Henri Farman becomes the first person to fly an observed circuit of more than 1km, winning the Grand Prix d'Aviation
Henri Farman becomes the first person to fly an observed circuit of more than 1km, winning the Grand Prix d'Aviation
Year in History
Explore the major historical events, famous births, and notable deaths that occurred in the year 1908. This year saw 139 significant events. 25 notable figures were born. 1 notable figure passed away.
20th Century1900s
1908 Timeline
Henri Farman becomes the first person to fly an observed circuit of more than 1km, winning the Grand Prix d'Aviation
Henri Farman becomes the first person to fly an observed circuit of more than 1km, winning the Grand Prix d'Aviation
Katie Mulcahey is arrested for lighting a cigarette, violating the one-day-old "Sullivan Ordinance" banning women from s
Katie Mulcahey is arrested for lighting a cigarette, violating the one-day-old "Sullivan Ordinance" banning women from smoking in public, and is fined $5. Appearing before the judge, she states, “I’ve got as much right to smoke as you have. I never heard of this new law, and I don’t want to hear abo
Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell publishes "Scouting for Boys" as a manual for self-instruction in outdoor skills
Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell publishes "Scouting for Boys" as a manual for self-instruction in outdoor skills and self-improvement. The book becomes the inspiration for the Scout Movement.
King Carlos I of Portugal and his heir, Prince Luís Filipe, are assassinated by Republican sympathizers in Terreiro do P
King Carlos I of Portugal and his heir, Prince Luís Filipe, are assassinated by Republican sympathizers in Terreiro do Paço, Lisbon
Italian football club Inter Milan is founded as Football Club Internazionale
Football Club Internazionale Milano, widely referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, and commonly known as Inter Milan outside Italy, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan,…
Canadian champion Tommy Burns KOs Irish challenger Jem Roche in 1:28s of the 1st round at the Theatre Royal, Dublin; the
Canadian champion Tommy Burns KOs Irish challenger Jem Roche in 1:28s of the 1st round at the Theatre Royal, Dublin; then quickest world heavyweight boxing title fight
First American horror movie silent film "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" premieres in Chicago
First American horror movie silent film "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" premieres in Chicago
At Masjed Soleyman (مسجد سليمان) in southwest Persia, the first major commercial oil strike in the Middle East is made,
At Masjed Soleyman (مسجد سليمان) in southwest Persia, the first major commercial oil strike in the Middle East is made, rights acquired by the United Kingdom
Poet Joyce Kilmer (21) weds author Aline Murray (19)
Poet Joyce Kilmer (21) weds author Aline Murray (19)
A giant fireball, most likely caused by the air burst of a large meteoroid or comet, flattens 80 million trees near the
A giant fireball, most likely caused by the air burst of a large meteoroid or comet, flattens 80 million trees near the Stony Tunguska River in Yeniseysk Governorate, Russia, in the largest impact event in recorded history
US Attorney General Charles Joseph Bonaparte issues an order to immediately staff the Office of the Chief Examiner (late
US Attorney General Charles Joseph Bonaparte issues an order to immediately staff the Office of the Chief Examiner (later renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Ford Motor Company builds its first Model T car, which Henry Ford himself tests on a hunting trip to Wisconsin and north
Ford Motor Company builds its first Model T car, which Henry Ford himself tests on a hunting trip to Wisconsin and northern Michigan [1]
Naval officer Robert Scott (40) weds sculptress Kathleen Bruce (30) at the Chapel Royal in London, England
Naval officer Robert Scott (40) weds sculptress Kathleen Bruce (30) at the Chapel Royal in London, England
Henry Ford's first Ford Model T automobile leaves the Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan
Henry Ford's first Ford Model T automobile leaves the Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan
Henry Ford introduces the Model T car, priced at $825
The Ford Model T is an automobile that was produced by the Ford Motor Company from October 1, 1908, to May 26, 1927.
Vaudeville performer Will Rogers (29) weds Betty Blake
Vaudeville performer Will Rogers (29) weds Betty Blake
Edward Elgar's Symphony No. 1 in A is performed by the Hallé Orchestra, conducted by Hans Richter, premiering in Manches
Edward Elgar's Symphony No. 1 in A is performed by the Hallé Orchestra, conducted by Hans Richter, premiering in Manchester, England
Earthquake strikes Messina in Italy, killing nearly 80,000 people and causing widespread destruction and a devastating t
Earthquake strikes Messina in Italy, killing nearly 80,000 people and causing widespread destruction and a devastating tsunami in the Strait of Messina
Ottawa branch of the Canadian Royal Mint officially opens
The Royal Mint is the United Kingdom's official maker of British coins. It is currently located in Llantrisant, Wales, where it moved in 1968. Operating under the legal name The Royal Mint Limited,...
England beat Australia by one wicket at the MCG
England beat Australia by one wicket at the MCG
First subway tunnel connecting Manhattan with Brooklyn under the East River opens in New York City [1]
First subway tunnel connecting Manhattan with Brooklyn under the East River opens in New York City [1]
Frans Schollaert succeeds Jules De Trooz as premier of Belgium
Frans Schollaert succeeds Jules De Trooz as premier of Belgium
A long-distance radio message is sent from the Eiffel Tower for the first time
A long-distance radio message is sent from the Eiffel Tower for the first time
Roger Hartigan scores century on Test debut v England in Adelaide (116)
Michael Joseph "Roger" Hartigan (12 December 1879 – 7 June 1958) was an Australian cricketer and administrator. Hartigan became Australia's 92nd Test debutant on 10 January 1908 for the Third Test of...
Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the first for African-American women, established by Ethel Hedgeman and 15 other students at
Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the first for African-American women, established by Ethel Hedgeman and 15 other students at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Pinnacles National Monument, California established
Pinnacles National Park is a national park of the United States protecting a mountainous area located east of the Salinas Valley in Central California, about five miles (8 km) east of Soledad and 80...
Frederick Delius' "Brigg Fair" premieres in London
Frederick Theodore Albert Delius (born Fritz Theodor Albert Delius; ; 29 January 1862 – 10 June 1934) was an English composer.
August Strindberg's "Spoksonaten" premieres in Stockholm
August Strindberg's "Spoksonaten" premieres in Stockholm
John Blockx's opera "Baldie" premieres in Antwerp
John Blockx's opera "Baldie" premieres in Antwerp
Pasiphaë, a satellite of Jupiter, discovered by Melotte
Pasiphaë, a satellite of Jupiter, discovered by Melotte
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, at Cornell University, incorporates
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ) is the oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity.
In a high-profile trial American railway heir Harry Kendall Thaw is found not guilty of murdering architect Stanford Whi
In a high-profile trial American railway heir Harry Kendall Thaw is found not guilty of murdering architect Stanford White on grounds of insanity in a New York court [1]
Foundation of Panathinaikos in Athens, Greece.
Panathinaikos B.C., also simplified to Panathinaikos or PAO and officially referred to as Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens for sponsorship reasons, is the professional basketball team of the major...
Star #46 was added to US flag for Oklahoma with the addition to the Union of Oklahoma on November 16, 1907
Star #46 was added to US flag for Oklahoma with the addition to the Union of Oklahoma on November 16, 1907
Wilhelmina '08 soccer team forms in Weert, Netherlands
Wilhelmina '08 soccer team forms in Weert, Netherlands
Heemskerk's government begins in Holland
Heemskerk's government begins in Holland
Anna Jeanes bequeaths $1,000,000 to Swarthmore to become all female
Anna Jeanes bequeaths $1,000,000 to Swarthmore to become all female
1st US postage stamps in rolls issued
1st US postage stamps in rolls issued
In 'Muller v Oregon', the US Supreme Court favors an Oregon law limiting maximum hours a woman may work and denies that
In 'Muller v Oregon', the US Supreme Court favors an Oregon law limiting maximum hours a woman may work and denies that it curtails 'liberty of contract'
First tunnel under Hudson River (railway tunnel) opens
The North River Tunnels are a pair of rail tunnels that carry Amtrak and New Jersey Transit passenger lines under the Hudson River between North Bergen, New Jersey, and New York Penn Station in...
