August 12, 1588 - Alfonso Ferrabosco, composer

August 12, 1612 - Giovanni Gabrieli, Italian composer

August 12, 1633 - Jacopo Peri, Italian composer and singer who wrote the 1st recognized opera "Dafne"

August 12, 1797 - Ignaz Franz Xaver Kurzinger, German composer

August 12, 1812 - Jean-Joseph Rodolphe, Alsatian composer

August 12, 1830 - Franz de Paula Roser, composer

August 12, 1928 - Leoš Janáček, Czech composer

August 12, 1943 - Georges Martin Witkowski, composer

August 12, 1982 - Helvi Leiviskä, Finnish composer

August 12, 1985 - Marcel Mihalovici, composer

August 12, 1985 - Kyu Sakamoto, Japanese singer and actor

August 12, 1988 - Jean-Michel Basquiat, American musician/graffiti painter, dies

August 12, 1990 - Piotr Perkowski, Polish composer

August 12, 1991 - Irene Campbell, British actress/dancer, dies

August 12, 1992 - John Cage, American composer

August 12, 1994 - Gene Cherico, American jazz bassist

August 12, 1997 - Luther Allison, blues performer

August 12, 1997 - Jack Delano [Jacob Ovcharov], Russian-born American composer and photographer

August 12, 2000 - Patrick Peter Sacco, American composer

August 12, 2007 - Douglas "Doug" Riley [Dr Music], Canadian musician and musical director

August 12, 2008 - Christie Allen, British-Australian pop singer

August 12, 2008 - Donald Erb, American composer known for large orchestral works

August 12, 2010 - Richie Hayward, American drummer

August 12, 2014 - Lauren Bacall, American actress and singer named the 20th greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema

August 12, 1856 - Anthony Fass patents accordion, Anthony Fass patents accordion

August 12, 1972 - "Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" closes at Lunt-Fontanne NYC after 156 performances, "Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" closes at Lunt-Fontanne NYC after 156 performances

August 12, 1972 - "Oh! Calcutta!" closes at Belasco Theater in NYC after 1316 performances Read the Article >>, "Oh! Calcutta!" closes at Belasco Theater in NYC after 1316 performances Read the Article >>

August 12, 1979 - "Whoopee!" closes at ANTA Theater NYC after 204 performances, "Whoopee!" closes at ANTA Theater NYC after 204 performances

August 12, 1991 - Heavy metal band Metallica release their 5th album "Metallica", debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 chart, Heavy metal band Metallica release their 5th album "Metallica", debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 chart

August 12, 1999 - Shakira records her first live album in New York City, titled "MTV Unplugged", Shakira records her first live album in New York City, titled "MTV Unplugged"

August 12, 1988 - Country singer John Denver (44) weds actress Cassandra Delaney, Country singer John Denver (44) weds actress Cassandra Delaney

August 12, 2011 - Actress and model Brooke Burke (40) weds singer/actor David Charvet (39) in St. Barthelemy, Guadeloupe, Actress and model Brooke Burke (40) weds singer/actor David Charvet (39) in St. Barthelemy, Guadeloupe

August 12, 2016 - Singer-songwriter Ray J (35) weds Princess Love at the Vibiana in Los Angeles, Singer-songwriter Ray J (35) weds Princess Love at the Vibiana in Los Angeles

August 12, 2011 - Rock singer John Mellencamp (59) divorces model Elaine Irwin (41) after 18 years of marriage, Rock singer John Mellencamp (59) divorces model Elaine Irwin (41) after 18 years of marriage

August 12, 1900 - Wilhelm Steinitz, Austrian world chess champion

August 12, 1904 - William Renshaw, British tennis player

August 12, 1941 - Bobby Peel, cricketer, dies

August 12, 1959 - Mike O'Neill, Irish-American baseball player

August 12, 1970 - Glenn Hartranft, American athlete

August 12, 1973 - John Clay, cricketer, dies

August 12, 1982 - Salvador Sanchez, Mexican boxer

August 12, 1983 - Henry Gifford Vivian, cricketer, dies

August 12, 1983 - Giff Vivian, New Zealand cricket batsman

August 12, 1985 - Manfred Winkelhock, German race car driver

August 12, 1989 - Samuel Okwaraji, Nigerian footballer

August 12, 2002 - Enos Slaughter, American baseball player

August 12, 1851 - 1st America's Cup - US schooner America beats British yacht Aurora after race around the Isle of Wight, 1st America's Cup - US schooner America beats British yacht Aurora after race around the Isle of Wight

August 12, 1876 - Madeline (US) beats Countess Dufferin (Canada) in 4th America's Cup, Madeline (US) beats Countess Dufferin (Canada) in 4th America's Cup

August 12, 1879 - 1st National Archery Association tournament (Chicago), 1st National Archery Association tournament (Chicago)

August 12, 1884 - Bill Murdoch scores 1st Test Cricket double-century, 211 at The Oval, Bill Murdoch scores 1st Test Cricket double-century, 211 at The Oval

August 12, 1886 - W. G. Grace made his highest Test Cricket score, v Aust, The Oval, W. G. Grace made his highest Test Cricket score, v Aust, The Oval

August 12, 1896 - Willem II soccer team forms in Tilburg, Willem II soccer team forms in Tilburg

August 12, 1928 - IX Summer Olympic Games close in Amsterdam, Netherlands, IX Summer Olympic Games close in Amsterdam, Netherlands

August 12, 1936 - After 24 year absence a baseball demonstration game is played between 2 American teams at Berlin Olympics, World Champions beat US Olympics, 6-5, After 24 year absence a baseball demonstration game is played between 2 American teams at Berlin Olympics, World Champions beat US Olympics, 6-5

August 12, 1936 - American diver Marjorie Gestring wins 3m springboard gold at the Berlin Olympics, youngest Olympic gold medalist (13 years 268 days), American diver Marjorie Gestring wins 3m springboard gold at the Berlin Olympics, youngest Olympic gold medalist (13 years 268 days)

