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August 31: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Facts & Historic Events That Happened on August 31

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August 31st is officially known as We Love Memoirs Day & Trail Mix Day.

Today is the 244th day of the year, and there are only 122 days remaining in 2024.

Let’s celebrate the end of the month with these interesting historical events covering areas like past civilizations, inventions, business, sports and more.

Did you know that on this day in 1897, the first movie projector was patented by Thomas Edison? Named the kinetoscope, this device was intended only to be used by one person at a time using a peephole.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about August 31st in history!

Events

What memorable events happened on August 31 in history? Keep reading to find out!

2020

R&B icon Akon ceremoniously laid the first stone for Akon City, a futuristic Wakanda-like city in Senegal.

2006

Two of Edvard Munch’s stolen artworks were found after being missing for two years.

OTD in 2006: Two of Edvard Munch's stolen artworks were found after being missing for two years.

In August 2004, two gunmen took the famous “Scream” and “Madonna” paintings from the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, and got away in a third suspect’s car. The paintings were found in Norway after a police raid on this day and were still in excellent condition.

1998

North Korea allegedly launched Kwangmyŏngsŏng-1, its first satellite.

The North Korean government claimed that the launch was successful, but no objects were ever tracked in orbit from the launch. Outside North Korea, the launch is considered to have been a failure.

1994

After 25 years of fighting with the British, the IRA announced a ceasefire on Britain.

1991

Kyrgyzstan declares its independence from the Soviet Union.

OTD in 1991: Kyrgyzstan declares its independence from the Soviet Union.

1954

Hurricane Carol hit Connecticut and Rhode Island.

It was one of the worst tropical cyclones to strike the region and killed 72 people, causing $462 million in damages.

1897

The first movie projector, correctly named the kinetoscope, was patented by Thomas Edison.

1888

A body was found in London, which was revealed to be Mary Ann Nichols, who was a victim of the serial killer Jack the Ripper.

OTD in 1888: A body was found in London

1886

The Charleston earthquake occurred, making it one of the most devastating to affect the US East Coast.

OTD in 1886: The Charleston earthquake occurred

Sixty lives were claimed in the disaster, with $6 million in damages. This is equivalent to $156 million in today’s money.

1886

Crocker-Woolworth National Bank formed its headquarters in San Francisco.

Businessman Charles Crocker partially bought out the bank formerly named Woolworth National Bank in the 1980s. Together with the founder, they formed Crocker-Woolworth National Bank, which opened on this day.

1881

The first-ever inaugural US National Championship for tennis occurred in Newport, Rhode Island, USA.

1842

Micah Rugg patented a machine for dressing bolt heads.

1772

Hurricane San Ramón was the second of three hurricanes in a row to pass through and destroy houses and plantations across Puerto Rico, Barbados, Saint Kitts, and Nevis.

1422

King Henry V of England died aged 35 in Château de Vincennes, France.

Henry V didn’t reign for long, having taken to the throne in March 1413, but had great success within the military during the Hundred Year War against France. This made England one of the most powerful countries in Europe.

Famous Births

If you were born on this day, you actually have the same birthday as Chris Tucker. Here are some other famous people born on August 31st.

1977

Jeffrey Nero Hardy

American

Wrestler

Jeffrey Nero Hardy

Age:

47 years old

Born In:

North Carolina, USA

1971

Chris Tucker

American

Comedian

Chris Tucker

Age:

53 years old

Born In:

Georgia, USA

1997

Jaylen Barron

American

Actress

Jaylen Barron

Age:

27 years old

Born In:

Nevada, USA

1949

Richard Gere

American

Actor

Richard Gere

Age:

75 years old

Born In:

Pennsylvania, USA

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, August 31st has also been a day where we’ve had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1961

1997

Princess Diana

British

Princess

Princess Diana

1961

1997

Princess Diana

Princess Diana was a British princess born on July 1, 1961. She died on this day in 1997, at age 36 in Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.

Died On:

Aug 31, 1997 (Age 36)

Died In:

Paris, France

Special Holidays

Looking for a reason to celebrate? Well, here’s a few! These unique holidays are sure to bring some enjoyment to your day.

August 31: We Love Memoirs Day
United States

We Love Memoirs Day

It’s We Love Memoirs Day today, a day to look back on our lives and reflect upon all the things we’ve seen and done. Take a trip down memory lane today and jot all the special moments down on paper. Don’t stress if it doesn’t read well; just writing it all down is a great first step!

August 31: National Trail Mix Day
United States

National Trail Mix Day

Picture this: you’re going for a hike, and you feel a little rumble in your tummy that makes you despair over the fact that lunch is still hours away. All is not lost, though, as you remembered to pack trail mix! So celebrate today by mixing up your favorite trail mix and eating it!

THe Fact Site’s

Fun Fact Of The Day

The King of Macedon threatened Sparta with, “If I bring my army into your land, I will raze your city.” The Spartans replied: “If.” No attempt was made to capture the city.

Birthday & Zodiac

If you were born on this day, your star sign is Virgo.

Virgos tend to deal with information similar to a computer; they can quickly process information and organize it into something easily understandable for themselves and others.

Peridot is the birthstone given to people born in August. 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 outta space!

For people born on this day, your estimated date of conception falls on December 8th in the previous year.

A baby that is conceived on August 31, 2024, will be born around May 24, 2025.

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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