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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for August 3, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
These observances run for a full week; this calendar day falls inside the week.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for August.
International and other global observances on this date (may include days, weeks, or months).
Events that occurred on August 3 throughout history
The first known letter from North America is sent by John Rut while at St. John's, Newfoundland. The letter was sent to King Henry VIII of England to report on the expedition's findings, note the health of the crew, and outline plans to sail south to search for their lost companion ship, the Samson.
Harvard University wins the first Boat Race between Yale University and Harvard in the first ever American intercollegiate athletic event.
Castle Garden in New York City opens as first receiving station for immigrants in the U.S. The facility processed over 8 million immigrants arriving in the U.S. before closing in 1890.
The American Dental Association is founded in Niagara Falls, New York. Twenty-six dentists were present, representing various local and state dental societies.
The American Canoe Association is founded in at Lake George, New York. The club was created to share cruising tips, host annual meets, and promote canoe sailing, racing, and exploration.
The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is founded. The company initially made solid rubber side-wire tires for fire engines, wagons, and buggies.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis confirms the ban of the eight Chicago Black Sox for intentionally lose the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds.
Jesse Owens wins the 100 meter dash, defeating Ralph Metcalfe, at the Berlin Olympics. The win defeated the ideology of Aryan supremacy promoted by the Nazi nation.
Santa Claus Land, the world's first themed amusement park, opens in Santa Claus, Indiana. The park featured Christmas themes.
The Basketball Association of America and the National Basketball League finalize the merger that would create the National Basketball Association.
The U.S. sends 45,000 soldiers to Vietnam, increasing the number of U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam to 525,000 men.
People born on August 3
Chemist and spymaster who headed the CIA and a mind-control program (MKUltra).
Actor with award-winning roles on the big screen (Apocalypse Now and Catch Me If You Can) and television (Kennedy and The West Wing).
Business mogul and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.
Lead singer and co-founder of the heavy metal band Metallica.
American soldier, journalist and war correspondent who wrote stories about ordinary soldier during WWII.
Founder of the Otis Elevator Company and inventor of a safety device that prevents elevators from falling if the hoisting cable fails.
Multi-award winning singer and actor also known as Tony Bennett.
