On This Day in History – August 13
August 13 is filled with revolutionary shifts, notable inventions, cultural milestones, and the lives of some of history’s most remarkable individuals. From the building of iconic walls to the birth of global entertainers, this day has shaped world history in diverse ways.
Major Events
- 1521 – Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés captures Tenochtitlán, marking the end of the Aztec Empire.
- 1792 – King Louis XVI of France is formally arrested by the National Tribunal during the French Revolution.
- 1889 – William Gray patents the coin-operated telephone.
- 1913 – Invention of stainless steel is announced by Harry Brearley of Sheffield, England.
- 1961 – Construction of the Berlin Wall begins, physically and ideologically dividing East and West Berlin.
- 1993 – Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) agree to recognize each other as part of the Oslo Accords.
- 2004 – Hurricane Charley makes landfall in Florida, causing extensive damage and 15 deaths.
- 2008 – South Ossetian War ends with a ceasefire agreement brokered by France.
- 2014 – Protests escalate in Ferguson, Missouri following the police shooting of Michael Brown.
Famous Birthdays
- Annie Oakley (1860–1926) – American sharpshooter and exhibition performer.
- Alfred Hitchcock (1899–1980) – English film director known as the “Master of Suspense.”
- Fidel Castro (1926–2016) – Cuban revolutionary and long-time leader of Cuba.
- George Shearing (1919–2011) – British jazz pianist and composer.
- Katharine Kerr (1944– ) – American science fiction and fantasy writer.
- Dan Fogelberg (1951–2007) – American singer-songwriter known for soft rock hits.
- John Slattery (1962– ) – American actor and director, known for Mad Men.
- Debi Mazar (1964– ) – American actress recognized for her roles in both film and TV.
- Moritz Bleibtreu (1971– ) – German actor known for Run Lola Run and The Experiment.
- Sebastian Stan (1982– ) – Romanian-American actor known for his role as the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Notable Deaths
- Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) – English nurse and social reformer, founder of modern nursing.
- H.G. Wells (1866–1946) – British author of science fiction classics such as The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine.
- Jules Massenet (1842–1912) – French composer best known for his operas.
- Leona Helmsley (1920–2007) – American businesswoman and hotel operator.
- Julia Child (1912–2004) – American chef and television personality who brought French cooking to American households.
- Willy Ronis (1910–2009) – French photographer known for capturing Parisian life.
- Bela Lugosi Jr. (1938–2021) – Son of legendary horror actor Bela Lugosi, also an attorney and entertainment rights advocate.
- Donald Justice (1925–2004) – American poet and Pulitzer Prize winner.
- Margaret Burbidge (1919–2020) – British-American astrophysicist and pioneering figure for women in science.
- Jane Withers (1926–2021) – American child star and later commercial spokeswoman.
Holidays
- International Left-Handers Day – A day to recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of left-handed individuals.
- Festival of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) – Islamic holiday observed in some years on this date, depending on the lunar calendar.
- Independence Day (Central African Republic) – Marks independence from France in 1960.
- Civil Rights Day (Tennessee, United States) – Honors contributions to the civil rights movement.
- National Filet Mignon Day (United States) – A light-hearted celebration of a beloved cut of steak.
Fun Facts
- Construction on the Berlin Wall began under complete secrecy on August 13, 1961, and it stood for 28 years.
- Alfred Hitchcock was born on Friday the 13th and went on to direct Psycho, one of the most famous horror films of all time.
- Annie Oakley’s legendary marksmanship helped redefine gender roles in the American West.
- Julia Child began her cooking career relatively late in life, publishing her first cookbook at age 49.
- Left-Handers Day was launched in 1976 to raise awareness of the everyday challenges faced by left-handed people.