August 12, 1936 - The gymnastics competition at the Berlin Olympics concludes with Germany dominating, winning 6 of 9 gold medals including the men’s & women’s teams events, The gymnastics competition at the Berlin Olympics concludes with Germany dominating, winning 6 of 9 gold medals including the men’s & women’s teams events

August 12, 1948 - Cleveland Indians get 29 hits in a 9 inning game, Cleveland Indians get 29 hits in a 9 inning game

August 12, 1948 - The canoeing program at the London Olympics concludes with Sweden (4) and Czechoslovakia (3) dominant, combining for 7 of the 9 gold medals, The canoeing program at the London Olympics concludes with Sweden (4) and Czechoslovakia (3) dominant, combining for 7 of the 9 gold medals

August 12, 1948 - Indian maestro Balbir Singh Dosanjh scores twice as India beats Great Britain 4-0 for the field hockey gold medal at the London Olympics; India's 4th consecutive Olympic hockey title, Indian maestro Balbir Singh Dosanjh scores twice as India beats Great Britain 4-0 for the field hockey gold medal at the London Olympics; India's 4th consecutive Olympic hockey title

August 12, 1949 - 16th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Philadelphia 38, All-Stars 0 (93,780), 16th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Philadelphia 38, All-Stars 0 (93,780)

August 12, 1950 - First international game by an NFL team, New York Giants beat CFL's Ottawa Roughriders, 20-6 at Ottawa's Lansdowne Stadium, First international game by an NFL team, New York Giants beat CFL's Ottawa Roughriders, 20-6 at Ottawa's Lansdowne Stadium

August 12, 1953 - Ann Davison arrives in Miami in her 23 foot boat Felicity Ann, becoming the 1st woman to sail solo across the Atlantic, Ann Davison arrives in Miami in her 23 foot boat Felicity Ann, becoming the 1st woman to sail solo across the Atlantic

August 12, 1960 - 27th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Baltimore 32, All-Stars 7 (70,000), 27th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Baltimore 32, All-Stars 7 (70,000)

August 12, 1960 - Ralph Boston of US, sets then long jump record at 8.21m, Ralph Boston of US, sets then long jump record at 8.21m

August 12, 1963 - Stan Musial announces he will retire at end of year, Stan Musial announces he will retire at end of year

August 12, 1964 - Mickey Mantle switch-hits HR record 10th & final time in a game, Mickey Mantle switch-hits HR record 10th & final time in a game

August 12, 1965 - Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, Inc applies for a NL franchise, Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, Inc applies for a NL franchise

August 12, 1967 - New Orleans Saints 1st pre-season victory, beat St Louis 23-14, New Orleans Saints 1st pre-season victory, beat St Louis 23-14

August 12, 1969 - Boston Celtics sold for an NBA record $6 million, Boston Celtics sold for an NBA record $6 million

August 12, 1970 - Curt Flood loses his $41 million antitrust suit against baseball, Curt Flood loses his $41 million antitrust suit against baseball

August 12, 1972 - Ian & Greg Chappell both scores centuries in same Test Cricket innings, Ian & Greg Chappell both scores centuries in same Test Cricket innings

August 12, 1973 - PGA Championship Men's Golf, Canterbury GC: Jack Nicklaus wins 3rd of 5 PGA C'ships by 4 from Bruce Crampton of Australia, PGA Championship Men's Golf, Canterbury GC: Jack Nicklaus wins 3rd of 5 PGA C'ships by 4 from Bruce Crampton of Australia

August 12, 1974 - Nolan Ryan strikes out 19 & walks only 2 as Angels top Red Sox, 4-2, Nolan Ryan strikes out 19 & walks only 2 as Angels top Red Sox, 4-2

August 12, 1974 - Yankees, Yankees

August 12, 1984 - Braves beat Padres 5-3, features 2 brawls & 19 ejections, Braves beat Padres 5-3, features 2 brawls & 19 ejections

August 12, 1984 - Harmon Killebrew, Rick Ferrell, Don Drysdale, Pee Wee Reese, & Luis Aparicio are inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY, Harmon Killebrew, Rick Ferrell, Don Drysdale, Pee Wee Reese, & Luis Aparicio are inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY

August 12, 1984 - Carlos Lopes of Portugal wins the men's marathon at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2:09:21, an Olympic record that stands for 24 years, Carlos Lopes of Portugal wins the men's marathon at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2:09:21, an Olympic record that stands for 24 years

August 12, 1985 - Baltimore Orioles W Gross & L Sheets are 6th to hit consecutive pinch HRs, Baltimore Orioles W Gross & L Sheets are 6th to hit consecutive pinch HRs

August 12, 1986 - Red Sox pitcher Tim Lollar gets a pinch-hit single, Red Sox pitcher Tim Lollar gets a pinch-hit single

August 12, 1988 - Boston Red Sox beat Tigers 9-4 for AL record 23rd consecutive win at home, Boston Red Sox beat Tigers 9-4 for AL record 23rd consecutive win at home

August 12, 1990 - PGA Championship Men's Golf, Shoal Creek: Wayne Grady of Australia wins his only major title by 3 strokes from American Fred Couples, PGA Championship Men's Golf, Shoal Creek: Wayne Grady of Australia wins his only major title by 3 strokes from American Fred Couples

August 12, 1991 - Last day in Test Cricket for Viv Richards, Dujon & Marshall, Last day in Test Cricket for Viv Richards, Dujon & Marshall

August 12, 1994 - 1st NFL game on Fox network (exhibition - SF vs Denver), 1st NFL game on Fox network (exhibition - SF vs Denver)