Sacrifice fly adopted (repealed in 1931, reinstated 1954)
Sacrifice fly adopted (repealed in 1931, reinstated 1954)
Failed assassination attempt on Shah Mohammed Ali in Tehran
Failed assassination attempt on Shah Mohammed Ali in Tehran
Dutch scientists produce solid helium
Dutch scientists produce solid helium
Fire at Lakeview Elementary School in Collinwood, Ohio kills 172 students and 2 teachers: boiler room blaze trapped many
Fire at Lakeview Elementary School in Collinwood, Ohio kills 172 students and 2 teachers: boiler room blaze trapped many victims in the building, prompting changes in school design and procedures nationwide [1]
1st ascent of Mt Erebus, Antarctica
1st ascent of Mt Erebus, Antarctica
Cincinnati Mayor Mark Breith stands before the city council and announces that "women are not physically fit to operate
Cincinnati Mayor Mark Breith stands before the city council and announces that "women are not physically fit to operate automobiles"
Dutch utopist Frederick of Eden speaks in Carnegie Hall, NY
Dutch utopist Frederick of Eden speaks in Carnegie Hall, NY
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers beat Winnipeg Maple Leafs, 9-3 for 2-0 sweep of chall
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers beat Winnipeg Maple Leafs, 9-3 for 2-0 sweep of challenge series
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers beat Toronto Professionals, 6-4
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers beat Toronto Professionals, 6-4
American diplomat Durham Stevens is attacked by Korean assassins Jeon Myeong-un and Jang In-hwan, leading to his death i
American diplomat Durham Stevens is attacked by Korean assassins Jeon Myeong-un and Jang In-hwan, leading to his death in hospital two days later
Clube Atletico Mineiro, Founded in Belo Horizonte, Brazil
The Clube Atlético Mineiroɾu]), commonly known as Atlético Mineiro and colloquially as Galo, is a professional association football club in Belo Horizonte, the capital city of the Brazilian state of...
Frank Gotch wins world heavyweight wrestling championship in 2 hrs
Frank Gotch wins world heavyweight wrestling championship in 2 hrs
Fire at the Boston Blacking Company (producer of leather dyes), spreads by high wind, kills 19 and makes 17,000 homeless
Fire at the Boston Blacking Company (producer of leather dyes), spreads by high wind, kills 19 and makes 17,000 homeless in Chelsea, Massachusetts
Groundbreaking for Philadelphia's Shibe Park, home of MLB Athletics (AL), 1909-54, MLB Phillies (NL), 1938-70, and NFL E
Groundbreaking for Philadelphia's Shibe Park, home of MLB Athletics (AL), 1909-54, MLB Phillies (NL), 1938-70, and NFL Eagles, 1940-57
Natural Bridges National Monument forms (Lake Powell, Utah)
Natural Bridges National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of the Four Corners boundary of southeast Utah, in the western United States, at the junction of...
Opening day of competition in the New South Wales Rugby League
The National Rugby League (also known as the NRL Telstra Premiership for sponsorship reasons) is a professional rugby league competition in Oceania which is currently contested by 17 teams from New...
American polar explorer Frederick Cook claims to have been the 1st person reach North Pole on this date (disputed)
The North Pole, also known as the Geographic North Pole or Terrestrial North Pole, is the point in the Northern Hemisphere where the Earth's axis of rotation meets its surface.
Queensland beat NSW by 171 runs for their 1st cricket win at Gabba
Queensland beat NSW by 171 runs for their 1st cricket win at Gabba
Denmark, Germany, Britain, France, Netherlands & Sweden sign North Sea accord
Denmark, Germany, Britain, France, Netherlands & Sweden sign North Sea accord
Mr & Mrs Jacob Murdock and their children depart Los Angeles in a Packard Thirty, endeavoring to become 1st family to tr
Mr & Mrs Jacob Murdock and their children depart Los Angeles in a Packard Thirty, endeavoring to become 1st family to travel across United States by car; arrive in NYC 32 days, 5 hours and 25 minutes later
IV Summer (Modern) Olympic Games open in London
The 1908 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the IV Olympiad and also known as London 1908) were an international multi-sport event held in London, England, from 27 April to 31 October 1908.
World's most intense rainfall (2.47 inches in 3 minutes) occurs in Portobelo, Panama
World's most intense rainfall (2.47 inches in 3 minutes) occurs in Portobelo, Panama
Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer register their popular song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" for copyright
Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer register their popular song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" for copyright
Emperor Franz-Joseph celebrates his golden jubilee with festivities throughout the Austro-Hungarian empire
Emperor Franz-Joseph celebrates his golden jubilee with festivities throughout the Austro-Hungarian empire
Dirk Fock becomes governor of Suriname
Dirk Fock becomes governor of Suriname
1st Mother's Day observed (Philadelphia)
Mother's Day is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States on the second Sunday in May.
First passenger flight in an airplane
An airplane (American English), or aeroplane (Commonwealth English), informally plane, is a fixed-wing aircraft that is propelled forward by thrust from a jet engine, propeller, or rocket engine.
Reich Association Law comes into force
Reich Association Law comes into force
Dirigible explodes over San Francisco Bay, 16 passengers fall, none killed
Dirigible explodes over San Francisco Bay, 16 passengers fall, none killed
Belgium Catholic socialist/liberal parliamentary election
Leopold II (9 April 1835 – 17 December 1909) was the second king of the Belgians from 1865 to 1909, and the founder and sole owner of the Congo Free State from 1885 to 1908. Born in Brussels as the...
Maulana Hakeem Noor-ud-Din iss elected the first Khalifa of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Maulana Hakeem Noor-ud-Din iss elected the first Khalifa of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Aldrich Vineland Currency Act forerunner to Federal Reserve System
Aldrich Vineland Currency Act forerunner to Federal Reserve System
Miss Pottelsberghe de la Pottery is 1st airplane passenger (Belgium)
Miss Pottelsberghe de la Pottery is 1st airplane passenger (Belgium)
John Krohn begins walk around perimeter of US, which took 357 days
John Krohn begins walk around perimeter of US, which took 357 days
Aeronautical Society of New York, the first flying club, opens
Aeronautical Society of New York, the first flying club, opens
Lusitania crosses Atlantic in record 4 days 15 hours (NYC)
Lusitania crosses Atlantic in record 4 days 15 hours (NYC)
Fourth German Navy Bill is passed authorising the financing of the building of another four major warships
Fourth German Navy Bill is passed authorising the financing of the building of another four major warships
World congress for Women's rights opens in Amsterdam
World congress for Women's rights opens in Amsterdam
Japanese immigration to Brazil begins when 781 people arrive in Santos aboard the Kasato-Maru ship
Japanese immigration to Brazil begins when 781 people arrive in Santos aboard the Kasato-Maru ship
Shah Mohammed Ali leads a successful counter-revolution in Persia, aided by the Russian legation and a Cossack brigade
Shah Mohammed Ali leads a successful counter-revolution in Persia, aided by the Russian legation and a Cossack brigade
"SOS" (· · · – – – · · ·) distress signal becomes the worldwide standard for help
SOS is a Morse code distress signal ( ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ), used internationally, originally established for maritime use.
