Famous August Events Trivia Quiz

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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 used to operate under the Department of Transportation, but has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security. In war, it is attached to the Navy Department.

Answer: Rudolph 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.

Answer: Jesse 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.

Answer: Africans

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.

Answer: 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.

Answer: Alabama

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

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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.

Answer: 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".

Answer: 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.

Answer: Motorized taxis

Answer: 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.