August 12, 1994 - Members of the Major League Baseball Players Association go on strike leading to cancellation of World Series for only the second time in MLB history (1904); labour dispute, Members of the Major League Baseball Players Association go on strike leading to cancellation of World Series for only the second time in MLB history (1904); labour dispute

August 12, 1995 - Lara completes 6th Test Cricket century, 152 at Trent Bridge, Lara completes 6th Test Cricket century, 152 at Trent Bridge

August 12, 2007 - PGA Championship Men's Golf, Southern Hills CC: Defending champion Tiger Woods wins his 4th PGA C'ship by 2 shots from Woody Austin, PGA Championship Men's Golf, Southern Hills CC: Defending champion Tiger Woods wins his 4th PGA C'ship by 2 shots from Woody Austin

August 12, 2008 - American super-swimmer Michael Phelps wins his 3rd of 8 gold medals at the Beijing Olympics when he takes the 200m freestyle in world record 1:42.96, American super-swimmer Michael Phelps wins his 3rd of 8 gold medals at the Beijing Olympics when he takes the 200m freestyle in world record 1:42.96

August 12, 2008 - An American 1-2 in the 100m backstroke at the Beijing Olympics with Aaron Peirsol swimming a world record 52.54 to beat team mate Matt Grevers, An American 1-2 in the 100m backstroke at the Beijing Olympics with Aaron Peirsol swimming a world record 52.54 to beat team mate Matt Grevers

August 12, 2008 - American swimmer Natalie Coughlin becomes the first to successfully defend the gold medal in the women's 100 m backstroke when she wins event at the Beijing Olympics, American swimmer Natalie Coughlin becomes the first to successfully defend the gold medal in the women's 100 m backstroke when she wins event at the Beijing Olympics

August 12, 2012 - PGA Championship Men's Golf, Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland wins by 8 strokes from Englishman David Lynn, PGA Championship Men's Golf, Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland wins by 8 strokes from Englishman David Lynn

August 12, 2012 - XXX Summer Olympic Games close in London, England, XXX Summer Olympic Games close in London, England

August 12, 2016 - Italian jockey Frankie Dettori aboard Predilection rides his 3,000th British winner at Newmarket, Italian jockey Frankie Dettori aboard Predilection rides his 3,000th British winner at Newmarket

August 12, 2016 - Joseph Schooling of Singapore sets Olympic record 50.39 to win men's 100m butterfly gold at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics; rare 3-way tie for silver at 51.14,, Joseph Schooling of Singapore sets Olympic record 50.39 to win men's 100m butterfly gold at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics; rare 3-way tie for silver at 51.14,

August 12, 2016 - American star swimmer Katie Ledecky sets world record 8:04.79 to dominate the women's 800m field at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics; medal tally of 4 gold, 1 silver make her most decorated US female athlete at one Olympics, American star swimmer Katie Ledecky sets world record 8:04.79 to dominate the women's 800m field at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics; medal tally of 4 gold, 1 silver make her most decorated US female athlete at one Olympics

August 12, 2016 - Hungarian swimmer Katinka Hosszú wins her 4th medal of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics finishing 2nd in the women's 200m backstroke; gold to American Maya DiRado in 2:05:99, Hungarian swimmer Katinka Hosszú wins her 4th medal of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics finishing 2nd in the women's 200m backstroke; gold to American Maya DiRado in 2:05:99

August 12, 2017 - Usain Bolt injures himself in his very last race - mens 4x100m relay, Jamaica misses gold at world championships, Usain Bolt injures himself in his very last race - mens 4x100m relay, Jamaica misses gold at world championships

August 12, 2018 - 100th PGA Championship Men's Golf, Bellerive CC: Brooks Koepka becomes only the 5th player to win 2 major titles in a calendar year (US Open 2018) when he beats, 100th PGA Championship Men's Golf, Bellerive CC: Brooks Koepka becomes only the 5th player to win 2 major titles in a calendar year (US Open 2018) when he beats

August 12, 2019 - Baltimore Orioles concede 7 home runs in doubleheader defeats against NY Yankees to break the American League single season HRs allowed record with 248 and counting, Baltimore Orioles concede 7 home runs in doubleheader defeats against NY Yankees to break the American League single season HRs allowed record with 248 and counting

August 12, 1940 - PGA golfer Sam Snead (28) weds high school sweetheart Audrey Karnes, PGA golfer Sam Snead (28) weds high school sweetheart Audrey Karnes

August 12, 30 BC - Cleopatra VII Philopator, the last ruler of the Egyptian Ptolemaic dynasty, commits suicide allegedly by inducing an asp to bite her

August 12, 875 - Louis II, king of Italy/emperor of France

August 12, 1158 - Anselm of Havelberg, Brandenburg bishop of Havelberg

August 12, 1295 - Charles Martel of Anjou, Son of Charles II of Naples

August 12, 1424 - Yongle, Emperor of the Ming Empire

August 12, 1484 - Sixtus IV, [Francesco della Rovere], Pope, dies

August 12, 1484 - George of Trebizond, Greek philosopher

August 12, 1546 - Francisco de Vitoria, Spanish theology/lawyer, dies

August 12, 1577 - Thomas Smith, English diplomat and scholar

August 12, 1638 - Johannes Althusius, [Althaut], German lawyer

August 12, 1648 - Ibrahim I, 18th Ottoman Sultan

August 12, 1654 - Cornelis Haga, ambassador to Constantinople

August 12, 1660 - Gilbertus van Zinnik, Flemish architect

August 12, 1674 - Philippe de Champaigne, French painter

August 12, 1675 - Karl Rabenhaupt, German/Neth baron of Sucha/army leader

August 12, 1676 - King Philip, [Metacomet], leader Wampanoag-indians, shot to death

August 12, 1689 - Innocent XI, [Benedetto Odescalchi], Italian, Pope

August 12, 1715 - Nahum Tate, English poet/playwright/poet laureate, dies

August 12, 1728 - Henricus Zwaardecroon, gov-gen of Neth-Indies at 61

August 12, 1750 - Rachel Ruysch, royal painter of soverign Johan von de Pfalz, dies