Indian nationalist Bal Gangadhar Tilak arrested for sedition by the British in wake of Muzzafarpur bombing
Indian nationalist Bal Gangadhar Tilak arrested for sedition by the British in wake of Muzzafarpur bombing
MLB New York Giants pitcher George "Hooks" Wiltse no-hits Philadelphia Phillies, 1-0 in 10 inning; missed a perfect game
MLB New York Giants pitcher George "Hooks" Wiltse no-hits Philadelphia Phillies, 1-0 in 10 inning; missed a perfect game by hitting one batter with a pitch (Polo Grounds, NYC)
Niazi Bey, a chief organizer of the revolutionary movement in Turkey, raises the standard of revolt at Resna, Macedonia
Niazi Bey, a chief organizer of the revolutionary movement in Turkey, raises the standard of revolt at Resna, Macedonia
Uprisings spread throughout Turkey
Uprisings spread throughout Turkey
CHU (Christian Historic Union) Dutch political party forms
CHU (Christian Historic Union) Dutch political party forms
H Kamerlingh Onnes makes helium liquid (-269°C)
H Kamerlingh Onnes makes helium liquid (-269°C)
Dutch football club Feyenoord is established in Rotterdam as Wilhelmina; reverts to SC Feijenoord 1912; updated to SC Fe
Dutch football club Feyenoord is established in Rotterdam as Wilhelmina; reverts to SC Feijenoord 1912; updated to SC Feyenoord 1974 and to Feyenoord Rotterdam 1978
After days of discussion with his ministers, Sultan Abdul Hamid of Turkey announces he is restoring the liberal constitu
After days of discussion with his ministers, Sultan Abdul Hamid of Turkey announces he is restoring the liberal constitution of 1876 and will become more responsive to demands of dissidents
Ajinomoto Co., founded by Kikunae Ikeda of Tokyo Imperial University, discovers that a key ingredient in kombu soup stoc
Ajinomoto Co., founded by Kikunae Ikeda of Tokyo Imperial University, discovers that a key ingredient in kombu soup stock is monosodium glutamate (MSG) and patents a process for manufacturing it
St. Louis Browns' future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Rube Waddell strikes out 16 Philadelphia A's in a 5-4 win against
St. Louis Browns' future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Rube Waddell strikes out 16 Philadelphia A's in a 5-4 win against his previous team at Sportsman's Park II, St. Louis
Around the World Automobile Race ends in Paris
The 1908 New York to Paris Race was an automobile competition consisting of drivers attempting to travel from New York to Paris.
French brothers Amédée and Jean Bouyssonie discover the fossil remains of a nearly complete 60,000-year-old Neanderthal
French brothers Amédée and Jean Bouyssonie discover the fossil remains of a nearly complete 60,000-year-old Neanderthal man, known as the "Old Man of La Chapelle," at La Chapelle-aux-Saints, France
St. Louis Cardinals' Johnny Lush pitches a second career no-hitter in a 2-0 win over the Brooklyn Superbas; a change in
St. Louis Cardinals' Johnny Lush pitches a second career no-hitter in a 2-0 win over the Brooklyn Superbas; a change in MLB rules makes this unofficial as the game was shortened by rain
The first train to travel the length of New Zealand's North Island main trunk line, the "Parliament Special," leaves Wel
The first train to travel the length of New Zealand's North Island main trunk line, the "Parliament Special," leaves Wellington for Auckland to greet the US Navy's "Great White Fleet"; passengers include Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward and members of Parliament, and the trip takes 20.5 hours
Race riot in Springfield, Illinois; a white mob attacks a Black neighborhood when lynching plans are thwarted by local p
Race riot in Springfield, Illinois; a white mob attacks a Black neighborhood when lynching plans are thwarted by local police, resulting in at least 17 people dying over two days; the event is a catalyst for the formation of the civil rights organization, the National Association for the Advancement
Allan Winter wins the first $50,000 trotting race in the US
The Readville Race Track located in Readville, Massachusetts is a former race trach that hosted harness racing, motorcycle racing, auto racing and early military combat aviation.
Calgary City Rugby Football Club reorganizes as the Tigers
Calgary City Rugby Football Club reorganizes as the Tigers
New York City gives a ticker tape parade to returning US Olympians from London
New York City gives a ticker tape parade to returning US Olympians from London
Brooklyn Superbas pitcher Nap Rucker no-hits the Boston Braves 6-0 at Washington Park, Brooklyn
Brooklyn Superbas pitcher Nap Rucker no-hits the Boston Braves 6-0 at Washington Park, Brooklyn
Canada appoints a Civil Service Commission, initiating a more equitable system for selecting civil servants
Canada appoints a Civil Service Commission, initiating a more equitable system for selecting civil servants
Carriage maker William C. Durant founds General Motors in Flint, Michigan
William Crapo Durant (December 8, 1861 – March 18, 1947) was an American businessman.
Thomas Selfridge becomes first fatality of powered flight
Thomas Selfridge becomes first fatality of powered flight
Cleveland Indian Bob "Dusty" Rhoades no-hits Boston 2-1
Cleveland Indian Bob "Dusty" Rhoades no-hits Boston 2-1
Chicago White Sox's Frank Smith pitches his second no-hitter, defeating Philadelphia 1-0
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Chicago. They play in the American League Central division.
Bulgaria declares independence from the Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
The Ottoman Empire, historically also known as the Turkish Empire, controlled much of Southeast Europe, West Asia, and North Africa from the 14th century to the early 20th century.
Giant Fred (Bonehead) Merkle fails to touch second, causing the third out in the ninth and disallowing the winning run;
Giant Fred (Bonehead) Merkle fails to touch second, causing the third out in the ninth and disallowing the winning run; the game ends tied, and the Cubs win the replay and pennant
Bob Rhoads becomes the first Cleveland pitcher (Cleveland Naps) to throw a no-hit game, with Cleveland defeating Boston
Bob Rhoads becomes the first Cleveland pitcher (Cleveland Naps) to throw a no-hit game, with Cleveland defeating Boston 2-1
MLB Chicago Cubs' Ed Reulbach becomes the only pitcher to throw a doubleheader shutout, winning 3-0 and 5-0 over the Sup
MLB Chicago Cubs' Ed Reulbach becomes the only pitcher to throw a doubleheader shutout, winning 3-0 and 5-0 over the Superbas at Washington Park in Brooklyn, New York
Great Musi River flood kills 15,000 people in Hyderabad, India, destroying much of the city; a 200-year-old tamarind tre
Great Musi River flood kills 15,000 people in Hyderabad, India, destroying much of the city; a 200-year-old tamarind tree saves 150 lives
Calgary Rugby Football Union forms
Calgary Rugby Foot-ball Club was one of the first football teams based in Calgary, Alberta, formed March 14, 1906, at Calgary City Hall. It was part of the Calgary Rugby Football Union.
First Dutch electric railway in use (Rotterdam-The Hague)
First Dutch electric railway in use (Rotterdam-The Hague)
Future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jack Chesbro records his final victory for the New York Highlanders before being wa
Future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jack Chesbro records his final victory for the New York Highlanders before being waived and claimed by the Red Sox, defeating Walter Johnson and the Washington Senators 2-1
Cleveland Naps and future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Addie Joss hurl a classic perfect game, beating Ed Walsh and the
Cleveland Naps and future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Addie Joss hurl a classic perfect game, beating Ed Walsh and the Chicago White Sox 1-0
Bulgaria declares independence from the Ottoman Empire, and Ferdinand I becomes Tsar
Tsar (also spelled czar, tzar, or csar; Bulgarian: цар, romanized: tsar; Russian: царь, romanized: tsar'; Serbian: цар, car) is a title historically used by some Slavic monarchs.
