August 28 Events in History

August 28 has been a date of significant historical events across centuries and continents. From the fall of the Western Roman Empire to crucial scientific discoveries, each event has left a lasting impact.

This article explores twenty pivotal occurrences on this date, highlighting their historical context and enduring significance.

From ancient battles and explorations to modern advancements and tragedies, these events showcase the diverse and profound nature of history on this notable day.

August 28th – On this Day in History

476 – Odoacer Declares Himself King of Italy

In 476, Odoacer, a Germanic chieftain, deposed the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, and declared himself King of Italy. This event is traditionally marked as the end of the Western Roman Empire. Odoacer’s rise to power came after years of internal strife and external pressures that weakened the Roman state.

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By proclaiming himself king, Odoacer established the first barbarian kingdom on Roman soil, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Europe. His rule began a new era of Germanic dominance in Italy, effectively ending centuries of Roman control.

489 – Theodoric the Great Defeats Odoacer

In 489, Theodoric the Great, the leader of the Ostrogoths, defeated Odoacer at the Battle of Isonzo. This battle was a critical confrontation that paved the way for the Ostrogothic rule in Italy. Theodoric had been tasked by the Eastern Roman Emperor Zeno to reclaim Italy and oust Odoacer.

After a series of engagements, Theodoric’s victory at Isonzo was decisive. Following his victory, Theodoric continued his campaign, eventually capturing and killing Odoacer in 493. This marked the beginning of Ostrogothic control over Italy, which lasted until the Byzantine reconquest in the mid-6th century.

1521 – Ottoman Turks Capture Nándorfehérvár (Belgrade)

Siege of Belgrade 1521

In 1521, the Ottoman Turks, under the command of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, captured Nándorfehérvár (modern-day Belgrade). This conquest was part of Suleiman’s broader campaign to expand the Ottoman Empire into Europe.

The capture of Nándorfehérvár was strategically significant, providing the Ottomans with a key fortress on the Danube River and a gateway into the heart of Europe.

The fall of the city after a prolonged siege demonstrated the military might of the Ottoman Empire and marked a significant advance in their European campaigns, contributing to the broader Ottoman expansion that characterized Suleiman’s reign.

1565 – Pedro Menéndez de Avilés Sights Florida

On August 28, 1565, Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés sighted the coast of Florida. Later that year, he established St. Augustine, which became the first permanent Spanish settlement in North America. Menéndez’s expedition was part of Spain’s efforts to expand its influence and secure its claims in the New World.

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The establishment of St. Augustine served as a strategic military and missionary outpost, playing a crucial role in the Spanish colonization of the region. Today, St. Augustine is recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement within the continental United States.

1609 – Henry Hudson Discovers Delaware Bay

In 1609, English navigator Henry Hudson, while sailing under the Dutch East India Company, discovered Delaware Bay. Hudson was searching for a northwest passage to Asia when he encountered the bay. His exploration contributed to the Dutch claims in North America, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the New Netherland colony.

Hudson’s voyages significantly advanced European knowledge of the North American coast and facilitated further exploration and colonization efforts by the Dutch and other European powers. The discovery of Delaware Bay was a key moment in the early history of European exploration in the Americas.

1789 – William Herschel Discovers a New Moon of Saturn

On August 28, 1789, the renowned British astronomer William Herschel discovered a new moon of Saturn, later named Enceladus. Using his powerful telescopes, Herschel was able to observe the sixth-largest moon of Saturn, which had previously eluded detection due to its relatively small size and reflective icy surface.

Enceladus is particularly notable for its geological activity and subsurface ocean, making it a key subject of interest in the search for extraterrestrial life. Herschel’s discovery added to his significant contributions to astronomy, which include the discovery of the planet Uranus and several other moons in the solar system.

1833 – The Slavery Abolition Act Receives Royal Assent

On August 28, 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act received royal assent, formally abolishing slavery throughout most of the British Empire. This landmark legislation marked the culmination of decades of effort by abolitionists who had campaigned tirelessly to end the inhumane practice of slavery.

The Act provided for the gradual emancipation of enslaved people, with immediate freedom granted to children under six years old and a transitional period of apprenticeship for other enslaved individuals.

The passage of the Act represented a significant moral and legal victory and set a precedent for the global movement against slavery.

1845 – First Issue of Scientific American is Published

On August 28, 1845, the first issue of Scientific American was published, marking the beginning of one of the longest-running and most influential scientific magazines in the world. Founded by Rufus Porter, the magazine was initially a weekly publication focused on new inventions, patents, and scientific discoveries.

Over the years, Scientific American evolved to cover a wide range of scientific topics, providing accessible and authoritative information to both the scientific community and the general public. The magazine played a crucial role in disseminating scientific knowledge and fostering a greater public understanding of science and technology.

1862 – Second Battle of Bull Run Begins

Second Battle of Bull Run

On August 28, 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run (or Second Battle of Manassas) began during the American Civil War. Confederate forces under General Stonewall Jackson clashed with Union troops led by Major General John Pope. The battle, which lasted until August 30, was a significant Confederate victory, demonstrating the strategic prowess of General Robert E. Lee’s army.

The defeat of Union forces at Bull Run forced them to retreat toward Washington, D.C., and bolstered Confederate morale. The battle underscored the brutal and protracted nature of the Civil War, with high casualties on both sides.

1884 – First Known Photograph of a Tornado

On August 28, 1884, the first known photograph of a tornado was taken in Anderson County, Kansas. This historic photograph provided valuable visual evidence of tornadoes, contributing to the scientific study of these powerful and destructive natural phenomena.

