Special Sub-Topic: Famous August Events Click Here To Play: Famous August Events

What noted figure of the American Old West was killed in a saloon in Deadwood, South Dakota, on August 2, 1876?

Wild Bill Hickok. The frontiersman "Wild" Bill Hickok gained notice when he shot and killed outlaw Dave McCanles while working as a stagecoach driver. His jobs included Union spy and deputy US Marshal. He toured with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show from 1872 to 1874. In 1876, he was shot and killed by a drunk stranger, Jack McCall, while playing poker.

What branch of the US military was founded on August 4, 1790?

Coast Guard. In 1790, Congress approved the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of the federal revenue - hence, the US Coast Guard. In peacetime, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Transportation. In war, it becomes attached to the Navy Department.

The premature death of this handsome film star on August 23, 1926, left millions of American women heartbroken.

Rudolph Valentino & Valentino. Rudolph Valentino was born in Italy in 1895 as Rodolfo Alfonzo Raffaelo Pierre Filibert Gugliemi de Valentina d'Antongolla (whew!). He was one of the most beloved stars of the silent movies, and the world mourned when he died of a perforated ulcer at the age of 31.

On August 9, 1936, this man became the first to win four gold medals at the Olympics, held in Germany.

Jesse Owens & Owens. Jesse Owens (1913-1980) was one of the twentieth century's greatest athletes. At the 1936 Olympics he won gold medals in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, broad jump, and 400-meter relay events. In 1976 he was presented the Medal of Freedom by President Ford for his work in civil rights.

In August 1619, a ship loaded with _____ landed at Jamestown, Virginia, bringing the first of this 'commodity' to the British colonies in North America.

Slaves. A Dutch frigate brought twenty "indentured servants" (the term "slave" did not yet exist in law) from Africa to the colonies in what would be the first of many shipments.

On August 24, 1790, the Treaty of Varala was signed, ending the war between Sweden and what nation?

Russia. Finland was tired of being in the middle, both literally and figuratively, of Sweden and Russia, who fought often. In this instance, Sweden declared war on Russia in 1788 in an attempt to regain territory that was presently Finland's eastern boundary.

On August 30, 1818, Creek Indians raided Fort Mims in this US state and killed over 500 whites in revenge for the theft of their land.

Alabama. The Sixth Alabama Cavalry stages a re-enactment of this event each year in Tensaw, Alabama.

This sports prize was awarded for the first time on August 22, 1851.

America's Cup. The America's Cup is the most prestigious award in international yachting. It was dubbed "America's Cup" after the New York yacht "America" won the first 60-mile race around the Isle of Wight. The event is held approximately every four years.

On August 12, 1933, President Gerardo Machado was ousted by the army of what country?

Cuba. He was replaced by Dr. Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, who was himself driven from office less than one month later in another army coup.

On August 31, 1984, 100 schools in New Jersey, USA, were not allowed to open because ______ was found in the classrooms.

Asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was once used in many building construction materials for insulation and fireproofing. Eventually someone realized that asbestos was a health hazard, as it contained miniscule fibers which could be inhaled and damage the lungs. The asbestos hunt in the early 80s was somewhat like the Salem witch hunts, with the stuff being found (or imagined to be found) everywhere.

On August 20, 1741, this explorer "discovered" Alaska for Russia.

Vitus Bering. Vitus Bering was a Danish navigator who signed up with Tsar Peter I's fleet. In 1724 he was chosen to lead a Russian expedition to determine whether North America and Asia were connected. In 1728 he passed through the strait that now bears his name (between Alaska and Russia). He died of scurvy after exploring the Alaskan coast.

On August 6, 1930, this American judge mysteriously disappeared, never to be seen again.

Joseph Crater. Judge Crater was a New York State Supreme Court justice who was last seen stepping into a taxi in New York City, supposedly on his way to see a Broadway play. He was never seen again, causing much speculation on his whereabouts. Many theorized that he was involved in illegal activity and had been killed by the mob. After ten years he was declared legally dead. The story was the inspiration for the 1947 film "The Judge Steps Out".

On August 8, 1953, the Soviet Union announced that it had this, shocking the world.

Hydrogen bomb. The hydrogen bomb, supposedly several thousand times stronger than the regular old atomic bomb, is created by the fusion of hydrogen isotopes at high temperatures to form helium. This was first tested by the US in November, 1952. A sickening fact: in the 1980s, there were more than 40,000 of these things stored around the world.

What began operating in New York City on August 13, 1907?

Motorized taxis.

What English king was killed in battle on August 22, 1485?

Richard III. This was the famous Battle of Bosworth Field, the last of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty. The victor, Henry, earl of Richmond, would become King Henry VII.