24 Facts About August 21st

Historical Events on August 21st

August 21st has witnessed many significant events throughout history. Here are some noteworthy moments that occurred on this date.

1. In 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in Paris. It was recovered two years later.
2. Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state in 1959.
3. The first Lincoln-Douglas debate took place in 1858.
4. In 1986, a volcanic eruption in Cameroon released toxic gas, killing over 1,700 people.

Birthdays on August 21st

Many famous individuals share their birthdays on August 21st. Let's look at some notable personalities born on this day.

5. Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter, was born in 1986.
6. Wilt Chamberlain, the legendary basketball player, was born in 1936.
7. Kim Cattrall, known for her role in "Sex and the City," was born in 1956.
8. Kenny Rogers, the country music icon, was born in 1938.

Scientific Discoveries on August 21st

August 21st has also been a day of significant scientific achievements and discoveries.

9. In 1912, the discovery of the Piltdown Man was announced, though it was later proven to be a hoax.
10. The first successful test of a hydrogen bomb by the Soviet Union occurred in 1953.
11. Voyager 2 made its closest approach to Neptune in 1989.
12. The total solar eclipse of 2017 was visible across the United States.

Cultural Milestones on August 21st

Cultural events and milestones have also marked August 21st as a day of importance.

13. The first ever MTV Video Music Awards were held in 1984.
14. The film "The Sound of Music" premiered in 1965.
15. In 1992, the Ruby Ridge standoff began in Idaho.
16. The first issue of "Sports Illustrated" was published in 1954.

Political Events on August 21st

Politics has seen its share of pivotal moments on August 21st. Here are some key political events from this date.

17. In 1968, Soviet forces invaded Czechoslovakia to crush the Prague Spring.
18. The United States and the Soviet Union signed the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 1972.
19. In 1983, Philippine opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. was assassinated.
20. The Oslo Accords were signed in 1993, marking a step towards peace in the Middle East.

Sports Achievements on August 21st

Athletes have also made history on August 21st. Here are some remarkable sports achievements from this date.

21. In 2008, Usain Bolt set a new world record in the 200 meters at the Beijing Olympics.
22. The first ever FIFA World Cup final was held in 1930, with Uruguay defeating Argentina.
23. In 2016, the United States won its 1,000th gold medal in the Summer Olympics.
24. The first televised Major League Baseball game was broadcast in 1939.

August 21st: A Day Full of Surprises

August 21st holds a treasure chest of fascinating events and facts. From historical milestones to quirky celebrations, this date has seen it all. Did you know that on this day in 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre? Or that it's National Senior Citizens Day in the United States, a day to honor and appreciate the elderly?

This date also marks the birth of influential figures like Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive, and the death of legendary jazz musician Count Basie. Nature lovers might recall the Great American Eclipse of 2017, a total solar eclipse visible across the U.S.

Whether you're a history buff, a sports fan, or just someone who loves random trivia, August 21st offers something intriguing for everyone. So next time this date rolls around, you'll know there's more to it than meets the eye.