August 1: Famous Birthdays and Historic Events

August 1 marks a day rich in history, celebrating notable births and landmark events that have shaped the world.

Notable Birthdays on August 1

• William Clark (1770–1838) – American explorer best known for co-leading the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
• Francis Scott Key (1779–1873) – Lawyer, poet, and author of the U.S. national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.
• Herman Melville (1819–1891) – Renowned novelist, best known for writing Moby Dick.
• John Friend Mahoney (1889–1957) – Pioneering physician in the use of penicillin to treat syphilis.
• Jackie Ormes (1911–1985) – The first Black woman cartoonist in the U.S., known for the Torchy Brown comic strip.

Also Celebrated on August 6

• Ann Calvello (1929–2006) – Professional roller derby icon.
• Terry Kiser (b. 1939) – Actor famously known for his role as Bernie in Weekend at Bernie’s.
• Robert James Waller (1939–2017) – Author of The Bridges of Madison County.
• Jerry Garcia (1942–1995) – Legendary guitarist and founder of the Grateful Dead.
• Jason Momoa (b. 1979) – Actor known for Aquaman, Game of Thrones, and the upcoming Minecraft Movie.

Memorable Events on August 1

1855 – Castle Garden opens in New York City as the first U.S. immigrant receiving station.

1876 – Colorado becomes the 38th state to join the Union.

1881 – Angel Island in San Francisco Bay becomes a U.S. quarantine station.

1893 – Henry Perky patents shredded wheat cereal.

1911 – Harriet Quimby becomes the first American woman to earn a pilot certificate.

1933 – The National Recovery Administration is launched to combat the Great Depression.

1941 – The first Jeep is manufactured.

1946 – President Truman establishes the Atomic Energy Commission.

1961 – Defense Secretary Robert McNamara forms the Defense Intelligence Agency.

1981 – MTV goes live, airing its first music video: Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles.