What Happened on August 21?

August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day — honoring older adults' wisdom and service — on the same date Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911, and a total solar eclipse crossed America in 2017.

• 1897 — Ransom Olds founds the Olds Motor Vehicle Company

  On August 21, 1897, Ransom Eli Olds incorporated his motor company in Michigan — a root of the Oldsmobile brand and early mass auto production. Read the full story →

• 1911 — The Mona Lisa is stolen from the Louvre

  On August 21, 1911, thief Vincenzo Peruggia hid overnight and walked out of the Louvre with Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa — shocking the art world. Read the full story →

• 1935 — Benny Goodman's Palomar Ballroom show ignites the swing era

  On August 21, 1935, Benny Goodman's orchestra packed Los Angeles's Palomar Ballroom — a night often called the start of the swing craze. Read the full story →

• 1959 — Hawaii becomes the 50th U.S. state

  On August 21, 1959, Hawaii entered the Union as the fiftieth state after voters approved statehood and President Eisenhower issued the proclamation. Read the full story →

• 1991 — Latvia declares full independence from the Soviet Union

  On August 21, 1991, Latvia's parliament confirmed independence as the Soviet coup collapsed — restoring a Baltic nation's sovereignty. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Usain Bolt (1986) · Wilt Chamberlain (1936–1999) · Count Basie (1904–1984) · Kenny Rogers (1938–2020)

Days & observances

National Senior Citizens Day · National Spumoni Day · Poet's Day · Admission Day (Hawaii)