Chicago White Sox pitcher Ed Walsh beats the Detroit Tigers 6-1 for his 40th victory of the MLB season, forcing the AL p
Chicago White Sox pitcher Ed Walsh beats the Detroit Tigers 6-1 for his 40th victory of the MLB season, forcing the AL pennant race to the final day
Austria annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina fell under Austro-Hungarian rule in 1878, when the Congress of Berlin approved the occupation of the Bosnia Vilayet, which officially remained part of the Ottoman Empire.
Crete revolts against Turkey and aligns with Greece
Crete revolts against Turkey and aligns with Greece
Chicago Cubs beat NY Giants 4-2 in a playoff to win the NL pennant
The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The Cubs compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central Division.
Edmonton Rugby Football Club reorganizes as Esquimaux
Edmonton Rugby Football Club reorganizes as Esquimaux
Belgium annexes the Congo Free State
From 1885 to 1908, many atrocities were committed in the Congo Free State (today the Democratic Republic of the Congo) under the absolute rule of King Leopold II of Belgium.
Edward Meeker hits the charts with "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"; songwriters Edward Albert Von Tilzer and Jack Norwort
Edward Meeker hits the charts with "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"; songwriters Edward Albert Von Tilzer and Jack Norworth had yet to attend a baseball game, the 1st recording is often misattributed to singer Billy Murray [1] [2]
IV Summer Olympic Games close at White City Stadium in London, England
The 1908 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the IV Olympiad and also known as London 1908) were an international multi-sport event held in London, England, from 27 April to 31 October 1908.
Brooklyn Academy of Music opens in NYC
The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a multi-arts center in Brooklyn, New York City.
Leonid Andreyev's "Dui Nashey Zhizni" premieres in St Petersburg
Leonid Andreyev's "Dui Nashey Zhizni" premieres in St Petersburg
Dutch capture Venezuelan navy
Dutch capture Venezuelan navy
First Gideon Bible put in a hotel room
First Gideon Bible put in a hotel room
1st US-Japanese baseball game Reach All-Americans defeat Waseda U, 5-0
1st US-Japanese baseball game Reach All-Americans defeat Waseda U, 5-0
Dorando Pietri (It) beats Johnny Hayes (US) in Madison Square Garden marathon by 60 yds
Dorando Pietri (It) beats Johnny Hayes (US) in Madison Square Garden marathon by 60 yds
men die in a coal mine explosion in Marianna, Pennsylvania
men die in a coal mine explosion in Marianna, Pennsylvania
The US Secretary of State and Japan's ambassador to the US exchange notes in what becomes known as the Root-Takahira Agr
The US Secretary of State and Japan's ambassador to the US exchange notes in what becomes known as the Root-Takahira Agreement; they affirm support for an independent China with an "open door" policy and for the status quo in the Pacific
Child Emperor Pu Yi ascends the Chinese throne at the age of 2
Child Emperor Pu Yi ascends the Chinese throne at the age of 2
Haiti's president General Alexis Nord flees from military coup
Haiti's president General Alexis Nord flees from military coup
The University of Pittsburgh is the first US college football team to use numerals on their uniform
The University of Pittsburgh is the first US college football team to use numerals on their uniform
The German Reichstag adopts a progressive social law restricting hours of factory work by young people and women
The German Reichstag adopts a progressive social law restricting hours of factory work by young people and women
Frederick Delius' orchestral work "In a Summer Garden" premieres in London
Frederick Theodore Albert Delius (born Fritz Theodor Albert Delius; ; 29 January 1862 – 10 June 1934) was an English composer.
First credit union in the US forms in Manchester, New Hampshire
A credit union is a member-owned nonprofit cooperative financial institution. They may offer financial services equivalent to those of commercial banks, such as share accounts (savings accounts),...
Patent granted for a 4-wheel automobile brake, Clintonville, Wisconsin
Patent granted for a 4-wheel automobile brake, Clintonville, Wisconsin
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers outscore Edmonton HC, 14-9 in 2 game challenge series
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers outscore Edmonton HC, 14-9 in 2 game challenge series
Simone de Beauvoir is born
Simone de Beauvoir, French philosopher, social theorist and activist, known for french philosopher, social theorist and activist, was born on 1908-01-09.
Paul Henreid is born
Paul Henreid, American austrian-american actor and film director, known for austrian-american actor and film director, was born on 1908-01-10.
Edward Teller is born
Edward Teller, American hungarian-american physicist and father of the h-bomb, known for hungarian-american physicist and father of the h-bomb, was born on 1908-01-15.
Ethel Merman is born
Ethel Merman, American actress and singer, known for american actress and singer, was born on 1908-01-16. Ethel Merman was an American singer and actress.
Wes Ferrell is born
Wes Ferrell, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1908-02-02. Wesley Cheek Ferrell (February 2, 1908 – December 9, 1976) was an American professional baseball player.
Rex Harrison is born
Rex Harrison, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1908-03-05. Sir Reginald Carey Harrison (5 March 1908 – 2 June 1990) was an English actor.
Anna Magnani is born
Anna Magnani, Italian actress, known for italian actress, was born on 1908-03-07. Anna Maria Magnani was an Italian actress.
David Lean is born
David Lean, British filmmaker and editor, known for english filmmaker and editor, was born on 1908-03-25.
Abraham Maslow is born
Abraham Maslow, American psychologist, known for american psychologist, was born on 1908-04-01.
Bette Davis is born
Bette Davis, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1908-04-05.
Masaru Ibuka is born
Masaru Ibuka, Japanese businessman, known for japanese businessman, was born on 1908-04-11.
Lita Grey is born
Lita Grey, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1908-04-15. Lita Grey, who was known for most of her life as Lita Grey Chaplin, was an American actress.
Edward R. Murrow is born
Edward R. Murrow, American broadcast journalist, known for american broadcast journalist, was born on 1908-04-25. Edward Roscoe Murrow was an American broadcast journalist and war correspondent.
Oskar Schindler is born
Oskar Schindler, German industrialist and humanitarian, known for german industrialist and humanitarian, was born on 1908-04-28.
James Stewart is born
James Stewart, American actor and military officer, known for american actor and military officer, was born on 1908-05-20.
Sam Giancana is born
Sam Giancana, American mobster, known for american mobster, was born on 1908-06-15. Salvatore "Mooney" Giancana was an American mobster who was boss of the Chicago Outfit from 1957 to 1966.
Salvador Allende is born
Salvador Allende is born
Nelson Rockefeller is born
Nelson Rockefeller is born
Mad Dog Coll is born
Mad Dog Coll is born
Al López is born
Al López, American athlete, known for american baseball player and manager, was born on 1908-08-20.
Paul Brown is born
Paul Brown, American athlete, known for american football coach and executive, was born on 1908-09-07.
Bronko Nagurski is born
Bronko Nagurski, American athlete, known for canadian-american football player and professional wrestler, was born on 1908-11-03.
Imogene Coca is born
Imogene Coca, American comic actress, known for american comic actress, was born on 1908-11-18.
Amon Göth is born
Amon Göth, Austrian military officer and war criminal, known for austrian military officer and war criminal, was born on 1908-11-12. Amon Leopold Göth was an Austrian SS functionary and war criminal.
Willard Libby is born
Willard Libby, American physical chemist, known for american physical chemist, was born on 1908-12-17.
Cixi dies
Cixi, Chinese regent of the qing dynasty, known for regent of the qing dynasty, died on 1908-11-15.