August 12, 1778 - Peregrine Bertie, 3rd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven, British general and politician

August 12, 1809 - Mikhail Kamensky, Russian field marshal

August 12, 1810 - Etienne Louis Geoffroy, French pharmacist and entomologist

August 12, 1811 - John FE Acton, cruel premier of Naples

August 12, 1822 - Robert Stewart, 2nd marguess of Londonderry, commits suicide, dies

August 12, 1827 - William Blake, English poet and artist

August 12, 1848 - George Stephenson, English engineer known as the "Father of Railways"

August 12, 1849 - Abraham AA "Albert" Gallatin, Min of Finance

August 12, 1857 - William Daniel Conybeare, geologist, dies

August 12, 1861 - Eliphalet Remington, American firearms manufacturer

August 12, 1864 - Sakuma Shōzan, Japanese reformer

August 12, 1865 - William Jackson Hooker, botanist, dies

August 12, 1877 - James Drummond, Scottish historical painter

August 12, 1883 - Last Quagga, None

August 12, 1885 - Georg Curtius, German classical linguist

August 12, 1885 - Helen Hunt Jackson, American author

August 12, 1891 - James Russell Lowell, poet/critic/diplomat, dies

August 12, 1896 - Thomas Chamberlain, officer of the 20th Maine at the Battle of Gettysburg

August 12, 1900 - James Edward Keeler, American astronomer

August 12, 1901 - Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld, Finnish-Swedish explorer and mineralogist

August 12, 1911 - Jozef Israels, painter, dies

August 12, 1911 - Petrus H Hugenholtz, Dutch reformist vicar

August 12, 1914 - John Philip Holland, submarine designer

August 12, 1922 - Arthur Griffith, Irish nationalist/president, dies

August 12, 1934 - Hendrik P Berlage, architect

August 12, 1935 - Friedrich Schottky, German mathematician

August 12, 1938 - Ludwig Borchardt, German Egyptologist

August 12, 1944 - Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., brother of President John F. Kennedy

August 12, 1948 - Harry Brearley, English inventor

August 12, 1952 - David Bergelson, Yiddish language writer

August 12, 1955 - Thomas Mann, German writer

August 12, 1955 - James B. Sumner, American chemist

August 12, 1968 - Pieter Oud, Dutch politician and Mayor of Rotterdam

August 12, 1968 - Esther Forbes, American novelist

August 12, 1973 - Walter Rudolf Hess, Swiss physiologist, Nobel laureate

August 12, 1973 - Karl Ziegler, German chemist and Nobel Laureate

August 12, 1976 - Thomas Edward Driberg, 1st baron Bradwell, journalist, dies

August 12, 1979 - Ernst B. Chain, German-British chemist and bacteriologist

August 12, 1982 - Varlam Shalamov, Russian writer

August 12, 1989 - William Shockley, American physicist who helped invent the transistor, who was also known for his racist eugenics views

August 12, 1990 - B. Kliban, American cartoonist known for his drawings of cats, usually with horrible puns

August 12, 1992 - Mazoon al-Mashani, 2nd wife of Sultan Said bin Taimur and Queen Mother of Oman

August 12, 1994 - Manfred Salzgeber, German film distributor/publicist

August 12, 1996 - Anthony Derrick Parsons, diplomat

August 12, 1996 - Victor Ambartsumian, Russian astronomer

August 12, 1999 - Jean Drapeau, Quebec politician, mayor of Montreal

August 12, 1999 - John Rigby Hale, British linguist and historian

August 12, 2004 - Sir Godfrey Hounsfield, English electrical engineer and inventor, Nobel laureate

August 12, 2005 - John Loder, co-founder of the anarcho-punk band CRASS

August 12, 2005 - Lakshman Kadirgamar, Sri Lankan politician

August 12, 2007 - Mike Wieringo, American comic book artist

August 12, 2009 - Lord John Gregson, British Labour politician and Baron

August 12, 2010 - Isaac Bonewits, founder of U.S. Druid organization Ar Ndraiocht Fein

August 12, 2010 - Guido de Marco, 6th president of Malta, 45th President of the United Nations General Assembly

August 12, 3 - Venus-Jupiter in conjunction-Star of Bethlehem, Venus-Jupiter in conjunction-Star of Bethlehem

August 12, 1099 - Battle at Ascalon: Godfried of Broth leading the Crusaders beats Egyptians Fatimid army, Battle at Ascalon: Godfried of Broth leading the Crusaders beats Egyptians Fatimid army

August 12, 1121 - Battle of Didgori: the Georgian army under King David the Builder wins a decisive victory over the famous Seljuk commander Ilghazi, Battle of Didgori: the Georgian army under King David the Builder wins a decisive victory over the famous Seljuk commander Ilghazi

August 12, 1164 - Battle of Harim: Nur ad-Din defeats the Crusader armies of the County of Tripoli and the Principality of Antioch., Battle of Harim: Nur ad-Din defeats the Crusader armies of the County of Tripoli and the Principality of Antioch.

August 12, 1323 - Treaty of Nöteborg between Sweden and Novgorod (Russia) regulates the border for the first time, Treaty of Nöteborg between Sweden and Novgorod (Russia) regulates the border for the first time

August 12, 1332 - Battle of Dupplin Moor; Scottish dynastic battle, Battle of Dupplin Moor; Scottish dynastic battle

August 12, 1336 - English King Edward III ends wool export to Flanders, English King Edward III ends wool export to Flanders

August 12, 1480 - Battle of Otranto - Ottoman troops behead 800 Christians for refusing to convert to Islam, Battle of Otranto - Ottoman troops behead 800 Christians for refusing to convert to Islam

August 12, 1492 - Christopher Columbus arrives in the Canary Islands on his first voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus arrives in the Canary Islands on his first voyage to the New World

August 12, 1499 - First engagement of the Battle of Zonchio between Venetian and Ottoman fleets, First engagement of the Battle of Zonchio between Venetian and Ottoman fleets

August 12, 1530 - Florence surrenders for emperor Karel I, Florence surrenders for emperor Karel I

August 12, 1549 - French troops conquer Ambleteuse, in the Pas-de-Calais, and kill all the English prisoners., French troops conquer Ambleteuse, in the Pas-de-Calais, and kill all the English prisoners.

