On This Day - August 26th
The year continues to sail by – we’re already at August 26th! Never fear, however, as we are still here to guide you through the most notable moments that have occurred on this day in the past. We’ll also let you know if you share a birthday with any famous people – spoiler alert, you do! Let’s take a look at what happened on August 26th and more besides.
On this day
The Battle of Crécy took place.
In 1346, the Battle of Crécy took place in the south of Calais, in the north of France. Edward III’s English longbows beat Philip VI’s army. It was the first time that cannons were ever used in battle!
We got a glimpse of Halley’s Comet.
In 1682, Edmond Halley, an English astronomer, observed a very important comet. As you may have guessed from his name, the comet would eventually be named after him! Halley’s Comet only becomes visible to us once every 76 years, with it next set to appear in our skies in 2061.
Kindergarten became free for US citizens!
In 1873, the first ever free kindergarten in the US was started by Susan Blow on this very date! It was set up in Carondelet, in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Catastrophe of Smyrna took place.
In 1924, the Catastrophe of Smyrna, also known as the Asia Minor Catastrophe to the people of Greece, took place. The Ottoman Empire expelled Greek people, and non-Turks from Asia Minor.
Clinton made a big change.
In 1996, US President Bill Clinton signed his revolutionary welfare reform into law. In so doing, he created a big shift in the welfare policy in the nation. This led to an economic boom toward the end of the decade, but would be undone to a large extent as a result of the economic crisis of 2008.
Special Days Falling on August 26th
Although you may not know it, August 26th is one of the most important dates of the year for many people around the world. Here are some of the reasons why.
National Day of Repentance
Every year, August 26th is National Day of Repentance in Papua New Guinea. There are prayer ceremonies across the nation, mostly with the idea of asking their lord and savior of the Christian faith for forgiveness. As a predominantly Christian country, many people take part in these events.
Women’s Equality Day
Every year on August 26th, the US celebrates Women’s Equality Day! The day commemorates all that women have gone through in the nation to get their rights, and to be treated fairly and equally. However, it seems that now more than ever is the perfect time to question whether these rights have been met and treated respectfully for women across the nation!
Spark the World Day
What have you done to change the world for the better – and do you have any favorite innovators or trailblazers? Today is a great day to honor and commemorate those who have strived to inspire and change the world, and to encourage others to do so as well!
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This page was last modified on August 21, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
ASEAN was founded. In 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations was set up as an economic and political organization formed by the heads of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand.
Famous Birthdays on August 26th
Prince Albert, German Prince Consort to Queen Victoria of Great Britain, born 1840
Mother Teresa, Albanian-Indian nun and founder of Missionaries of Charity, born 1910
Katherine Johnson, American NASA scientist, born 1918
Rick Hansen, Canadian wheelchair athlete, born 1957
Macauley Culkin, American actor, born 1980
If you were born on August 26th…
…you’re a Virgo! You are kind, patient, and very reliable. However, you can also be very critical of yourself and others, a bit stubborn, and you are known for overthinking! We assure you, there’s more good than bad! For example, people often turn to you for advice, and you make a fantastic friend and parent.
If you’re keen to find out what else is written in the stars for you, learn more about Virgos from our Virgo facts page!
