What Happened on August 5?
August 5 is International Traffic Light Day — and National Oyster Day — on the same date Cleveland lit the first electric traffic signals in 1914, the Atlantic telegraph cable linked continents in 1858, and a nuclear test ban was signed in 1963.
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1858 — First transatlantic telegraph cable is completed
On August 5, 1858, the first working telegraph cable across the Atlantic linked Ireland and Newfoundland. Read the full story →
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1864 — Union wins the Battle of Mobile Bay
On August 5, 1864, Admiral David Farragut led a Union fleet past Confederate mines at Mobile Bay with the cry 'Damn the torpedoes!' Read the full story →
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1914 — First electric traffic light system installed in Cleveland
On August 5, 1914, Cleveland installed the world's first electric traffic light system at a busy downtown intersection. Read the full story →
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1960 — Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) gains independence
On August 5, 1960, the Republic of Upper Volta — later renamed Burkina Faso — became independent from France. Read the full story →
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1963 — Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty is signed
On August 5, 1963, the United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet Union signed a treaty banning nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Neil Armstrong (1930–2012) · John Huston (1906–1987) · Guy de Maupassant (1850–1893) · Patrick Ewing (1962)
Days & observances
International Traffic Light Day · National Oyster Day · National Underwear Day · National Work Like a Dog Day