August 28 stands as a significant date in history, marked by a range of transformative events across centuries. From literary births to pivotal civil rights moments, this day has witnessed milestones that shaped cultures and societies. Key occurrences in politics, music, and sports also punctuate its timeline. What specific events left an indelible mark on this date? Uncover the stories that define August 28’s legacy.
History
Major Historical Events
1749 – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Birth: On this day in 1749, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the renowned German writer, poet, and philosopher, was born in Frankfurt am Main. His works, including “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther,” had a profound impact on German literature and the Romantic movement.
1833 – Abolition of Slavery in the British Empire: The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 received Royal Assent on August 28, marking a significant step toward the abolition of slavery throughout most of the British Empire.
The act came into effect the following year, freeing enslaved people in the colonies, though full emancipation took several years due to intermediate apprenticeship periods.
1963 – Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech: On August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
This powerful address became a defining moment in the American Civil Rights Movement, advocating for racial harmony and equality.
1996 – Charles and Diana’s Divorce Finalized: The divorce of Prince Charles and Princess Diana was officially finalized on August 28, 1996, ending one of the most publicized royal marriages in history. Their separation marked a significant moment for the British monarchy, reflecting changing societal attitudes toward marriage and personal life in the royal family.
Famous Birthdays
1749 – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: As mentioned earlier, the celebrated German author and thinker Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born on this day in Frankfurt am Main. His contributions to literature and philosophy continue to influence thinkers and writers worldwide.
1965 – Shania Twain: Canadian singer and songwriter Shania Twain was born on August 28, 1965, in Windsor, Ontario. Known as the “Queen of Country Pop,” her albums like “Come On Over” have sold millions, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
1982 – LeAnn Rimes: American country and pop singer LeAnn Rimes was born on this day in 1982 in Jackson, Mississippi. Rising to fame as a teenager with hits like “Blue,” she became one of the youngest Grammy Award winners in history.
1986 – Florence Welch: English singer-songwriter Florence Welch, the lead vocalist of the indie rock band Florence + The Machine, was born on August 28, 1986, in London. Her powerful voice and poetic lyrics have earned her critical acclaim and a global fanbase.
1993 – Kyle Massey: American actor and rapper Kyle Massey was born on this day in 1993 in Atlanta, Georgia. He gained fame for starring in Disney Channel shows like “That’s So Raven” and “Cory in the House,” becoming a familiar face to young audiences.
Notable Deaths
1955 – Emmett Till: On August 28, 1955, 14-year-old Emmett Till, an African American boy, was brutally murdered in Mississippi after being accused of offending a white woman. His death and the subsequent trial of his killers became a galvanizing moment for the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
1987 – John Huston: Acclaimed American filmmaker John Huston passed away on this day in 1987 in Middletown, Rhode Island. Known for directing classics like “The Maltese Falcon” and “The African Queen,” Huston left an indelible mark on cinema history.
2016 – Juan Gabriel: Mexican singer, songwriter, and composer Juan Gabriel, often called the “Divo of Juárez,” died on August 28, 2016, in Santa Monica, California. His contributions to Latin music, with hits like “Amor Eterno,” made him a beloved cultural icon.
Today in Music History
1965 – The Beatles Meet Elvis Presley: On August 28, 1965, The Beatles met Elvis Presley for the first time at his home in Bel Air, California. This historic meeting of music legends was arranged by their respective managers, and though no recordings or photos from the event exist, it remains a legendary moment in rock history.
1993 – Billy Joel’s “River of Dreams” Hits No. 1: Billy Joel’s album “River of Dreams” reached the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart on this day in 1993. The title track became one of his most popular songs, showcasing his signature storytelling style.
2003 – MTV Video Music Awards Shock: At the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2003, Madonna performed with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, creating an unforgettable moment when she kissed both singers on stage. The performance became one of the most talked-about events in award show history.
Today in Sports History
1922 – Walker Cup Begins: On August 28, 1922, the first Walker Cup match, an amateur golf competition between the United States and Great Britain, was held at the National Golf Links of America in Southampton, New York. The U.S. team won the inaugural event, establishing a long-standing tradition in golf.
1977 – Nolan Ryan’s 300th Strikeout: On this day in 1977, pitcher Nolan Ryan recorded his 300th strikeout of the season while playing for the California Angels, becoming the first pitcher in Major League Baseball history to achieve this feat in a single season. His record-setting performance solidified his reputation as one of baseball’s greatest strikeout artists.
2011 – Usain Bolt Disqualified at World Championships: At the 2011 World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, on August 28, Usain Bolt was disqualified from the 100-meter final due to a false start. This rare misstep for the Jamaican sprinter shocked fans, though he later redeemed himself in other events.