Events
Katie Mulcahey is arrested for lighting a cigarette, violating the one-day-old "Sullivan Ordinance" banning women from s
Katie Mulcahey is arrested for lighting a cigarette, violating the one-day-old "Sullivan Ordinance" banning women from smoking in public, and is fined $5. Appearing before the judge, she states, “I’ve got as much right to smoke as you have. I never heard of this new law, and I don’t want to hear abo
Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell publishes "Scouting for Boys" as a manual for self-instruction in outdoor skills
Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell publishes "Scouting for Boys" as a manual for self-instruction in outdoor skills and self-improvement. The book becomes the inspiration for the Scout Movement.
King Carlos I of Portugal and his heir, Prince Luís Filipe, are assassinated by Republican sympathizers in Terreiro do P
King Carlos I of Portugal and his heir, Prince Luís Filipe, are assassinated by Republican sympathizers in Terreiro do Paço, Lisbon
Italian football club Inter Milan is founded as Football Club Internazionale
Football Club Internazionale Milano, widely referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, and commonly known as Inter Milan outside Italy, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan,…
Canadian champion Tommy Burns KOs Irish challenger Jem Roche in 1:28s of the 1st round at the Theatre Royal, Dublin; the
Canadian champion Tommy Burns KOs Irish challenger Jem Roche in 1:28s of the 1st round at the Theatre Royal, Dublin; then quickest world heavyweight boxing title fight
First American horror movie silent film "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" premieres in Chicago
First American horror movie silent film "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" premieres in Chicago
At Masjed Soleyman (مسجد سليمان) in southwest Persia, the first major commercial oil strike in the Middle East is made,
At Masjed Soleyman (مسجد سليمان) in southwest Persia, the first major commercial oil strike in the Middle East is made, rights acquired by the United Kingdom
Poet Joyce Kilmer (21) weds author Aline Murray (19)
Poet Joyce Kilmer (21) weds author Aline Murray (19)
A giant fireball, most likely caused by the air burst of a large meteoroid or comet, flattens 80 million trees near the
A giant fireball, most likely caused by the air burst of a large meteoroid or comet, flattens 80 million trees near the Stony Tunguska River in Yeniseysk Governorate, Russia, in the largest impact event in recorded history
US Attorney General Charles Joseph Bonaparte issues an order to immediately staff the Office of the Chief Examiner (late
US Attorney General Charles Joseph Bonaparte issues an order to immediately staff the Office of the Chief Examiner (later renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Ford Motor Company builds its first Model T car, which Henry Ford himself tests on a hunting trip to Wisconsin and north
Ford Motor Company builds its first Model T car, which Henry Ford himself tests on a hunting trip to Wisconsin and northern Michigan [1]
Naval officer Robert Scott (40) weds sculptress Kathleen Bruce (30) at the Chapel Royal in London, England
Naval officer Robert Scott (40) weds sculptress Kathleen Bruce (30) at the Chapel Royal in London, England
Henry Ford's first Ford Model T automobile leaves the Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan
Henry Ford's first Ford Model T automobile leaves the Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan
Henry Ford introduces the Model T car, priced at $825
The Ford Model T is an automobile that was produced by the Ford Motor Company from October 1, 1908, to May 26, 1927.
Vaudeville performer Will Rogers (29) weds Betty Blake
Vaudeville performer Will Rogers (29) weds Betty Blake
Edward Elgar's Symphony No. 1 in A is performed by the Hallé Orchestra, conducted by Hans Richter, premiering in Manches
Edward Elgar's Symphony No. 1 in A is performed by the Hallé Orchestra, conducted by Hans Richter, premiering in Manchester, England
Earthquake strikes Messina in Italy, killing nearly 80,000 people and causing widespread destruction and a devastating t
Earthquake strikes Messina in Italy, killing nearly 80,000 people and causing widespread destruction and a devastating tsunami in the Strait of Messina
Ottawa branch of the Canadian Royal Mint officially opens
The Royal Mint is the United Kingdom's official maker of British coins. It is currently located in Llantrisant, Wales, where it moved in 1968. Operating under the legal name The Royal Mint Limited,...
England beat Australia by one wicket at the MCG
England beat Australia by one wicket at the MCG
First subway tunnel connecting Manhattan with Brooklyn under the East River opens in New York City [1]
First subway tunnel connecting Manhattan with Brooklyn under the East River opens in New York City [1]
Frans Schollaert succeeds Jules De Trooz as premier of Belgium
Frans Schollaert succeeds Jules De Trooz as premier of Belgium
A long-distance radio message is sent from the Eiffel Tower for the first time
A long-distance radio message is sent from the Eiffel Tower for the first time
Roger Hartigan scores century on Test debut v England in Adelaide (116)
Michael Joseph "Roger" Hartigan (12 December 1879 – 7 June 1958) was an Australian cricketer and administrator. Hartigan became Australia's 92nd Test debutant on 10 January 1908 for the Third Test of...
Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the first for African-American women, established by Ethel Hedgeman and 15 other students at
Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the first for African-American women, established by Ethel Hedgeman and 15 other students at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Pinnacles National Monument, California established
Pinnacles National Park is a national park of the United States protecting a mountainous area located east of the Salinas Valley in Central California, about five miles (8 km) east of Soledad and 80...
Frederick Delius' "Brigg Fair" premieres in London
Frederick Theodore Albert Delius (born Fritz Theodor Albert Delius; ; 29 January 1862 – 10 June 1934) was an English composer.
August Strindberg's "Spoksonaten" premieres in Stockholm
August Strindberg's "Spoksonaten" premieres in Stockholm
John Blockx's opera "Baldie" premieres in Antwerp
John Blockx's opera "Baldie" premieres in Antwerp
Pasiphaë, a satellite of Jupiter, discovered by Melotte
Pasiphaë, a satellite of Jupiter, discovered by Melotte
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, at Cornell University, incorporates
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ) is the oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity.
In a high-profile trial American railway heir Harry Kendall Thaw is found not guilty of murdering architect Stanford Whi
In a high-profile trial American railway heir Harry Kendall Thaw is found not guilty of murdering architect Stanford White on grounds of insanity in a New York court [1]
Foundation of Panathinaikos in Athens, Greece.
Panathinaikos B.C., also simplified to Panathinaikos or PAO and officially referred to as Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens for sponsorship reasons, is the professional basketball team of the major...
Star #46 was added to US flag for Oklahoma with the addition to the Union of Oklahoma on November 16, 1907
Star #46 was added to US flag for Oklahoma with the addition to the Union of Oklahoma on November 16, 1907
Wilhelmina '08 soccer team forms in Weert, Netherlands
Wilhelmina '08 soccer team forms in Weert, Netherlands
Heemskerk's government begins in Holland
Heemskerk's government begins in Holland
Anna Jeanes bequeaths $1,000,000 to Swarthmore to become all female
Anna Jeanes bequeaths $1,000,000 to Swarthmore to become all female
1st US postage stamps in rolls issued
1st US postage stamps in rolls issued
In 'Muller v Oregon', the US Supreme Court favors an Oregon law limiting maximum hours a woman may work and denies that
In 'Muller v Oregon', the US Supreme Court favors an Oregon law limiting maximum hours a woman may work and denies that it curtails 'liberty of contract'
First tunnel under Hudson River (railway tunnel) opens
The North River Tunnels are a pair of rail tunnels that carry Amtrak and New Jersey Transit passenger lines under the Hudson River between North Bergen, New Jersey, and New York Penn Station in...
