Fact 1: Birth of the National Park Service
August 26, 1916, marks the introduction of the National Park Service, a U.S. federal agency responsible to manage all national parks, monuments, and other conservation and historical properties across the country.
Fact 2: Women's Equality Day
Celebrated every year on August 26th, Women's Equality Day represents the 1920 announcement of the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, which rewarded women in the United States the right to vote.
Fact 3: Commemoration of Mother Teresa's Centenary
On August 26, 2010, the centenary of Mother Teresa was commemorated worldwide. Mother Teresa was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary known for her charitable works, particularly in the slums of Calcutta.
Fact 4: A Day for Dogs
In the United States, August 26 is regarded as National Dog Day, offering pet owners and dog lovers a chance to appreciate and express love towards dogs for their loyalty and companionship.
Fact 5: Date for U.S. Open
The U.S. Open, one of the oldest tennis championships in the world, often commences in the last week of August. Many times, the tournament has started on August 26th, bringing together players and sports enthusiasts from around the world.
Fact 6: Mozart’s Marriage
August 26 marks the wedding anniversary of the prolific and influential composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He married his love Constanze Weber on this day in 1782.
Fact 7: Hurricane Harvey's Landfall
On August 26, 2017, the catastrophic Category 4 Hurricane Harvey made its first landfall at Rockport, Texas, causing extensive damage and loss due to heavy rainfall and flooding.
Fact 8: The First Televised Major League Baseball Game
The first-ever televised major league baseball game was broadcast on August 26, 1939. It was a doubleheader between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Fact 9: Release of The Beatles' "Help!" Album
August 26, 1965, saw the U.S. release of The Beatles' fifth studio album, "Help!" The album spawned several hit singles and solidified the band's place in the music world.
Fact 10: International Peace Day (Japan)
In Japan, August 26 is locally celebrated as the International Day of Peace, established in memory of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that ended World War II.
Fact 11: The "I Have a Dream" Speech Anniversary
On August 28, 1963, just two days after August 26, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom — an event that also often begins its observances on August 26.
Fact 12: Krakatoa Eruption
The infamous Krakatoa volcano eruption, one of the deadliest and most destructive volcanic events in recorded history, began on August 26, 1883. The eruption had far-reaching global effects.
Fact 13: Cher's Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
August 26, 1998, is the day when the American music and fashion icon Cher received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
Fact 14: Julius Caesar Election
Roman dictator Julius Caesar was elected as the chief priest, or Pontifex Maximus, on August 26, 63 BC, sparking his rise to an ultimate position of power in Rome.
Fact 15: The Launch of Voyager 2
NASA's spacecraft Voyager 2, which is currently in interstellar space, was launched on August 20, 1977, and it sent back its first photos of Jupiter to Earth on August 26, 1979.
Fact 16: A Day for Cherry Popsicles
In a whimsical turn, August 26 is also celebrated as National Cherry Popsicle Day in the United States, a day to enjoy the sweet and fruity frozen treat.
Fact 17: Beslan School Siege
A tragic event in history, the Beslan school siege in North Ossetia, Russia, started on August 26, 2004. The three-day hostage crisis resulted in the deaths of over 300 people, the majority of whom were children.
Fact 18: British Broadcasting Company Founded
The British Broadcasting Corporation, known as BBC, was officially founded on August 26, 1922. The corporation has since grown into one of the largest and most prestigious broadcasting organizations in the world.
Fact 19: A Lucky Day for Lottery
August 26, 2017, saw the largest prize in the history of the US Powerball lottery. A single lucky ticket holder from Massachusetts won an astounding $758.7 million jackpot.
Fact 20: Prince William Starts New Job
On August 26, 2015, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, began his new job as an air ambulance pilot. He served in this role for two years before stepping down to take on more royal duties.