1971⚡ Event
San Quentin Prison Riot
Six people were killed during an escape attempt and riot at San Quentin State Prison in California. The subsequent trial of six inmates was the longest in state history at the time.
law
What Happened on August 21?
Discover 15 historical moments on August 21 — 5 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
entertainmentdisasterpoliticssportslawwarsciencearts
Hero image inspired by: BioShock
Historical Events on August 21(5)
1986⚡ Event
Lake Nyos limnic eruption
A limnic eruption of Lake Nyos in Cameroon released a cloud of carbon dioxide, suffocating 1,746 people and 3,500 livestock.
disasterscience
2007⚡ Event
BioShock release
BioShock was released in North America, becoming a critical success and a demonstration of video games as an art form.
entertainmentartstechnology
2013⚡ Event
Ghouta chemical attack
Areas controlled by the Syrian opposition in Ghouta, Damascus, were attacked by rockets containing sarin, killing at least 281 people.
wardisasterpolitics
2015⚡ Event
Thalys train attack
Passengers on a Thalys train from Amsterdam to Paris subdued an attacker who attempted a mass shooting.
wardisaster
Famous Birthdays on August 21(5)
Notable Deaths on August 21(5)
2018🕊️ Death
Stefán Karl Stefánsson
Stefán Karl Stefánsson, an Icelandic actor and singer, died. He was born in 1975.
entertainment
2019🕊️ Death
Celso Piña
Celso Piña was a Mexican singer, composer, arranger, and accordionist.
musicentertainment
2024🕊️ Death
Nell McCafferty
Nell McCafferty was a Northern Irish journalist, playwright, and civil rights campaigner.
politicslaw
August 21 in History
August 21 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1971 to the present day.
Major Events on August 21
Among the most notable events on August 21: San Quentin Prison Riot (1971), Lake Nyos limnic eruption (1986), BioShock release (2007). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on August 21
Notable figures born on August 21 include Alexandra Cooper, Dominik Kubalík, Karolína Muchová. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on August 21
Remembered figures who died on August 21 include Stefán Karl Stefánsson, Celso Piña, Nell McCafferty. View all →
Browse what happened on August 20 or August 22, explore the full month of August, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 21?
- August 21 is home to 15 recorded historical entries, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on August 21?
- One of the most notable events on August 21 is: San Quentin Prison Riot.
- Who was born on August 21?
- Famous figures born on August 21 include Alexandra Cooper, Dominik Kubalík, Karolína Muchová.
- How many historical events happened on August 21?
- Our collection records 5 historical events on August 21, spanning centuries of world history.
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