On This Day

August 1854 in History

Events in History

  • Aug 4 The Hinomaru is established as the official flag to be flown from Japanese ships
  • Aug 8 Smith & Wesson patents metal bullet cartridges

Book releaseHistoric Publication

Aug 9 Henry David Thoreau publishes "Walden"

Naturalist/Pacifist Henry David Thoreau
Naturalist/Pacifist
Henry David Thoreau
  • Aug 24 National emigration convention meets in Cleveland
  • Aug 29 Self-governing windmill patented (Daniel Halladay)

Birthdays in History

  • Aug 2 F. Marion Crawford, American author (Mr. Isaacs), born in Bagni de Lucca, Italy (d. 1909)
  • Aug 10 J Scott Lidgett, theologist, born in London, England
  • Aug 12 Alfred Gilbert, sculptor/goldsmith
  • Aug 22 Milan I, King of Serbia, born in Mărășești, Romania (d. 1901)

Deaths in History

  • Aug 9 Frederik Augustus II, king of Saxon (1836-54), dies at 57
  • Aug 11 Macedonio Melloni, Italian physicist (radiant light), dies at 56
  • Aug 16 Duncan Phyfe, furniture maker, dies

Person of interestFriedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling

Aug 20 Friedrich WJ von Schelling, German philosopher, dies at 79

Philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling
Philosopher
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling