AUGUST 20 | Birthdays and Events
Famous Birthdays
People born on August 20
Henry Every
English pirate who has been dubbed the King of Pirates. His pirate career was short, lasting only two years. Every disappeared and was never caught for stealing his riches, nor were his riches ever found. Many speculate he changed his name and retired quietly on a tropical island.
Jöns Jacob Berzelius
Died: August 7, 1848 (age 68 years)
Swedish chemist and academic who is considered on the founders of modern chemistry.
Eliel Saarinen
Died: July 1, 1950 (age 76 years)
Finnish architect and academic who co-designed the National Museum of Finland.
Kingsley Davis
Died: February 27, 1997 (age 88 years)
Sociologist and demographer who coined the term "population explosion."
Jim Reeves
Died: July 31, 1964 (age 40 years)
Country music musician fondly remembered as "Gentleman Jim."
Don King
Boxing promoter easily identified by his "wild" hair.
James Pankow
Musician and founding member of the rock band Chicago.
Amy Adams
Award winning actress with lead roles in Enchanted, Julie & Julia, American Hustle and Big Eyes.
Historical Events on August 20
Events that occurred on August 20 throughout history
The Knights Templar were absolved of heresy.
The three papal investigators affirm the Knights Templar were absolved of heresy. The papacy concluded the accused Templars had confessed and had done penance.
The first known slaves land at Virginia.
The first known African captives (slaves) land at Point Comfort, Virginia. The captives were seized from a Portuguese slave ship and traded to colonists in exchange for food and supplies.
Darwin publishes his theory of evolution.
Charles Darwin publishes his theory of evolution through natural selection in The Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London.
President Johnson declares the Civil War to be over.
President Andrew Johnson formally declares the American Civil War over. The declaration provided legal order and civil authority were to be restored across the entire country.
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture debuts in Moscow.
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture debuts in Moscow, Russia, to commemorate the successful 1812 defense against Napoleon's invading French army.
The first commercial radio station begins operation.
The first commercial radio station begins operation. 8MK, Detroit, Michigan, initially played music and test broadcasts. The station eventually became WWJ.
Lou Gehrig hits his 23rd career grand slam.
Lou Gehrig hits his 23rd career grand slam. The home run set an all-time MLB record that stood for 75 years.