Today in Military and Naval History
1862 – Second Battle of Bull Run Begins: On August 28, 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run (also known as the Second Battle of Manassas) began during the American Civil War in Virginia. This three-day battle resulted in a decisive Confederate victory under General Robert E. Lee, further solidifying Southern momentum early in the war.
1914 – Battle of Heligoland Bight: The first naval battle of World War I, the Battle of Heligoland Bight, took place on this day in 1914 in the North Sea. The British Royal Navy achieved a tactical victory over the German Imperial Navy, boosting Allied morale in the early stages of the conflict.
Today in Tech and Science History
1859 – First Successful Oil Well Drilled in the U.S.: On August 28, 1859, Edwin L. Drake successfully drilled the first commercial oil well in Titusville, Pennsylvania. This event marked the beginning of the modern petroleum industry in the United States, transforming energy production and the economy.
1965 – Gemini 5 Returns to Earth: On this day in 1965, NASA’s Gemini 5 mission concluded as astronauts Gordon Cooper and Pete Conrad safely splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean after spending nearly eight days in space. This mission set a new record for the longest manned spaceflight at the time, advancing the U.S. space program.
1991 – First Email Sent from Space: On August 28, 1991, astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis sent the first email from space using a Macintosh Portable computer. This milestone demonstrated the potential for digital communication in extraterrestrial environments, paving the way for future space missions.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1937 – Toyota Motor Corporation Founded: On August 28, 1937, Toyota Motor Corporation was officially established in Japan by Kiichiro Toyoda. Though not directly tied to art, Toyota’s innovative designs and cultural impact on global industry have influenced modern aesthetics and engineering creativity.
1957 – Senator Strom Thurmond’s Record Filibuster: On this day in 1957, U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond began a filibuster against the Civil Rights Act, speaking for over 24 hours—the longest filibuster in Senate history.
This event, while controversial, became a notable moment in American political and cultural history.
1988 – Ramstein Air Show Disaster: A tragic air show disaster occurred on August 28, 1988, at Ramstein Air Base in West Germany, when three jets from the Italian Air Force collided mid-air, killing 70 people and injuring hundreds. This event led to significant changes in air show safety regulations and remains a somber cultural memory.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1907 – UPS Founded: On August 28, 1907, the United Parcel Service (UPS) was founded in Seattle, Washington, by James E. Casey as a messenger company. What started with a few bicycles and a $100 loan has grown into one of the world’s largest delivery services—proof that even small packages can lead to big things.
1968 – First ATM in the U.S. Patented: Though not installed on this exact day, the concept of the first automated teller machine (ATM) in the U.S. was tied to a patent filed by inventor Donald Wetzel, with significant developments noted around August 28, 1968. It’s amusing to think how this now-everyday convenience once seemed like science fiction.
Today in History for Kids
1963 – Martin Luther King Jr.’s Big Speech: On August 28, 1963, a very important man named Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to a huge crowd in Washington, D.C., about his dream for everyone to be treated equally, no matter their skin color. His words inspired many people to work for fairness and kindness.
1859 – Oil Discovery in Pennsylvania: A long time ago, on this day in 1859, a man named Edwin Drake found oil by drilling into the ground in Pennsylvania. This discovery helped people get fuel for lamps and machines, changing how we live.
1965 – Astronauts Spend a Week in Space: On August 28, 1965, two astronauts came back to Earth after spending almost eight days in space during the Gemini 5 mission. They showed that humans could live in space for a long time, which helped us learn more about the stars.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1830 – First American-Built Steam Locomotive Tested: On August 28, 1830, the first American-built steam locomotive, named the “Tom Thumb,” was tested in a race against a horse-drawn carriage in Maryland. Though the horse won due to a mechanical failure, this event marked the dawn of rail innovation in the U.S.
1898 – Caleb Bradham Names His Drink “Pepsi-Cola”: On this day in 1898, pharmacist Caleb Bradham officially named his carbonated beverage “Pepsi-Cola” in New Bern, North Carolina. Originally created as a health tonic, it became one of the world’s most recognized soft drinks.
1955 – First Guinness Book of World Records Published: On August 28, 1955, the first edition of the Guinness Book of World Records was published in the United Kingdom. What started as a promotional item for the Guinness brewery grew into a global phenomenon celebrating extraordinary human achievements.
2005 – Hurricane Katrina Approaches New Orleans: On August 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina strengthened into a Category 5 storm as it approached the Gulf Coast, particularly threatening New Orleans.
The catastrophic impact over the following days became one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history, highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness.