August is the eighth month of the year (between July and September) in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and one of seven months with a length of 31 days. In the Southern Hemisphere, August is the seasonal equivalent of February in the Northern Hemisphere.
August symbols: The birthstones of August are the peridot and sardonyx. Its birth flower is the gladiolus or poppy, meaning beauty, strength of character, love, marriage and family. The zodiac signs for the month of August are Leo (until August 22) and Virgo (from August 23 onwards).
Historical Events for August, 1858
Day of Week 5th » Cyrus West Field and others complete the first transatlantic telegraph cable after several unsuccessful attempts. It will operate for less than a month.
Day of Week 7th » The first Australian rules football match is played between Melbourne Grammar and Scotch College.
Day of Week 11th » The Eiger in the Bernese Alps is ascended for the first time by Charles Barrington (mountaineer) named Charles Barrington accompanied by Christian Almer and Peter Bohren.
Day of Week 16th » U.S. President James Buchanan inaugurates the new transatlantic telegraph cable by exchanging greetings with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. However, a weak signal forces a shutdown of the service in a few weeks.
Day of Week 24th » In Richmond, Virginia, 90 blacks are arrested for learning. - needs to be explained/expanded-->
Famous Birthdays on August in 1858
1st » Gaston Doumergue, French politician, 13th President of France (d. 1937)
1st » Hans Rott, Austrian organist and composer (d. 1884)