What Happened on August 15?

  • The first solar system other than our own was discovered. (2001) Astronomers at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA discovered two stars orbiting the star 47 Ursae Majoris inside the Big Dipper. The discovery was an important planetary find as scientists search for solar systems that are similar to our own.

  • Henry Ford quit his job at Edison Illuminating Company to start his own automobile company. (1899) Ford was the chief engineer at Edison and turned down a hefty salary increase to start his own company, the Detroit Automobile Company. That company ultimately failed, but Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903, which made him one of the richest men in the world.

  • The world's second oldest amusement park still in operation opened. (1843) Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, offers rides such as roller coasters and carousels as well as exotic flower gardens. Today, it is the most visited amusement park in Scandinavia. The world's oldest amusement park still in operation is the Dyrehavsbakken park, also in Denmark.

  • Stadium rock concerts got started with the Beatles concert in New York City at Shea Stadium. (1965) The Beatles show at Shea Stadium set attendance and revenue records for concert events. More than 60,000 people attended and the show brought in more than $300,000 US Dollars.

  • A servant of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright burned down Wright's home and murdered seven people. (1914) Servant Julian Carlton set fire to Wright's summer home, named Taliesin and located in Wisconsin. Carlton murdered seven people at the house with an axe, including Wright's lover and her two children. Carlton was caught and jailed, but died six weeks later.

  • The worst terrorist bombing during "The Troubles" occurred in Northern Ireland, killing 29 people. (1998) Terrorists exploded a car bomb in Omagh in Northern Ireland. 29 people were killed and 370 injured. "The Troubles" was a 30-year period of violent conflict in Northern Ireland; this bombing was the deadliest incident in that period of violence.

  • Woodstock got started in New York. (1969) The Woodstock Music and Art Fair featured more than 30 bands and entertained more than 500,000 concert goers. The three-day festival is considered a turning point in music history.

  • The Panama Canal opened for business. (1914) The SS Ancon cargo ship was the first to pass through the newly-built canal. Today, more than 14,000 ships pass through each year.

  • Josef Jakobs became the last person to be executed at the Tower of London. (1941) Corporal Josef Jakobs was a German spy executed for treason by firing squad. No executions have taken place in the Tower since.

  • An earthquake hit Peru, killing more than 540 people. (2007) The 8.0 magnitude earthquake lasted for three minutes, killing more than 540 people and injuring more than 1,000.

Discussion Comments

RoyalSpyder

Reading the first bullet point, it really makes you wonder just how many solar systems there are out there. Sometimes, I wonder if life exists on other planets as well, but I guess that's something we may never know.

Hazali

I have a cousin who moved to New York a few years ago. I have been meaning to ask her about Woodstock, but it hasn't crossed my mind. Whether you're a resident or tourist, New York is full of many activities, and this is certainly no exception. Not only is it a turning point in musical history, but even more so, considering how the festival lasts for three days, one doesn't have to worry about missing out on the first two days.

Krunchyman

In relation to the third bullet point, one thing I have always wondered about amusement parks (especially ones as old as this one) is how they get "updated", so to speak. After all, no matter how famous an amusement part is, due to weather conditions and anything else, it can start getting old and worn down. However, I am assuming that the those in charge do keep up with it on a monthly basis, making sure that everything is in order, and checking to see if any rides need to be replaced. It's amazing how they're able to keep things running so smoothly, in spite of all the limitations.

anon206121

You forgot to add about Indian Freedom in 1947.

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