- Aug 5 Oregon territory divided between US & Britain at 49th parallel
- Aug 10 US Act of Congress passes establishing the Smithsonian Institution, now world's largest museum and research complex
Event of Interest
Aug 14 Henry David Thoreau jailed for refusing to pay taxes

Henry David Thoreau
Event of Interest
Aug 26 Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio "Elijah" premieres at the Birmingham Festival in England

Felix Mendelssohn
- Aug 26 W A Bartlett appointed 1st US mayor of Yerba Buena (San Francisco)