The image, captured by A.A. Adams, depicted a funnel cloud in the distance and became an important tool for meteorologists and researchers.

The photograph’s existence helped raise awareness about tornadoes and their impact, leading to advancements in weather prediction and safety measures. It marked the beginning of the use of photography in documenting and studying severe weather events.

1903 – Harley-Davidson is Founded

On August 28, 1903, the first American motorcycle company, Harley-Davidson, was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson. This iconic company began in a small wooden shed where the founders built their first motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson quickly gained a reputation for producing durable and reliable motorcycles, which became popular for both civilian use and military applications during World War I and World War II.

Over the decades, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have become a symbol of freedom and rebellion, creating a unique subculture and a loyal following of enthusiasts around the world.

1914 – Battle of Heligoland Bight

On August 28, 1914, the Battle of Heligoland Bight marked the first naval engagement of World War I between British and German forces.

Battle of Heligoland

The battle took place in the North Sea near the German island of Heligoland. British naval forces, commanded by Admiral David Beatty, launched a surprise attack on German patrols, resulting in a significant British victory.

The Germans suffered considerable losses, including the sinking of several ships and numerous casualties. The Battle of Heligoland Bight boosted British morale and established early naval dominance for the Allies in the North Sea, setting the tone for subsequent naval operations during the war.

1944 – Liberation of Marseille

On August 28, 1944, Allied forces liberated the French city of Marseille from German occupation during World War II. This liberation was part of Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of Southern France, which began on August 15, 1944. The operation aimed to secure vital ports and push German forces out of southern France.

The liberation of Marseille, France’s second-largest city and a key Mediterranean port, was a significant strategic victory. It provided the Allies with a crucial supply line and facilitated the rapid advance of Allied troops into the interior of France, contributing to the eventual liberation of Paris and the defeat of Nazi Germany.

1955 – Emmett Till is Murdered

On August 28, 1955, Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American boy from Chicago, was brutally murdered in Money, Mississippi.

Till was accused of offending a white woman, Carolyn Bryant, in a grocery store. Her husband, Roy Bryant, and his half-brother, J.W. Milam, abducted Till, beat him, and shot him before disposing of his body in the Tallahatchie River.

The horrific murder and the subsequent acquittal of the perpetrators by an all-white jury sparked national outrage and became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement.

Till’s death highlighted the severe racial injustices and violence faced by African Americans, galvanizing activists and prompting widespread calls for change.

1963 – March on Washington and “I Have a Dream” Speech

March on Washington

On August 28, 1963, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place, becoming one of the largest civil rights rallies in American history. Approximately 250,000 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., to demand civil and economic rights for African Americans.

The highlight of the event was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, in which he envisioned a future where people would be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin.

The march and King’s speech were pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement, helping to build momentum for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

1981 – Recognition of the AIDS Epidemic

On August 28, 1981, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a high incidence of pneumocystis pneumonia and Kaposi’s sarcoma among gay men, marking the beginning of public recognition of the AIDS epidemic.

This announcement highlighted a new and alarming pattern of rare diseases, which were later understood to be caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The initial report spurred further research and public health initiatives aimed at understanding and combating the disease.

Over time, the HIV/AIDS epidemic became a global health crisis, leading to widespread efforts in medical research, public health policy, and advocacy to support those affected and to find a cure.

1988 – Ramstein Airshow Disaster

On August 28, 1988, the Ramstein airshow disaster occurred during a flight demonstration at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Three aircraft from the Italian Air Force display team, Frecce Tricolori, collided in mid-air while performing a complex aerobatic maneuver.

The collision resulted in a catastrophic crash that killed 70 people, including pilots and spectators, and injured around 1,500 more.

The disaster highlighted the potential dangers of airshows and led to significant changes in safety regulations and emergency response protocols for such events.

The tragedy remains one of the deadliest airshow accidents in history and underscored the need for stringent safety measures to protect both performers and audiences.

1990 – Iraq Declares Kuwait its 19th Province

On August 28, 1990, during the Gulf Crisis, Iraq declared Kuwait to be its 19th province, following the invasion and occupation of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. This declaration by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was part of his broader aim to annex Kuwait, which he claimed was historically part of Iraq.

The international community, led by the United Nations, condemned the invasion and demanded Iraq’s immediate withdrawal. The annexation and subsequent refusal to comply with UN resolutions led to the Gulf War, where a US-led coalition force launched Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait. The war ended with the expulsion of Iraqi forces from Kuwait in February 1991.

2003 – London Power Blackout

On August 28, 2003, a major power blackout affected large parts of London and southeastern England. The blackout, which lasted for several hours, was caused by a fault on the National Grid. The power outage disrupted transportation networks, including the London Underground and mainline rail services, and left over 500,000 people without electricity.

The incident highlighted the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to technical failures and the need for robust systems to ensure continuity of essential services. Following the blackout, there were calls for improvements in grid management and contingency planning to prevent future occurrences and to enhance the resilience of the power supply network.

2005 – Hurricane Katrina Makes Landfall

On August 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating hurricanes in US history, made its second and third landfalls as a Category 3 hurricane along the Gulf Coast, affecting Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The storm caused catastrophic damage, particularly in New Orleans, where levee failures led to widespread flooding, leaving much of the city underwater.

The hurricane resulted in over 1,800 deaths and caused billions of dollars in damage, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents. The disaster exposed significant shortcomings in emergency preparedness and response, prompting widespread criticism of local, state, and federal government handling of the crisis. Katrina’s aftermath led to major reforms in disaster management policies and practices in the United States.