August 12: Facts & Historical Events On This Day - The Fact Site

August 12th is World Elephant Day and Middle Child Day.

We are now on day 224 out of 365, and only have 141 days remaining in 2026.

This day may well have had its hardships in the past, but it was also an amazing day for space and fashion. You’re about to find out why.

Did you know that on this day, August 12, 2015, a mass grave was found at Liverpool Street Station in London, England? The 42 victims were found to have died from the bubonic plague.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about August 12th in history!

Historical Events

What memorable events happened on August 12 in history? Keep reading to find out!

2019

Thousands of anti-government protesters disrupted Hong Kong International Airport.

The airport had to cancel all departure flights.

Share Source

2018

The Parker Solar Probe was launched by NASA, heading for the Sun.

Share Source

2017

The “Unite the Right” gathering in Charlottesville, Virginia, became violent after a car smashed into protesters.

One person died in the attack, and nineteen more were injured. On this same day, a police helicopter watched the protests and crashed, killing two officers.

Share Source

2015

Former President Jimmy Carter had a lesion removed from his liver.

He also announced that his cancer had spread to his brain.

Share Source

A mass grave of 42 victims of the bubonic plague was found at Liverpool Street Station in London, England.

Share Source

1981

The IBM Personal Computer was released.

Share Source

1964

South Africa was banned from the Olympic Games due to the country’s racist policies.

Share Source

1908

Ford completed their first Model T vehicle at a Ford plant in Detroit, Michigan.

Share Read More

1877

One of Mars’ moons, “Deimos,” was discovered by an American astronomer, Asaph Hall.

It was named after the Ancient Greek god of dread and terror.

Share Source

Thomas Edison completed his first model of a phonograph.

The phonograph was the first device to record sound, which was the birth of recording devices.

Share Source

1851

Isaac Singer was granted his patent for a commercial sewing machine.

Although Singer's sewing machines made him famous, this wasn't his first-ever patent. Singer's first patent was granted in 1839, and it was for a machine to drill rock.

Share Source

1793

Following the divide of the Rhone-et-Loire department in France, the Rhone department became independent.

Due to an ongoing uprising in Lyon, it was decided that the neighboring department, Rhone-et-Loire, should be divided in two to calm the rebellion. The proposal was sent in on this day and was approved on November 9.

Share Source

1676

The war between English Colonists and Native Americans in New England ended.

Share Source

Famous Births

Are you celebrating your birthday today? If so, did you know that you share the same birthday as Cara Delevingne? See what other famous people were born on this day.

2001

Dixie D'Amelio

American Singer

Age

24 years old

Born IN

Connecticut, USA

1992

Cara Delevingne

English Model

Age

33 years old

Born IN

England, UK

1994

Bex Taylor-Klaus

American Actor

Age

31 years old

Born IN

Georgia, USA

1988

Leah Pipes

American Actress

Age

37 years old

Born IN

California, USA

1975

Casey Affleck

American Actor

Age

50 years old

Born IN

Massachusetts, USA

Birthday & Zodiac

Everyone who was born on August 12 shares the same zodiac sign, Leo.

The constellation Leo is associated with the mythological Nemean lion. Leo is the fifth sign in the zodiac and is ruled by the sun. People born between July 23 & August 22 fall into this astrological sign.

All those born in August have the Peridot birthstone. The peridot is often a light green color, and it symbolizes good fortune, health & peacefulness. Periodt is known as the gem of compassion, and wearing it helps calm anger and lift moods.

If you were born on August 12, you would likely have been conceived on or around November 19 of the previous year.

The due date for babies conceived on August 12th, 2026, is around May 5th, 2027.

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, August 12th has also been a day where we've had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1875 — 1955

Thomas Mann

German Novelist Thomas Mann was born on June 6, 1875. He died on this day in 1955, at age 80 in Zürich, Switzerland.

Quotes

Who said what today throughout history? Here are the most famous things people have said on August 12th.

1986

“Slavery was never abolished, it was only extended to include all the colors.”

Charles Bukowski

(American Author)

1904

“Don’t be too quick to draw conclusions from what happens to you; simply let it happen.”

Rainer Maria Rilke

(Austrian Poet)

Special Holidays

Are you looking for something to do today? Well, here's a few special days that might just give you some ideas.

United States

National Middle Child Day

Middle children tend to be forgotten about the most, especially when the youngest is always carrying on and needing so much attention. National Middle Child Day is all about treating middle children with the love and attention they often lack, so be extra nice to them today!

World

World Elephant Day

World Elephant Day was created in 2012 to preserve these magnificent creatures’ dwindling numbers and protect the few left that grace our planet. Everyone can participate in World Elephant Day by raising awareness or donating to a conservation charity.

Fact Of The Day

Warren Buffett said in the 2017 HBO documentary “Becoming Warren Buffett” that he eats McDonald’s every morning, choosing one of three items that never cost more than $3.17.

Check out our daily facts page for fresh, random facts updated every day!

Days Until

Your countdown to 2026's upcoming special days!

• Halloween

  80 days

• Christmas Day

  135 days

• New Year's Day

  142 days