August 12, 1553 - Pope Julius III orders confiscation & burning of Jewish Talmud, Pope Julius III orders confiscation & burning of Jewish Talmud

August 12, 1588 - Commander of the English fleet Lord Howard of Effingham calls off chase of the Spanish Armada off coast of Scotland, Commander of the English fleet Lord Howard of Effingham calls off chase of the Spanish Armada off coast of Scotland

August 12, 1588 - Medemblik surrenders to Spanish army, Medemblik surrenders to Spanish army

August 12, 1658 - 1st American police force forms (New Amsterdam), 1st American police force forms (New Amsterdam)

August 12, 1665 - English fleet beat Dutch fleet, English fleet beat Dutch fleet

August 12, 1676 - 1st war between American colonists & Indians ends in New England, 1st war between American colonists & Indians ends in New England

August 12, 1687 - Charles of Lotharingen defeats Turkish leaders, Charles of Lotharingen defeats Turkish leaders

August 12, 1687 - Battle of Mohacs: Ottoman invaders of Hungary routed by forces of Holy Roman Emperor under Charles of Lorraine, Battle of Mohacs: Ottoman invaders of Hungary routed by forces of Holy Roman Emperor under Charles of Lorraine

August 12, 1759 - Battle of Kunersdorf - Russian-Austrian army overpowers Prussians, Battle of Kunersdorf - Russian-Austrian army overpowers Prussians

August 12, 1793 - The Rhône départment is created when the former département of Rhône-et-Loire was split into two: Rhône and Loire (Lêre)., The Rhône départment is created when the former département of Rhône-et-Loire was split into two: Rhône and Loire (Lêre).

August 12, 1812 - Duke of Wellington's troops enter Madrid, Duke of Wellington's troops enter Madrid

August 12, 1813 - Robert Southey is appointed British Poet Laureate by King George III, Robert Southey is appointed British Poet Laureate by King George III

August 12, 1831 - Dutch troops conquer Leuven, Dutch troops conquer Leuven

August 12, 1831 - Netherlands & Belgium sign peace treaty, Netherlands & Belgium sign peace treaty

August 12, 1833 - The town of Chicago is incorporated (population 350), The town of Chicago is incorporated (population 350)

August 12, 1851 - American inventor Isaac Singer patents the sewing machine, American inventor Isaac Singer patents the sewing machine

August 12, 1861 - Skirmish at Texas - rebels are attacked by Apache Indians, Skirmish at Texas - rebels are attacked by Apache Indians

August 12, 1862 - Gen John Hunt Morgan & his raiders capture Gallatin, TX, Gen John Hunt Morgan & his raiders capture Gallatin, TX

August 12, 1863 - 1st cargo of lumber leaves Burrard Inlet (Vancouver, BC), 1st cargo of lumber leaves Burrard Inlet (Vancouver, BC)

August 12, 1865 - Joseph Lister performs 1st antiseptic surgery, Joseph Lister performs 1st antiseptic surgery

August 12, 1867 - US President Andrew Johnson defies Congress suspending Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, US President Andrew Johnson defies Congress suspending Secretary of War Edwin Stanton

August 12, 1869 - Self-proclaimed Emperor Joshua Abraham Norton of the USA issues edict abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties, Self-proclaimed Emperor Joshua Abraham Norton of the USA issues edict abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties

August 12, 1877 - Thomas Edison completes 1st model for the phonograph, a device that recorded sound onto tinfoil cylinders Learn More >>, Thomas Edison completes 1st model for the phonograph, a device that recorded sound onto tinfoil cylinders Learn More >>

August 12, 1883 - The last quagga (zebra subspecies) dies at the Artis Magistra zoo in Amsterdam., The last quagga (zebra subspecies) dies at the Artis Magistra zoo in Amsterdam.

August 12, 1888 - Bertha, wife of inventor Karl Benz , makes 1st motor tour, Bertha, wife of inventor Karl Benz , makes 1st motor tour

August 12, 1898 - Hawaii is formally annexed to US, Hawaii is formally annexed to US

August 12, 1898 - Peace protocol ends Spanish-American War, signed, Peace protocol ends Spanish-American War, signed

August 12, 1901 - Boer general Kritzinger driven out of Cape colony, Boer general Kritzinger driven out of Cape colony

August 12, 1903 - The Japanese Minister to Russia presents a note to the Russian Government protesting against its failure to evacuate Manchuria, The Japanese Minister to Russia presents a note to the Russian Government protesting against its failure to evacuate Manchuria

August 12, 1905 - King Leopold II opens Antwerp Central Station, King Leopold II opens Antwerp Central Station

August 12, 1908 - Henry Ford 's company builds the first Model T car Learn More >>, Henry Ford 's company builds the first Model T car Learn More >>

August 12, 1914 - France and Great Britian declare war on Austria-Hungary, France and Great Britian declare war on Austria-Hungary

August 12, 1914 - Cavalry battle at Halen, Belgium ("Battle of the Silver Helmets"), Cavalry battle at Halen, Belgium ("Battle of the Silver Helmets")

August 12, 1914 - German 16.5"/12" guns fires on forts round Liege, German 16.5"/12" guns fires on forts round Liege

August 12, 1914 - Russian troops take East-Prussia & occupy Marggrabowa, Russian troops take East-Prussia & occupy Marggrabowa

