CLEVELAND HISTORY
Louis Stokes Passes Away (August 18, 2015): Cleveland-born Louis Stokes, the first African American elected to the U.S. House from Ohio and long-time congressman (1969–1999), passed away. A trailblazer in civil rights and public service, he notably chaired the House Intelligence and Ethics Committees.
Lake Shore & Tuscarawas Valley Railway Opens (August 18, 1873): The 101-mile railroad link between Lorain and Uhrichsville officially began operation, enhancing regional connectivity and commerce in Northeast Ohio.
Ray Chapman Dies After On‑Field Accident (August 16, 1920): Although occurring just before the window, Ray Chapman’s death represents the only on-field fatality in Major League Baseball. Struck by a pitch and collapsing shortly thereafter, he died in Cleveland, deeply impacting MLB safety reforms.
KKK Rally Planned Downtown (August 20, 1999): In anticipation of a planned KKK rally, Cleveland authorities prepared heightened security measures downtown. The event stirred significant local attention and underscored community vigilance.
Blossom Music Center Hosts Major 1982 Concerts (August 18–24, 1982): Blossom Music Center, northeast of Cleveland, hosted a series of four consecutive concerts by the Michael Stanley Band, attracting over 74,000 fans and solidifying its reputation as a premier outdoor music venue.
WORLD HISTORY
Pendle Witch Trials Begin (August 18, 1612): One of England’s most notorious witch trials began in Lancashire as twelve individuals were accused of witchcraft. Known as the Pendle witches, ten were found guilty and hanged. The trial is remembered as a key example of early modern Europe’s witchcraft persecutions and has had lasting cultural and historical significance.
Discovery of Mars’ Moon Phobos (August 18, 1877): American astronomer Asaph Hall discovered Phobos, the larger of Mars’ two moons, at the U.S. Naval Observatory. This discovery, just six days after he had found Deimos, advanced the scientific understanding of Mars and its natural satellites.
Nineteenth Amendment Ratified (August 18, 1920): Tennessee became the 36th and final state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The decision marked a major milestone in the American women’s suffrage movement after decades of advocacy.
Eruption of Mount Vesuvius (August 24, 79 CE): Mount Vesuvius erupted catastrophically, burying the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under volcanic ash and pumice. Thousands perished, and the cities were lost for centuries until rediscovery in the 18th century, offering invaluable archaeological insights into ancient Roman life.
Pluto Reclassified as Dwarf Planet (August 24, 2006): The International Astronomical Union voted to reclassify Pluto, removing it from the list of official planets and designating it a “dwarf planet.” The decision ended a 76-year chapter in planetary science and ignited widespread debate among astronomers and the public.