Sacrifice fly adopted (repealed in 1931, reinstated 1954)
Sacrifice fly adopted (repealed in 1931, reinstated 1954)
Failed assassination attempt on Shah Mohammed Ali in Tehran
Failed assassination attempt on Shah Mohammed Ali in Tehran
Dutch scientists produce solid helium
Dutch scientists produce solid helium
Fire at Lakeview Elementary School in Collinwood, Ohio kills 172 students and 2 teachers: boiler room blaze trapped many
Fire at Lakeview Elementary School in Collinwood, Ohio kills 172 students and 2 teachers: boiler room blaze trapped many victims in the building, prompting changes in school design and procedures nationwide [1]
1st ascent of Mt Erebus, Antarctica
1st ascent of Mt Erebus, Antarctica
Cincinnati Mayor Mark Breith stands before the city council and announces that "women are not physically fit to operate
Cincinnati Mayor Mark Breith stands before the city council and announces that "women are not physically fit to operate automobiles"
Dutch utopist Frederick of Eden speaks in Carnegie Hall, NY
Dutch utopist Frederick of Eden speaks in Carnegie Hall, NY
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers beat Winnipeg Maple Leafs, 9-3 for 2-0 sweep of chall
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers beat Winnipeg Maple Leafs, 9-3 for 2-0 sweep of challenge series
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers beat Toronto Professionals, 6-4
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers beat Toronto Professionals, 6-4
American diplomat Durham Stevens is attacked by Korean assassins Jeon Myeong-un and Jang In-hwan, leading to his death i
American diplomat Durham Stevens is attacked by Korean assassins Jeon Myeong-un and Jang In-hwan, leading to his death in hospital two days later
Clube Atletico Mineiro, Founded in Belo Horizonte, Brazil
The Clube Atlético Mineiroɾu]), commonly known as Atlético Mineiro and colloquially as Galo, is a professional association football club in Belo Horizonte, the capital city of the Brazilian state of...
Frank Gotch wins world heavyweight wrestling championship in 2 hrs
Frank Gotch wins world heavyweight wrestling championship in 2 hrs
Fire at the Boston Blacking Company (producer of leather dyes), spreads by high wind, kills 19 and makes 17,000 homeless
Fire at the Boston Blacking Company (producer of leather dyes), spreads by high wind, kills 19 and makes 17,000 homeless in Chelsea, Massachusetts
Groundbreaking for Philadelphia's Shibe Park, home of MLB Athletics (AL), 1909-54, MLB Phillies (NL), 1938-70, and NFL E
Groundbreaking for Philadelphia's Shibe Park, home of MLB Athletics (AL), 1909-54, MLB Phillies (NL), 1938-70, and NFL Eagles, 1940-57
Natural Bridges National Monument forms (Lake Powell, Utah)
Natural Bridges National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of the Four Corners boundary of southeast Utah, in the western United States, at the junction of...
Opening day of competition in the New South Wales Rugby League
The National Rugby League (also known as the NRL Telstra Premiership for sponsorship reasons) is a professional rugby league competition in Oceania which is currently contested by 17 teams from New...
American polar explorer Frederick Cook claims to have been the 1st person reach North Pole on this date (disputed)
The North Pole, also known as the Geographic North Pole or Terrestrial North Pole, is the point in the Northern Hemisphere where the Earth's axis of rotation meets its surface.
Queensland beat NSW by 171 runs for their 1st cricket win at Gabba
Queensland beat NSW by 171 runs for their 1st cricket win at Gabba
Denmark, Germany, Britain, France, Netherlands & Sweden sign North Sea accord
Denmark, Germany, Britain, France, Netherlands & Sweden sign North Sea accord
Mr & Mrs Jacob Murdock and their children depart Los Angeles in a Packard Thirty, endeavoring to become 1st family to tr
Mr & Mrs Jacob Murdock and their children depart Los Angeles in a Packard Thirty, endeavoring to become 1st family to travel across United States by car; arrive in NYC 32 days, 5 hours and 25 minutes later
IV Summer (Modern) Olympic Games open in London
The 1908 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the IV Olympiad and also known as London 1908) were an international multi-sport event held in London, England, from 27 April to 31 October 1908.
World's most intense rainfall (2.47 inches in 3 minutes) occurs in Portobelo, Panama
World's most intense rainfall (2.47 inches in 3 minutes) occurs in Portobelo, Panama
Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer register their popular song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" for copyright
Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer register their popular song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" for copyright
Emperor Franz-Joseph celebrates his golden jubilee with festivities throughout the Austro-Hungarian empire
Emperor Franz-Joseph celebrates his golden jubilee with festivities throughout the Austro-Hungarian empire
Dirk Fock becomes governor of Suriname
Dirk Fock becomes governor of Suriname
1st Mother's Day observed (Philadelphia)
Mother's Day is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States on the second Sunday in May.
First passenger flight in an airplane
An airplane (American English), or aeroplane (Commonwealth English), informally plane, is a fixed-wing aircraft that is propelled forward by thrust from a jet engine, propeller, or rocket engine.
Reich Association Law comes into force
Reich Association Law comes into force
Dirigible explodes over San Francisco Bay, 16 passengers fall, none killed
Dirigible explodes over San Francisco Bay, 16 passengers fall, none killed
Belgium Catholic socialist/liberal parliamentary election
Leopold II (9 April 1835 – 17 December 1909) was the second king of the Belgians from 1865 to 1909, and the founder and sole owner of the Congo Free State from 1885 to 1908. Born in Brussels as the...
Maulana Hakeem Noor-ud-Din iss elected the first Khalifa of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Maulana Hakeem Noor-ud-Din iss elected the first Khalifa of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Aldrich Vineland Currency Act forerunner to Federal Reserve System
Aldrich Vineland Currency Act forerunner to Federal Reserve System
Miss Pottelsberghe de la Pottery is 1st airplane passenger (Belgium)
Miss Pottelsberghe de la Pottery is 1st airplane passenger (Belgium)
John Krohn begins walk around perimeter of US, which took 357 days
John Krohn begins walk around perimeter of US, which took 357 days
Aeronautical Society of New York, the first flying club, opens
Aeronautical Society of New York, the first flying club, opens
Lusitania crosses Atlantic in record 4 days 15 hours (NYC)
Lusitania crosses Atlantic in record 4 days 15 hours (NYC)
Fourth German Navy Bill is passed authorising the financing of the building of another four major warships
Fourth German Navy Bill is passed authorising the financing of the building of another four major warships
World congress for Women's rights opens in Amsterdam
World congress for Women's rights opens in Amsterdam
Japanese immigration to Brazil begins when 781 people arrive in Santos aboard the Kasato-Maru ship
Japanese immigration to Brazil begins when 781 people arrive in Santos aboard the Kasato-Maru ship
Shah Mohammed Ali leads a successful counter-revolution in Persia, aided by the Russian legation and a Cossack brigade
Shah Mohammed Ali leads a successful counter-revolution in Persia, aided by the Russian legation and a Cossack brigade
"SOS" (· · · – – – · · ·) distress signal becomes the worldwide standard for help
SOS is a Morse code distress signal ( ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ), used internationally, originally established for maritime use.
