Fact 1: August 3 is the 215th Day of the Year
Did you know that August 3 is the 215th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar? Yes, that's right! And it also means that, after this date, only 150 days are left until the end of the year. Now we're closer to the end of the year than we are to the beginning.
Fact 2: The Birth of the First Electric Traffic Light System
On August 3, 1914, the world's first electric traffic light system had been installed at the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 105th Street in Cleveland, Ohio. This was a significant step in modern traffic management as it contributed greatly in disciplining traffic and preventing road accidents.
Fact 3: A Special Occurrence for Shakespeare
The genius playwright, William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" was first performed on August 3, 1597. This tragedy about two young lovers has become one of the most famous works in the history of English literature.
Fact 4: Christopher Columbus Left Spain on his Third Voyage
August 3, 1492, is an important date in world history as Christopher Columbus set sail from Saltes, Huelva, Spain, on his voyage that would lead to the discovery of America.
Fact 5: The Making of the Paris Agreement
On August 3, 2016, then-President Barack Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final version of CPP (Clean Power Plan) to limit carbon dioxide emissions. This was a significant step under the Obama administration to combat climate change.
Fact 6: American Bandstand Premiered
One of the longest-running music performance shows in history, "American Bandstand," premiered on local Philadelphia television on August 3, 1957. The show was a launchpad for many artists and set a precedent for future music shows like MTV.
Fact 7: The Invention of The Phonograph Finished
Thomas Edison completed his invention, the phonograph, a device for recording and replaying sound, on August 3, 1878. This technology revolutionized the music industry and paved the way for modern recording tools.
Fact 8: The General Assembly of the United Nations Met for the First Time
The first meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations, which included delegates from 51 nations, took place on August 3, 1945. This started what would later become an important platform for promoting peace, justice, and human rights globally.
Fact 9: Hurricane Katrina's Aftermath
On August 3, 2005, the Senate announced it would allocate $10.5 billion for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. This fact reaffirms how critical and devastating the impact of this hurricane was.
Fact 10: Discovery of a New Planet
On August 3, 2001, Astronomers from the California Institute of Technology announced the discovery of a new planet in our solar system, called Quaoar. At the time of its discovery, it was the largest object found in our solar system since the discovery of Pluto.
Fact 11: Celebration of Sea Serpent Day
Did you know August 3rd each year is observed as National Sea Serpent Day? Now you have a great reason to start discussing the mysteries of deep-sea creatures.
Fact 12: The Guinness World Records
On August 3, 1955, the first edition of the "Guinness Book of Records," now known as "Guinness World Records," was published in the U.K. This book is popular for containing a collection of world records, both human achievements, and the extremes of the natural world.
Fact 13: Birth of the United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard was created by Congress on August 3, 1790. The service is dedicated to safeguarding the nation's maritime interests and environment around the world.
Fact 14: Establishment of Nascar
Safety standards for Nascar races were first established on this day in 1954. This was an important milestone for stock car racing in the United States and has contributed to the popularity of the sport today.
Fact 15: The Launch of the Phoenix Mars Lander
August 3 is a big day for NASA as the Phoenix Mars Lander was launched on this day in 2007. Its goal was to search for environments suitable for microbial life on Mars, and research the history of water there.
Fact 16: Founding of the City of Chicago
On August 3, 1833, the town of Chicago was incorporated with a population of about 200 as a city in Illinois, USA. Today, Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States.
Fact 17: First Woman to Swim the English Channel
August 3, 1950 marks the day when Florence May Chadwick became the first woman to swim across the English Channel from England to France. It took her 13 hours and 20 minutes to complete the swim, a truly remarkable feat.
Fact 18: The Discovery of Peking Man
In 1929, on this day, the first skull of Peking Man was discovered in Zhoukoudian, China. This discovery provided key evidence about early human ancestors.
Fact 19: A Special Day for Music Fans
August 3 is also a memorable day for music fans as numerous famous musicians were born on this day. This includes James Hetfield of Metallica, Ed Roland of Collective Soul, and John Graham of Earth, Wind, and Fire.
Fact 20: Introducing the Barbie Doll
On this day in 1959, the first Barbie Doll was sold. Made by Mattel, Barbie has since become a cultural icon and a significant figure in the toy fashion doll market.