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August 15: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Facts & Historic Events That Happened on August 15

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August 15th is officially Check The Chip Day & Relaxation Day.

Welcome to the 228th day of the year! We’re slowly getting through the year, and now have only 138 days remaining in 2024.

If this day is your birthday or you want to know more about August 15, then we welcome you to a day that has a huge importance in history. Find out what historical events happened on this day, and what makes today so important.

Did you know that on this day in 1519, Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila founded Panama City? It became a launching point for the conquest of Peru and a transit point for riches heading back to Spain.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about August 15th in history!

Events

What memorable events happened on August 15 in history? Keep reading to find out!

2013

Kristofer Helgen announced the discovery of the olinguito, a mammal of the raccoon family Procyonidae.

OTD in 2013: Kristofer Helgen announced the discovery of the olinguito

The olinguito was the first new carnivorous species found in the Americas in 35 years.

1985

Richard Branson’s attempt at obtaining the fastest Atlantic crossing ended when his speed boat crashed.

The 32-ton vessel, The Virgin Atlantic Challenger, overturned just off the southwest coast of England, jeopardizing Branson’s attempt at making the fastest journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

1977

Ohio State University’s Big Ear radio telescope detected a deep-space radio signal.

The signal from the Saggitarius constellation bore all the signs of being extraterrestrial in origin. When an astronomer discovered the signal recording a few days later, he was stunned and impressed with it and wrote “Wow!” on the computer printout, leading to the signal being called the Wow! Signal.

1971

Bahrain declared independence from Britain.

1945

After six years at war, Japan surrendered, marking the end of World War II.

OTD in 1945: After six years at war

This day was named VJ Day, which stands for Victory in Japan day. It marked the victory of the world’s allied nations in the enemy’s defeat, which brought WWII to an end.

1903

New Zealand’s All Blacks played their first international test against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground.

1891

An all-steel church called San Sebastian Church opened in Manila, Philippines.

The church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.

1876

The Indian Appropriations Act added the sell or starve clause.

The clause meant that rations were cut until the Sioux people of Black Hills in South Dakota gave up their land.

1870

The Transcontinental Railroad linking up the East and West halves of the US was completed in Colorado.

1843

The world’s second oldest theme park, Tivoli Gardens, opened in Copenhagen, Denmark.

OTD in 1843: The world's second oldest theme park

1824

One thousand Nigerian troops were airlifted into Liberia to end the occupation of Monrovia.

1519

Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila founded Panama City.

1483

The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican opened for its first mass.

OTD in 1483: The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican opened for its first mass.

1457

Mainz Psalter was published, making it the first book with a printed publication date on it.

1248

The foundations for Cologne Cathedral were laid in preparation for its construction.

1185

Cave monastery Vardzia was blessed by Queen Tamar of Georgia.

The area consists of fifteen churches, with the main church being called “Assumption of Mary.”

Famous Births

Is today your birthday? If so, you share this special day with Emily Kinney! Check out more famous people born on this day below.

1990

Jennifer Lawrence

American

Actress

Jennifer Lawrence

Age:

34 years old

Born In:

Kentucky, USA

1989

Joe Jonas

American

Singer

Joe Jonas

Age:

35 years old

Born In:

Arizona, USA

1994

Tristan Evans

English

Singer

Tristan Evans

Age:

30 years old

Born In:

England, UK

1985

Emily Kinney

American

Actress

Emily Kinney

Age:

39 years old

Born In:

Nebraska, USA

Quotes

Of all of the quotes said on this day, these are the most well-known ones spoken on Aug 15 throughout history.

1966

One of television’s great contributions is that it brought murder back into the home, where it belongs.

Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock

English Filmmaker

Special Holidays

If you’ve got a few minutes spare today, why not celebrate these special holidays.

August 15: National Relaxation Day
United States

National Relaxation Day

Today is National Relaxation Day, which can only mean one thing – it’s time to chill out. Today means doing whatever it is you find the most relaxing. For some, that’s reading a good book, swinging in a hammock, going for a spa day, or just sleeping in. You do you!

August 15: National Check The Chip Day
United States

National Check The Chip Day

We all want to do our best to protect our furry friends, and ensuring you can be contacted if they get lost is critical to their wellbeing! So take part in National Check The Chip Day today by booking your pet into a vet clinic to check their chip is in proper working order.

THe Fact Site’s

Fun Fact Of The Day

In 1866, The United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million by writing a check.

Birthday & Zodiac

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

Leos are larger than life, and they love to be seen and heard. Their typical traits include being confident, ambitious, loyal, generous, and big-hearted.

People born in August all have the Peridot birthstone. The peridot is a green gem that can be found in meteorites that have fallen to Earth. This makes the peridot the only wearable transparent gemstone that can come from out of this world.

If you were lucky enough to be born on August 15th, you were likely conceived around November 22nd, the year before.

Babies conceived on this day will likely be born around May 8, 2025.

Fact Check

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