Indian nationalist Bal Gangadhar Tilak arrested for sedition by the British in wake of Muzzafarpur bombing
Indian nationalist Bal Gangadhar Tilak arrested for sedition by the British in wake of Muzzafarpur bombing
MLB New York Giants pitcher George "Hooks" Wiltse no-hits Philadelphia Phillies, 1-0 in 10 inning; missed a perfect game
MLB New York Giants pitcher George "Hooks" Wiltse no-hits Philadelphia Phillies, 1-0 in 10 inning; missed a perfect game by hitting one batter with a pitch (Polo Grounds, NYC)
Niazi Bey, a chief organizer of the revolutionary movement in Turkey, raises the standard of revolt at Resna, Macedonia
Niazi Bey, a chief organizer of the revolutionary movement in Turkey, raises the standard of revolt at Resna, Macedonia
Uprisings spread throughout Turkey
Uprisings spread throughout Turkey
CHU (Christian Historic Union) Dutch political party forms
CHU (Christian Historic Union) Dutch political party forms
H Kamerlingh Onnes makes helium liquid (-269°C)
H Kamerlingh Onnes makes helium liquid (-269°C)
Dutch football club Feyenoord is established in Rotterdam as Wilhelmina; reverts to SC Feijenoord 1912; updated to SC Fe
Dutch football club Feyenoord is established in Rotterdam as Wilhelmina; reverts to SC Feijenoord 1912; updated to SC Feyenoord 1974 and to Feyenoord Rotterdam 1978
After days of discussion with his ministers, Sultan Abdul Hamid of Turkey announces he is restoring the liberal constitu
After days of discussion with his ministers, Sultan Abdul Hamid of Turkey announces he is restoring the liberal constitution of 1876 and will become more responsive to demands of dissidents
Ajinomoto Co., founded by Kikunae Ikeda of Tokyo Imperial University, discovers that a key ingredient in kombu soup stoc
Ajinomoto Co., founded by Kikunae Ikeda of Tokyo Imperial University, discovers that a key ingredient in kombu soup stock is monosodium glutamate (MSG) and patents a process for manufacturing it
St. Louis Browns' future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Rube Waddell strikes out 16 Philadelphia A's in a 5-4 win against
St. Louis Browns' future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Rube Waddell strikes out 16 Philadelphia A's in a 5-4 win against his previous team at Sportsman's Park II, St. Louis
Around the World Automobile Race ends in Paris
The 1908 New York to Paris Race was an automobile competition consisting of drivers attempting to travel from New York to Paris.
French brothers Amédée and Jean Bouyssonie discover the fossil remains of a nearly complete 60,000-year-old Neanderthal
French brothers Amédée and Jean Bouyssonie discover the fossil remains of a nearly complete 60,000-year-old Neanderthal man, known as the "Old Man of La Chapelle," at La Chapelle-aux-Saints, France
St. Louis Cardinals' Johnny Lush pitches a second career no-hitter in a 2-0 win over the Brooklyn Superbas; a change in
St. Louis Cardinals' Johnny Lush pitches a second career no-hitter in a 2-0 win over the Brooklyn Superbas; a change in MLB rules makes this unofficial as the game was shortened by rain
The first train to travel the length of New Zealand's North Island main trunk line, the "Parliament Special," leaves Wel
The first train to travel the length of New Zealand's North Island main trunk line, the "Parliament Special," leaves Wellington for Auckland to greet the US Navy's "Great White Fleet"; passengers include Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward and members of Parliament, and the trip takes 20.5 hours
Race riot in Springfield, Illinois; a white mob attacks a Black neighborhood when lynching plans are thwarted by local p
Race riot in Springfield, Illinois; a white mob attacks a Black neighborhood when lynching plans are thwarted by local police, resulting in at least 17 people dying over two days; the event is a catalyst for the formation of the civil rights organization, the National Association for the Advancement
Allan Winter wins the first $50,000 trotting race in the US
The Readville Race Track located in Readville, Massachusetts is a former race trach that hosted harness racing, motorcycle racing, auto racing and early military combat aviation.
Calgary City Rugby Football Club reorganizes as the Tigers
Calgary City Rugby Football Club reorganizes as the Tigers
New York City gives a ticker tape parade to returning US Olympians from London
New York City gives a ticker tape parade to returning US Olympians from London
Brooklyn Superbas pitcher Nap Rucker no-hits the Boston Braves 6-0 at Washington Park, Brooklyn
Brooklyn Superbas pitcher Nap Rucker no-hits the Boston Braves 6-0 at Washington Park, Brooklyn
Canada appoints a Civil Service Commission, initiating a more equitable system for selecting civil servants
Canada appoints a Civil Service Commission, initiating a more equitable system for selecting civil servants
Carriage maker William C. Durant founds General Motors in Flint, Michigan
William Crapo Durant (December 8, 1861 – March 18, 1947) was an American businessman.
Thomas Selfridge becomes first fatality of powered flight
Thomas Selfridge becomes first fatality of powered flight
Cleveland Indian Bob "Dusty" Rhoades no-hits Boston 2-1
Cleveland Indian Bob "Dusty" Rhoades no-hits Boston 2-1
Chicago White Sox's Frank Smith pitches his second no-hitter, defeating Philadelphia 1-0
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Chicago. They play in the American League Central division.
Bulgaria declares independence from the Ottoman Empire (Turkey)
The Ottoman Empire, historically also known as the Turkish Empire, controlled much of Southeast Europe, West Asia, and North Africa from the 14th century to the early 20th century.
Giant Fred (Bonehead) Merkle fails to touch second, causing the third out in the ninth and disallowing the winning run;
Giant Fred (Bonehead) Merkle fails to touch second, causing the third out in the ninth and disallowing the winning run; the game ends tied, and the Cubs win the replay and pennant
Bob Rhoads becomes the first Cleveland pitcher (Cleveland Naps) to throw a no-hit game, with Cleveland defeating Boston
Bob Rhoads becomes the first Cleveland pitcher (Cleveland Naps) to throw a no-hit game, with Cleveland defeating Boston 2-1
MLB Chicago Cubs' Ed Reulbach becomes the only pitcher to throw a doubleheader shutout, winning 3-0 and 5-0 over the Sup
MLB Chicago Cubs' Ed Reulbach becomes the only pitcher to throw a doubleheader shutout, winning 3-0 and 5-0 over the Superbas at Washington Park in Brooklyn, New York
Great Musi River flood kills 15,000 people in Hyderabad, India, destroying much of the city; a 200-year-old tamarind tre
Great Musi River flood kills 15,000 people in Hyderabad, India, destroying much of the city; a 200-year-old tamarind tree saves 150 lives
Calgary Rugby Football Union forms
Calgary Rugby Foot-ball Club was one of the first football teams based in Calgary, Alberta, formed March 14, 1906, at Calgary City Hall. It was part of the Calgary Rugby Football Union.
First Dutch electric railway in use (Rotterdam-The Hague)
First Dutch electric railway in use (Rotterdam-The Hague)
Future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jack Chesbro records his final victory for the New York Highlanders before being wa
Future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jack Chesbro records his final victory for the New York Highlanders before being waived and claimed by the Red Sox, defeating Walter Johnson and the Washington Senators 2-1
Cleveland Naps and future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Addie Joss hurl a classic perfect game, beating Ed Walsh and the
Cleveland Naps and future Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Addie Joss hurl a classic perfect game, beating Ed Walsh and the Chicago White Sox 1-0
Bulgaria declares independence from the Ottoman Empire, and Ferdinand I becomes Tsar
Tsar (also spelled czar, tzar, or csar; Bulgarian: цар, romanized: tsar; Russian: царь, romanized: tsar'; Serbian: цар, car) is a title historically used by some Slavic monarchs.
Chicago White Sox pitcher Ed Walsh beats the Detroit Tigers 6-1 for his 40th victory of the MLB season, forcing the AL p
Chicago White Sox pitcher Ed Walsh beats the Detroit Tigers 6-1 for his 40th victory of the MLB season, forcing the AL pennant race to the final day
Austria annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina fell under Austro-Hungarian rule in 1878, when the Congress of Berlin approved the occupation of the Bosnia Vilayet, which officially remained part of the Ottoman Empire.
