spotlight is on the innovative ways these composites enhance product performance...
- Be Kind to Humankind Week: Genuine gestures illuminate hearts, weaving compassion into the fabric of everyday connections, fostering solidarity and empathy.
- 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...
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