What Happened on August 30?
August 30 is National Beach Day — celebrate oceans and shore fun — on the same date Guion Bluford became the first African American in space in 1983, Thurgood Marshall joined the Supreme Court in 1967, and Turkey marks Victory Day from 1922.
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1862 — Second Battle of Bull Run ends in Confederate victory
On August 30, 1862, Confederate forces won the Second Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) in Virginia. Read the full story →
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1922 — Turkish forces win the Battle of Dumlupınar
On August 30, 1922, Turkish armies won a decisive victory at Dumlupınar, a turning point later celebrated as Victory Day in Turkey. Read the full story →
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1967 — Senate confirms Thurgood Marshall to the Supreme Court
On August 30, 1967, the U.S. Senate confirmed Thurgood Marshall as the first African American justice on the Supreme Court. Read the full story →
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1983 — Guion Bluford becomes the first African American in space
On August 30, 1983, Guion S. Bluford Jr. launched aboard Challenger on STS-8, becoming the first African American to fly in space. Read the full story →
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1984 — Space shuttle Discovery launches on its first mission
On August 30, 1984, space shuttle Discovery lifted off on STS-41-D, beginning decades of service. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Mary Shelley (1797–1851) · Warren Buffett (1930) · Ernest Rutherford (1871–1937) · Cameron Diaz (1972)
Days & observances
National Beach Day · International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance · Frankenstein Day · National Toasted Marshmallow Day