AUGUST 29 | Birthdays and Events
Famous Birthdays
People born on August 29
Hyacinth
Died: May 23, 1853 (age 75 years)
Russian orthodox monk and religious leader who founded Sinology, the academic discipline of studying China (culture, history, and language).
Henry Bergh
Died: March 12, 1888 (age 74 years)
Activist and founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Jackie Mitchell
Died: January 27, 1987 (age 73 years)
One of America's first female pitchers who also struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
Isabel Sanford
Died: July 9, 2004 (age 86 years)
Actress fondly remembered for her role as Louise "Weezy" Jefferson on the sitcom The Jeffersons.
Wendell Scott
Died: December 23, 1990 (age 69 years)
The first African-American race car driver to win a race at NASCAR (Jacksonville 200).
Iris Apfel
Died: March 1, 2024 (age 102 years)
Famous interior designer and fashion designer remembered for her flamboyant style, outspoken personality and oversized eyeglasses.
Richard Blackwell
Died: October 19, 2008 (age 86 years)
Fashion designer and critic who created the iconic Ten Worst Dressed Women List.
John McCain
Died: August 25, 2018 (age 81 years)
Politician and former Naval Captain who was shot down and held as a North Vietnamese POW for six years.
Temple Grandin
Autistic academic, author and ethologist who advocated for humane treatment of livestock for slaughter and autism.
Michael Jackson
Died: June 25, 2009 (age 50 years)
Often referred to as the "King of Pop" who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Historical Events on August 29
Events that occurred on August 29 throughout history
The first American Indian reservation is established at Indian Mills, New Jersey.
The first American Indian reservation is established at Indian Mills, New Jersey.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury forms the U.S. Bureau of Engraving.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury forms the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing strictly to print newly issued paper currency.
The Mount Washington Cog Railway opens.
The Mount Washington Cog Railway opens and becomes the world's first mountain-climbing rack railway.
The first heavyweight boxing title fight is held.
The first heavyweight title fight is held in Ohio between boxers John L. Sullivan and Dominick McCaffrey. Sullivan won the match after six rounds plus an unofficial seventh round.
Chop suey is supposedly invented by a chef in New York City.
Chop suey is supposedly invented by a chef in New York City. The chef of Chinese diplomat Li Hongzhang wanted to serve a meal that pleased both American and Chinese guests.
The Goodyear Tire Company is founded in Akron, Ohio.
The Goodyear Tire Company is founded in Akron, Ohio. The company was named after the inventor of rubber vulcanization, Charles Goodyear.
The last Native American to make contact with European Americans from the wilderness.
The last Native American to make contact with European Americans emerges from the wilderness. Ishi, last surviving member of the Yahi tribe of northeastern California, appeared 44 years after it was thought there were no surviving tribal members. The tribe were either massacred or died from disease.
Germany dissolves the Danish government.
Germany dissolves the Danish government after the Danish cabinet refused German demands to impose the death penalty for sabotage.
The Soviet Union tests its first atomic bomb.
The Soviet Union tests its first atomic bomb at Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan. Known as First Lightning or Joe 1, the bomb was more powerful than anticipated, with fallout being detected days after the test.
U.S. Air Force Academy opens in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
U.S. Air Force Academy opens in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The first class of 306 cadets graduated a year later in 1959.
Netflix is founded as an internet DVD rental service.
Netflix is founded as an internet DVD rental service by Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings. The company later shifted to a digital streaming company in 2007.
Skype Technologies released their video-conferencing software.
Skype Technologies released their video-conferencing software as a peer-to-peer voice calling program. Microsoft later bought the technology and transitioned it to Microsoft Teams.
Hurricane Katrina devastates much of the U.S. Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.
Hurricane Katrina devastates much of the U.S. Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. Though there were warnings in advance to evacuate, more than 1,392 people died in the hurricane.