August 12, 1915 - "Of Human Bondage" by William Somerset Maugham, published, "Of Human Bondage" by William Somerset Maugham, published

August 12, 1916 - Picasso , Max Jacob, Kisling, Ortiz & Paquerette photographed in Paris, Picasso , Max Jacob, Kisling, Ortiz & Paquerette photographed in Paris

August 12, 1918 - WWI: Allies defeat Germans at the Battle of Amiens - the last great battle on the Western Front, WWI: Allies defeat Germans at the Battle of Amiens - the last great battle on the Western Front

August 12, 1920 - Battle of Warsaw between Poland and Russia begins, Battle of Warsaw between Poland and Russia begins

August 12, 1922 - Dedication of Frederick Douglass ' home in Washington, D.C. as national shrine, Dedication of Frederick Douglass ' home in Washington, D.C. as national shrine

August 12, 1923 - Dutch AR-leader Coair replaces De Geer as minister of finances, Dutch AR-leader Coair replaces De Geer as minister of finances

August 12, 1923 - Enrico Tiraboschi is 1st to swim English Channel westward, Enrico Tiraboschi is 1st to swim English Channel westward

August 12, 1925 - KMA-AM in Shenandoah IA begins radio transmissions, KMA-AM in Shenandoah IA begins radio transmissions

August 12, 1925 - The first cast of Alpha Psi Omega, drawn from The Masquers of Fairmont College, West Virginia, is initiated., The first cast of Alpha Psi Omega, drawn from The Masquers of Fairmont College, West Virginia, is initiated.

August 12, 1930 - Clarence Birdseye is granted a patent for method for quick freezing food (patent US 1773079 A), Clarence Birdseye is granted a patent for method for quick freezing food (patent US 1773079 A)

August 12, 1931 - Yangtzee River floods after heavy rain crumbles dikes in China, Yangtzee River floods after heavy rain crumbles dikes in China

August 12, 1933 - Cuban dictator Machado y Morales flees after military coup, Cuban dictator Machado y Morales flees after military coup

August 12, 1936 - 120°F (49°C), Seymour, Texas (state record), 120°F (49°C), Seymour, Texas (state record)

August 12, 1940 - Luftwaffe bombs British radar stations, loses 31 aircraft, Luftwaffe bombs British radar stations, loses 31 aircraft

August 12, 1940 - Netherlands starts rationing textiles, Netherlands starts rationing textiles

August 12, 1941 - French Marshal Philippe Petain gives full support to Nazi Germany, French Marshal Philippe Petain gives full support to Nazi Germany

August 12, 1942 - British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrives in Moscow for a conference with Joseph Stalin and US representative W. Averrell Harriman, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrives in Moscow for a conference with Joseph Stalin and US representative W. Averrell Harriman

August 12, 1942 - German 1st tank leader captures Elista, Kalmukkensteppe, German 1st tank leader captures Elista, Kalmukkensteppe

August 12, 1942 - Lt General Bernard Montgomery arrives in Cairo, Lt General Bernard Montgomery arrives in Cairo

August 12, 1943 - Alleged date of the first Philadelphia Experiment test on United States Navy ship USS Eldridge., Alleged date of the first Philadelphia Experiment test on United States Navy ship USS Eldridge.

August 12, 1944 - Winston Churchill and Tito meet in Naples, Winston Churchill and Tito meet in Naples

August 12, 1944 - Pipeline under ocean (Pluto) begins operating, Pipeline under ocean (Pluto) begins operating

August 12, 1944 - Waffen SS troops massacre 560 people in Sant'Anna di Stazzema., Waffen SS troops massacre 560 people in Sant'Anna di Stazzema.

August 12, 1945 - Emperor Hirohito of Japan informs the imperial family that he has decided to surrender, Emperor Hirohito of Japan informs the imperial family that he has decided to surrender

August 12, 1948 - Court of justice sentences General Friedrich Christiansen, commander of the German Wehrmacht in the Netherlands, to 12 years imprisonment, Court of justice sentences General Friedrich Christiansen, commander of the German Wehrmacht in the Netherlands, to 12 years imprisonment

August 12, 1950 - Pope Pius XII publishes encyclical Humani generis, Pope Pius XII publishes encyclical Humani generis

August 12, 1952 - Hussein ibn Talal proclaimed King of Jordan, Hussein ibn Talal proclaimed King of Jordan

August 12, 1953 - Heavy earthquake strikes the Ionian islands, 435 killed, Heavy earthquake strikes the Ionian islands, 435 killed

August 12, 1953 - Soviet Union conducts secret test of its 1st hydrogen bomb, Soviet Union conducts secret test of its 1st hydrogen bomb

August 12, 1954 - Senator Eddie Yost draws his 100th walk for 5th year in a row, Senator Eddie Yost draws his 100th walk for 5th year in a row

August 12, 1955 - 22nd NFL Chicago All-Star Game: All-Stars 30, Cleveland 27 (75,000), 22nd NFL Chicago All-Star Game: All-Stars 30, Cleveland 27 (75,000)

August 12, 1955 - US President Eisenhower raises minimum wage from 75 cents to $1 an hour, US President Eisenhower raises minimum wage from 75 cents to $1 an hour

August 12, 1959 - 1st ship firing of a Polaris missile, Observation Island, 1st ship firing of a Polaris missile, Observation Island

August 12, 1959 - Progressive Party under John Steytler forms in South Africa, Progressive Party under John Steytler forms in South Africa

August 12, 1960 - Echo 1, 1st communications satellite, is launched by NASA, Echo 1, 1st communications satellite, is launched by NASA

August 12, 1960 - USAF Major Robert M White takes X-15 to an altitude of 41,600 m, USAF Major Robert M White takes X-15 to an altitude of 41,600 m

