On this day

19 August in history.

5 moments from 1839 to 2004: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

Portrait of Louis Daguerre (1787-1851)

1839

Photography as a gift to the world. The French government announced Louis Daguerre's photographic process and made it free for anyone to use. 19 August is now World Photography Day.

Wikipedia: Daguerreotype

Photo: Jean-Baptiste Sabatier-Blot / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

More from 19 August

  1. The Weisshorn range of the Pennine Alps from Mund (Valais)

    1861

    The Weisshorn is climbed

    John Tyndall and his guides made the first ascent of the Weisshorn in the Alps.

    Wikipedia: WeisshornWikipedia: John Tyndall

    Photo: Zacharie Grossen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

  2. 1897 Bersey Electrical Cab Front Taken at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon

    1897

    London's electric taxis

    Electric cabs began carrying passengers in London, among the first motor taxis anywhere.

    Wikipedia: Bersey Electric Cab

    Photo: Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

  3. Soap Box Derby

    1934

    The first Soap Box Derby

    Children raced homemade, engine-less cars downhill in Dayton, Ohio, in the first All-American Soap Box Derby.

    Wikipedia: Soap Box Derby

    Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  4. Googleplex Headquarters, Mountain View, US

    2004

    Google goes public

    Google sold shares to the public for the first time.

    Wikipedia: Google

    Photo: Asoundd / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Moments chosen for discovery, creativity and courage. Each one links to a source where you can read more; photos are credited to their owners.