2024August

August 11: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

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Did you know that on this day, August 11, 1866, the first US roller skating rink opened in Rhode Island?

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August 11th is known as Play In The Sand Day as well as Son’s and Daughter’s Day.

Welcome to day 224 of 366! There are 142 days remaining in 2024.

August 11 is definitely a day you want to learn about! Find out the facts about what makes this day so important in history.

Did you know that on this day in 1866, the first US roller skating rink opened in Rhode Island? The rink was constructed in the dining room of the Atlantic House resort hotel in Newport.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about August 11th in history!

Events

What memorable events happened on August 11 in history? Keep reading to find out!

2016

Scientists discovered the oldest living Greenland Shark, with an estimated age of 392 years old.

OTD in 2016: Scientists discovered the oldest living Greenland Shark

The international team of scientists declared the shark the longest-living vertebrate in the world.

2008

Airbedandbreakfast.com was launched by its three founders, which is now known as Airbnb.

1999

The last total solar eclipse of the 20th century occurred and was visible from Europe and Asia.

1969

The Apollo 11 astronauts were released from a three-week quarantine following their liftoff from the moon.

1929

Legendary baseballer Babe Ruth became the first member of the 500 home run club.

The 500 home run club lists all the baseball batters who have hit 500 or more home runs throughout their career. By the end of his career, Ruth hit a total of 714 home runs.

1909

American steamship S. S. Arapahoe became the first to use the signal “SOS” off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA.

The distress signal had only recently been changed from “CQD” to “SOS” by the Berlin Radiotelegraph Conference, and the captain of S. S. Arapahoe was initially unsure which to use.

1896

Inventor Harvey Hubbell patented the popular light bulb with a pull chain.

OTD in 1896: Inventor Harvey Hubbell patented the popular light bulb with a pull chain.

1885

Joseph Pulitzer wrote an article in New York World to ask the public to donate towards constructing the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty.

Within just six months, his article had raised an incredible $100,000.

1874

Harry S. Parmelee patented the fire sprinkler system.

The invention became very popular, and roughly 200,000 systems were sold between 1878 and 1882.

1866

The world’s first roller skating rink opened in Rhode Island.

The rink was previously a dining room and, after renovation, was opened for the public.

1772

Mount Papandayan volcano in Indonesia erupted, killing almost 3,000 people.

1492

Pope Alexander VI, born Rodrigo de Borja became Pope.

OTD in 1492: Pope Alexander VI

1093

Bishop William of St. Calais demolished the old Saxon church in Durham and laid the foundation for the new Norman Durham cathedral.

William of St. Calais was a Norman Monk and was appointed by William the Conqueror to update churches across the UK.

355 AD

Roman general Claudius Silvanus fraudulently proclaimed himself Roman emperor and was hacked to death.

Famous Births

If today is your birthday, you have this in common with Chris Hemsworth. Find out more about what famous people were born on this day.

1983

Chris Hemsworth

Australian

Actor

Chris Hemsworth

Age:

40 years old

Born In:

Victoria, Australia

1953

Hulk Hogan

American

Wrestler

Hulk Hogan

Age:

70 years old

Born In:

Georgia, USA

1965

Viola Davis

American

Actress

Viola Davis

Age:

58 years old

Born In:

South Carolina, USA

1944

Ian McDiarmid

Scottish

Actor

Ian McDiarmid

Age:

79 years old

Born In:

Scotland, UK

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, August 11th has also been a day where we’ve had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1951

2014

Robin Williams

American

Actor

Robin Williams

1951

2014

Robin Williams

Robin Williams was an American actor born on July 21, 1951. He died on this day in 2014, at age 63 in Paradise Cay, California, USA.

Died On:

Aug 11, 2014 (Age 63)

Died In:

California, USA

Special Holidays

If you’re looking to try something new today, here are some special holidays that might just give you an idea.

August 11: Play In The Sand Day
United States

Play In The Sand Day

Ahh, what can be better than a fun day in the sun down at the beach? All you beach lovers better pack your bucket and spade, as this day is definitely one for you! Play In The Sand Day is about as simple as it gets, so what are you waiting for?

August 11: National Son's and Daughter's Day
United States

National Son’s and Daughter’s Day

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day have come and gone already, and parents have been appropriately doted on. Now it’s time to give thanks to our sons and daughters and treat them extra special. Take the day off work, if you can, and take your kids out for an adventure!

THe Fact Site’s

Fun Fact Of The Day

For almost 15 years, Vermont was technically its own country before joining the United States in 1791. It had its own coins and postal service.

Birthday & Zodiac

People who were born on this day share the Leo star sign.

Leos are natural-born leaders and love to be in control of their own lives. Because of this, they often shine in running their own business or working as self-employed.

Those of you that were born in August have the Peridot birthstone. Peridots are commonly light green in color; however, if the gemstone contains more iron, the green will darken. In general, the darker gem is, the more valuable it becomes.

If you were born on this day, it’s likely that you were conceived on November 18th in the previous year.

A baby that is conceived on August 11, 2024, will be due next year around May 4.

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Fact Check

We have a thorough fact-checking process and a dedicated team verifying our content for accuracy. But occasionally, we may get things wrong, or information becomes outdated. If you believe something to be incorrect, please leave us a message below.

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