August 12, 1962 - 1st time 2 people in space, 1st time 2 people in space

August 12, 1962 - Russia launches Vostok 4, Pavel Popovich, who lands safely Aug 15, Russia launches Vostok 4, Pavel Popovich, who lands safely Aug 15

August 12, 1963 - Portuguese dictator Salazar firm on African colonization, Portuguese dictator Salazar firm on African colonization

August 12, 1964 - 10th time Mantle switch-hits HR in a game, one goes 502 feet, 10th time Mantle switch-hits HR in a game, one goes 502 feet

August 12, 1964 - Race riot in Elizabeth, NJ, Race riot in Elizabeth, NJ

August 12, 1965 - Dame Elizabeth Lane becomes first female English High Court judge, Dame Elizabeth Lane becomes first female English High Court judge

August 12, 1965 - Race riot in West Side of Chicago, Race riot in West Side of Chicago

August 12, 1969 - Battle of the Bogside: RUC officers, backed by loyalists, entered the nationalist Bogside in armoured cars and tried to suppress the riot by using CS gas, water cannon and eventually firearms; the almost continuous rioting lasted for two days, Battle of the Bogside: RUC officers, backed by loyalists, entered the nationalist Bogside in armoured cars and tried to suppress the riot by using CS gas, water cannon and eventually firearms; the almost continuous rioting lasted for two days

August 12, 1971 - Syrian President Hafez al-Assad drops diplomatic relations with Jordan, Syrian President Hafez al-Assad drops diplomatic relations with Jordan

August 12, 1972 - Last American combat ground troops leave Vietnam, Last American combat ground troops leave Vietnam

August 12, 1973 - WPBA National Championship won by Betty Morris, WPBA National Championship won by Betty Morris

August 12, 1976 - 1st approach & lands test (ALT) of orbiter Enterprise, 1st approach & lands test (ALT) of orbiter Enterprise

August 12, 1976 - Christian militia conquer Palestinian camp Tell al-Za'tar, 2000 killed, Christian militia conquer Palestinian camp Tell al-Za'tar, 2000 killed

August 12, 1977 - For 2nd straight day, Oakland's Manny Sanguillen foils a no-hit bid, For 2nd straight day, Oakland's Manny Sanguillen foils a no-hit bid

August 12, 1977 - High Energy Astronomy Observatory {HEAO] 1 launched into Earth's orbit by NASA, High Energy Astronomy Observatory {HEAO] 1 launched into Earth's orbit by NASA

August 12, 1977 - Space shuttle Enterprise makes 1st atmospheric test flight, Space shuttle Enterprise makes 1st atmospheric test flight

August 12, 1978 - Arron Marshall completes a record shower of 336 hours, Arron Marshall completes a record shower of 336 hours

August 12, 1978 - China & Japan sign peace treaty, China & Japan sign peace treaty

August 12, 1978 - International Cometary Explorer (ICE) spacecraft launched - to study solar wind, International Cometary Explorer (ICE) spacecraft launched - to study solar wind

August 12, 1979 - Iranian press censors start massive book burnings, Iranian press censors start massive book burnings

August 12, 1980 - Signature of the Montevideo Treaty establishing the Latin American Integration Association., Signature of the Montevideo Treaty establishing the Latin American Integration Association.

August 12, 1981 - IBM introduces its first Personal Computer (PC & PC-DOS version 1.0), IBM introduces its first Personal Computer (PC & PC-DOS version 1.0)

August 12, 1981 - Jon Erikson (US) becomes 1st to triple cross English Channel (38:27), Jon Erikson (US) becomes 1st to triple cross English Channel (38:27)

August 12, 1983 - General Manuel A Noriega becomes commander of Panamanian army, General Manuel A Noriega becomes commander of Panamanian army

August 12, 1985 - 520 people die when Japan Airlines Flight 123 crashes in Ueno, Japan, the second-deadliest aviation disaster of all time, 520 people die when Japan Airlines Flight 123 crashes in Ueno, Japan, the second-deadliest aviation disaster of all time

August 12, 1986 - Don Baylor gets hits by a pitch for a record 25th time in a season, Don Baylor gets hits by a pitch for a record 25th time in a season

August 12, 1986 - Iran fires missile at refinery near Baghdad; Iraq raids Iranian terminal at Sirri Island severely disrupting Iranian exports, Iran fires missile at refinery near Baghdad; Iraq raids Iranian terminal at Sirri Island severely disrupting Iranian exports

August 12, 1987 - Charles Cole climbs 870'Tyrolean Traverse from top of Elephant Rock, Charles Cole climbs 870'Tyrolean Traverse from top of Elephant Rock

August 12, 1988 - Nelson Mandela is treated for tuberculosis at hospital, Nelson Mandela is treated for tuberculosis at hospital

August 12, 1988 - Richard Thornburgh becomes US Attorney General, Richard Thornburgh becomes US Attorney General

August 12, 1990 - 12th annual Macy's Tap-o-mania, 12th annual Macy's Tap-o-mania

August 12, 1990 - Iraqi President Saddam Hussein says he is ready to resolve Gulf crisis if Israel withdraws from occupied territories, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein says he is ready to resolve Gulf crisis if Israel withdraws from occupied territories

August 12, 1991 - Creditors vote to support Greyhound Bus reorganization plan, Creditors vote to support Greyhound Bus reorganization plan

August 12, 1992 - Canada, Mexico, and the United States announce completion of negotiations for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)., Canada, Mexico, and the United States announce completion of negotiations for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

August 12, 1993 - Pope John Paul II begins visit of US, Pope John Paul II begins visit of US

August 12, 1994 - Panic in church of Brazzaville: 142 killed, Panic in church of Brazzaville: 142 killed

August 12, 1994 - Stephen G Breyer, sworn in as Supreme Court Justice, Stephen G Breyer, sworn in as Supreme Court Justice

August 12, 1996 - "Breakfast on Fox" premieres, "Breakfast on Fox" premieres

August 12, 2000 - The Oscar class submarine K-141 Kursk of the Russian Navy explodes and sinks in the Barents Sea during a military exercise., The Oscar class submarine K-141 Kursk of the Russian Navy explodes and sinks in the Barents Sea during a military exercise.

