22 Facts About August 11th

Historical Events on August 11th

August 11th has witnessed many significant events throughout history. Here are some notable occurrences that took place on this date.

1. In 3114 BC, the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, used by several pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations, began.
2. In 1492, Rodrigo de Borja was elected Pope Alexander VI.
3. In 1929, Babe Ruth became the first baseball player to hit 500 home runs in his career.
4. In 1965, the Watts Riots began in Los Angeles, lasting for six days and resulting in 34 deaths.
5. In 1999, a total solar eclipse was visible from Europe, the Middle East, and India.

Famous Birthdays on August 11th

Many influential people were born on August 11th. Here are a few who made a significant impact in their fields.

6. In 1921, Alex Haley, the American author known for "Roots," was born.
7. In 1950, Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Inc., was born.
8. In 1953, Hulk Hogan, the famous professional wrestler, was born.
9. In 1965, Viola Davis, the award-winning actress, was born.
10. In 1983, Chris Hemsworth, the Australian actor known for playing Thor, was born.

Notable Deaths on August 11th

August 11th also marks the passing of several notable individuals. Here are some who left a lasting legacy.

11. In 1253, Clare of Assisi, the Italian saint and founder of the Poor Clares, died.
12. In 1956, Jackson Pollock, the influential American painter, died in a car accident.
13. In 2014, Robin Williams, the beloved American actor and comedian, passed away.
14. In 2016, Glenn Yarbrough, the American folk singer, died.

Cultural and Scientific Milestones on August 11th

This date has also seen important cultural and scientific milestones. Here are a few that stand out.

15. In 1874, Harry S. Parmelee patented the sprinkler head.
16. In 1934, the first federal prisoners arrived at Alcatraz Island.
17. In 1962, Vostok 3 was launched by the Soviet Union, piloted by Andrian Nikolayev.
18. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan joked about bombing Russia during a sound check for a radio broadcast.

Sports Achievements on August 11th

Sports history has its share of memorable moments on August 11th. Here are some achievements worth noting.

19. In 1984, Carl Lewis won his fourth gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics.
20. In 2008, Michael Phelps won his 10th and 11th career Olympic gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.
21. In 2012, Usain Bolt won the 4×100 meters relay at the London Olympics, setting a new world record.

Miscellaneous Facts about August 11th

Here are some additional interesting facts about August 11th that don't fit into the other categories.

22. August 11th is National Son and Daughter Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the special bond between parents and their children.

August 11th: A Day of Remarkable Events

August 11th stands out in history for many reasons. From scientific breakthroughs to cultural milestones, this date has seen it all. On this day in 1999, millions witnessed a total solar eclipse, a rare celestial event. In 1929, Babe Ruth became the first baseball player to hit 500 home runs, setting a new standard in sports. The date also marks the birth of Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, whose innovations changed technology forever.

August 11th isn't just about famous events; it's also a day of unique celebrations. In Japan, it's Mountain Day, a public holiday encouraging people to appreciate the country's natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a sports fan, or just someone who loves interesting facts, August 11th offers something for everyone. So next time this date rolls around, remember the remarkable events that make it special.