What Happened on August 19?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON AUGUST 19
Explore the most important historical events that happened on August 19, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
California gold rush
Year:
1848
California Gold Rush: The New York Herald breaks the news to the East Coast of the United States of the gold rush in California (although the rush started in January).
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Sioux Wars
Year:
1854
The First Sioux War begins when United States Army soldiers kill Lakota chief Conquering Bear and in return are massacred.
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Louis Daguerre
Year:
1839
The French government announces that Louis Daguerre's photographic process is a gift "free to the world".
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Gervasio Antonio de Posadas
Year:
1813
Gervasio Antonio de Posadas joins Argentina's Second Triumvirate.
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American Revolutionary War
Year:
1782
American Revolutionary War: Battle of Blue Licks: The last major engagement of the war, almost ten months after the surrender of the British commander Charles Cornwallis following the Siege of Yorktown.
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War of 1812
Year:
1812
War of 1812: American frigate USS Constitution defeats the British frigate HMS Guerriere off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada earning the nickname "Old Ironsides".
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Weisshorn
Year:
1861
First ascent of Weisshorn, fifth highest summit in the Alps.
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Dakota War of 1862
Year:
1862
Dakota War: During an uprising in Minnesota, Lakota warriors decide not to attack heavily defended Fort Ridgely and instead turn to the settlement of New Ulm, killing white settlers along the way.
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BIRTHS ON AUGUST 19
Discover famous people and historical figures born on August 19, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Ion N. Petrovici
Year of birth:
1929
Ion N. Petrovici, Romanian-German neurologist and academic (died 2021)
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Bill Foster (basketball, born 1929)
Year of birth:
1929
Bill Foster, American basketball player and coach (died 2016)
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Bernard Levin
Year of birth:
1928
Bernard Levin, English journalist, author, and broadcaster (died 2004)
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Angus Scrimm
Year of birth:
1926
Angus Scrimm, American actor and author (died 2016)
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Claude Gauvreau
Year of birth:
1925
Claude Gauvreau, Canadian poet and playwright (died 1971)
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Frank McCourt
Year of birth:
1930
Frank McCourt, American author and educator (died 2009)
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Bill Shoemaker
Year of birth:
1931
Bill Shoemaker, American jockey and author (died 2003)
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Bettina Cirone
Year of birth:
1933
Bettina Cirone, American model and photographer
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DEATHS ON AUGUST 19
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on August 19, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Vilfredo Pareto
Year of death:
1923
Vilfredo Pareto, Italian sociologist and economist (born 1845)
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Stefanos Skouloudis
Year of death:
1928
Stefanos Skouloudis, Greek banker and diplomat, 97th Prime Minister of Greece (born 1838)
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Sergei Diaghilev
Year of death:
1929
Sergei Diaghilev, Russian critic and producer, founded Ballets Russes (born 1872)
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Louis Anquetin
Year of death:
1932
Louis Anquetin, French painter (born 1861)
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Tevfik Fikret
Year of death:
1915
Tevfik Fikret, Turkish poet and educator (born 1867)
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Franz Xavier Wernz
Year of death:
1914
Franz Xavier Wernz, German religious leader, 25th Superior General of the Society of Jesus (born 1844)
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Jeremiah S. Black
Year of death:
1883
Jeremiah S. Black, American lawyer and politician, 24th United States Attorney General (born 1810)
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Auguste Villiers de l'Isle-Adam
Year of death:
1889
Auguste Villiers de l'Isle-Adam, French author, poet, and playwright (born 1838)
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HOLIDAYS ON AUGUST 19
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on August 19 around the world.
Magnus of Trani
Christian Feast Day: Magnus of Anagni
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Saint Maginus
Christian Feast Day: Maginus
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Louis of Toulouse
Christian Feast Day: Louis of Toulouse
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Magnus of Avignon
Christian Feast Day: Magnus of Avignon
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Sebaldus
Christian Feast Day: Sebaldus
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National Aviation Day
National Aviation Day (United States)
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Public holidays in the Philippines
Manuel Luis Quezón Day (Quezon City and other places in the Philippines named after Manuel L. Quezon)
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August 19 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian Feast Day: August 19 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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