August 12, 2004 - Lee Hsien Loong suceeds Goh Chok Tong as Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong suceeds Goh Chok Tong as Prime Minister of Singapore

August 12, 2004 - New Jersey Governor James McGreevey comes out publicly as gay, New Jersey Governor James McGreevey comes out publicly as gay

August 12, 2005 - Sri Lanka's foreign minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, is fatally shot by an LTTE (Tamil Tigers) sniper at his home., Sri Lanka's foreign minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, is fatally shot by an LTTE (Tamil Tigers) sniper at his home.

August 12, 2005 - An F2 tornado strikes the coal mining town of Wright, Wyoming, destroying nearly 100 homes and killing two people., An F2 tornado strikes the coal mining town of Wright, Wyoming, destroying nearly 100 homes and killing two people.

August 12, 2005 - Civil unrest provoked in the Maldives, Civil unrest provoked in the Maldives

August 12, 2005 - An F1 tornado strikes Glen Cove, New York, a rare event on Long Island, An F1 tornado strikes Glen Cove, New York, a rare event on Long Island

August 12, 2007 - Bulk carrier M/V New Flame collides with oil tanker Torm Gertrud at the southernmost tip of Gibraltar, ending up partially submerged., Bulk carrier M/V New Flame collides with oil tanker Torm Gertrud at the southernmost tip of Gibraltar, ending up partially submerged.

August 12, 2013 - 8 people are killed and 25 are injured in a suicide bomb attack in Balad, Iraq, 8 people are killed and 25 are injured in a suicide bomb attack in Balad, Iraq

August 12, 2013 - 30 people are killed by gunmen in northeast Nigeria, 30 people are killed by gunmen in northeast Nigeria

August 12, 2013 - Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta is elected President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta is elected President of Mali

August 12, 2013 - Whitey Bulger is found guilty on 31 of 32 counts, and is found to have been involved in 11 murders, Whitey Bulger is found guilty on 31 of 32 counts, and is found to have been involved in 11 murders

August 12, 2014 - Ebola outbreak death toll exceeds 1000, Ebola outbreak death toll exceeds 1000

August 12, 2014 - World Health Organization (WHO) gives its 'cautious blessing' to the use of experimental drugs to treat the Ebola virus, World Health Organization (WHO) gives its 'cautious blessing' to the use of experimental drugs to treat the Ebola virus

August 12, 2015 - In London archaeologists discover a mass grave of 30 bodies from the 1665 plague, In London archaeologists discover a mass grave of 30 bodies from the 1665 plague

August 12, 2015 - Large series of explosions in Tianjin, China leave at least 50 dead and 700 injured in an industrial accident, Large series of explosions in Tianjin, China leave at least 50 dead and 700 injured in an industrial accident

August 12, 2015 - China cuts its currency the yuan for the 2nd day in a row to boast exports, China cuts its currency the yuan for the 2nd day in a row to boast exports

August 12, 2015 - Former US President Jimmy Carter reveals that he has cancer, Former US President Jimmy Carter reveals that he has cancer

August 12, 2016 - Cannes becomes first French resort to ban the burkini, Cannes becomes first French resort to ban the burkini

August 12, 2017 - "Unite the Right" march in Charlottesville, Virginia turns violent when car rams protesters killing 1, injuring 19, "Unite the Right" march in Charlottesville, Virginia turns violent when car rams protesters killing 1, injuring 19

August 12, 2017 - US President Donald Trump at a press conference at Trump Tower says “there is blame on both sides” about Charlottesville violence, provoking widespread condemnation, US President Donald Trump at a press conference at Trump Tower says “there is blame on both sides” about Charlottesville violence, provoking widespread condemnation

August 12, 2018 - NASA launches the Parker Space Probe, its first mission to the Sun and its outermost atmosphere, the corona, NASA launches the Parker Space Probe, its first mission to the Sun and its outermost atmosphere, the corona

August 12, 2018 - US man steals a plane from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, flies for an hour chased by military jets before crashing on Ketron Island, US man steals a plane from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, flies for an hour chased by military jets before crashing on Ketron Island

August 12, 2018 - More than 200 Afghan soldiers reported killed after 3 days of attacks by taliban insurgents over multiple fronts including Ghazni city, More than 200 Afghan soldiers reported killed after 3 days of attacks by taliban insurgents over multiple fronts including Ghazni city

August 12, 2018 - Mali's Presidential run-off election held, eventually won by current President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita with opposition disputing outcome, Mali's Presidential run-off election held, eventually won by current President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita with opposition disputing outcome

August 12, 2019 - Hong Kong International Airport cancels all departures as thousands of anti-government protesters occupy the terminals, Hong Kong International Airport cancels all departures as thousands of anti-government protesters occupy the terminals

August 12, 2019 - Conservative Alejandro Giammattei elected president of Guatemala, Conservative Alejandro Giammattei elected president of Guatemala

August 12, 2019 - Scientists say they are closer to an effective treatment for Ebola after new drug trial has 90% success rate in Democratic Republic of Congo, Scientists say they are closer to an effective treatment for Ebola after new drug trial has 90% success rate in Democratic Republic of Congo

August 12, 2019 - Beginning of the 'glitter revolution' in Mexico City when security chief showered with pink glitter in protest of violence against women after teenager raped by police, Beginning of the 'glitter revolution' in Mexico City when security chief showered with pink glitter in protest of violence against women after teenager raped by police

August 12, 1806 - Frontiersman Davy Crockett (20) weds Polly Finley in Tennessee, Frontiersman Davy Crockett (20) weds Polly Finley in Tennessee