Crete revolts against Turkey and aligns with Greece
Crete revolts against Turkey and aligns with Greece
Chicago Cubs beat NY Giants 4-2 in a playoff to win the NL pennant
The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The Cubs compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central Division.
Edmonton Rugby Football Club reorganizes as Esquimaux
Edmonton Rugby Football Club reorganizes as Esquimaux
Belgium annexes the Congo Free State
From 1885 to 1908, many atrocities were committed in the Congo Free State (today the Democratic Republic of the Congo) under the absolute rule of King Leopold II of Belgium.
Edward Meeker hits the charts with "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"; songwriters Edward Albert Von Tilzer and Jack Norwort
Edward Meeker hits the charts with "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"; songwriters Edward Albert Von Tilzer and Jack Norworth had yet to attend a baseball game, the 1st recording is often misattributed to singer Billy Murray [1] [2]
IV Summer Olympic Games close at White City Stadium in London, England
The 1908 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the IV Olympiad and also known as London 1908) were an international multi-sport event held in London, England, from 27 April to 31 October 1908.
Brooklyn Academy of Music opens in NYC
The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a multi-arts center in Brooklyn, New York City.
Leonid Andreyev's "Dui Nashey Zhizni" premieres in St Petersburg
Leonid Andreyev's "Dui Nashey Zhizni" premieres in St Petersburg
Dutch capture Venezuelan navy
Dutch capture Venezuelan navy
First Gideon Bible put in a hotel room
First Gideon Bible put in a hotel room
1st US-Japanese baseball game Reach All-Americans defeat Waseda U, 5-0
1st US-Japanese baseball game Reach All-Americans defeat Waseda U, 5-0
Dorando Pietri (It) beats Johnny Hayes (US) in Madison Square Garden marathon by 60 yds
Dorando Pietri (It) beats Johnny Hayes (US) in Madison Square Garden marathon by 60 yds
men die in a coal mine explosion in Marianna, Pennsylvania
men die in a coal mine explosion in Marianna, Pennsylvania
The US Secretary of State and Japan's ambassador to the US exchange notes in what becomes known as the Root-Takahira Agr
The US Secretary of State and Japan's ambassador to the US exchange notes in what becomes known as the Root-Takahira Agreement; they affirm support for an independent China with an "open door" policy and for the status quo in the Pacific
Child Emperor Pu Yi ascends the Chinese throne at the age of 2
Child Emperor Pu Yi ascends the Chinese throne at the age of 2
Haiti's president General Alexis Nord flees from military coup
Haiti's president General Alexis Nord flees from military coup
The University of Pittsburgh is the first US college football team to use numerals on their uniform
The University of Pittsburgh is the first US college football team to use numerals on their uniform
The German Reichstag adopts a progressive social law restricting hours of factory work by young people and women
The German Reichstag adopts a progressive social law restricting hours of factory work by young people and women
Frederick Delius' orchestral work "In a Summer Garden" premieres in London
Frederick Theodore Albert Delius (born Fritz Theodor Albert Delius; ; 29 January 1862 – 10 June 1934) was an English composer.
First credit union in the US forms in Manchester, New Hampshire
A credit union is a member-owned nonprofit cooperative financial institution. They may offer financial services equivalent to those of commercial banks, such as share accounts (savings accounts),...
Patent granted for a 4-wheel automobile brake, Clintonville, Wisconsin
Patent granted for a 4-wheel automobile brake, Clintonville, Wisconsin
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers outscore Edmonton HC, 14-9 in 2 game challenge series
Stanley Cup, Montreal Arena, Westmount, Quebec: Montreal Wanderers outscore Edmonton HC, 14-9 in 2 game challenge series
Famous Births
birth
Simone de Beauvoir is born
Simone de Beauvoir, French philosopher, social theorist and activist, known for french philosopher, social theorist and activist, was born on 1908-01-09.
birth
Paul Henreid is born
Paul Henreid, American austrian-american actor and film director, known for austrian-american actor and film director, was born on 1908-01-10.
birth
Edward Teller is born
Edward Teller, American hungarian-american physicist and father of the h-bomb, known for hungarian-american physicist and father of the h-bomb, was born on 1908-01-15.
birth
Ethel Merman is born
Ethel Merman, American actress and singer, known for american actress and singer, was born on 1908-01-16. Ethel Merman was an American singer and actress.
birth
Wes Ferrell is born
Wes Ferrell, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1908-02-02. Wesley Cheek Ferrell (February 2, 1908 – December 9, 1976) was an American professional baseball player.
birth
Rex Harrison is born
Rex Harrison, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1908-03-05. Sir Reginald Carey Harrison (5 March 1908 – 2 June 1990) was an English actor.
birth
Anna Magnani is born
Anna Magnani, Italian actress, known for italian actress, was born on 1908-03-07. Anna Maria Magnani was an Italian actress.
birth
David Lean is born
David Lean, British filmmaker and editor, known for english filmmaker and editor, was born on 1908-03-25.
birth
Abraham Maslow is born
Abraham Maslow, American psychologist, known for american psychologist, was born on 1908-04-01.
birth
Bette Davis is born
Bette Davis, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1908-04-05.
birth
Masaru Ibuka is born
Masaru Ibuka, Japanese businessman, known for japanese businessman, was born on 1908-04-11.
birth
Lita Grey is born
Lita Grey, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1908-04-15. Lita Grey, who was known for most of her life as Lita Grey Chaplin, was an American actress.
birth
Edward R. Murrow is born
Edward R. Murrow, American broadcast journalist, known for american broadcast journalist, was born on 1908-04-25. Edward Roscoe Murrow was an American broadcast journalist and war correspondent.
birth
Oskar Schindler is born
Oskar Schindler, German industrialist and humanitarian, known for german industrialist and humanitarian, was born on 1908-04-28.
birth
James Stewart is born
James Stewart, American actor and military officer, known for american actor and military officer, was born on 1908-05-20.
birth
Sam Giancana is born
Sam Giancana, American mobster, known for american mobster, was born on 1908-06-15. Salvatore "Mooney" Giancana was an American mobster who was boss of the Chicago Outfit from 1957 to 1966.
birth
Salvador Allende is born
Salvador Allende is born
birth
Nelson Rockefeller is born
Nelson Rockefeller is born
birth
Mad Dog Coll is born
Mad Dog Coll is born
birth
Al López is born
Al López, American athlete, known for american baseball player and manager, was born on 1908-08-20.
birth
Paul Brown is born
Paul Brown, American athlete, known for american football coach and executive, was born on 1908-09-07.
birth
Bronko Nagurski is born
Bronko Nagurski, American athlete, known for canadian-american football player and professional wrestler, was born on 1908-11-03.
birth
Imogene Coca is born
Imogene Coca, American comic actress, known for american comic actress, was born on 1908-11-18.
birth
Amon Göth is born
Amon Göth, Austrian military officer and war criminal, known for austrian military officer and war criminal, was born on 1908-11-12. Amon Leopold Göth was an Austrian SS functionary and war criminal.
birth
Willard Libby is born
Willard Libby, American physical chemist, known for american physical chemist, was born on 1908-12-17.
Notable Deaths
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in 1908?
- In 1908, there were 139 significant historical events. Notable events include Henri Farman becomes the first person to fly an observed circuit of more than 1km, winning the Grand Prix d'Aviation, Katie Mulcahey is arrested for lighting a cigarette, violating the one-day-old "Sullivan Ordinance" banning women from s, Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell publishes "Scouting for Boys" as a manual for self-instruction in outdoor skills .
- Who was born in 1908?
- 25 notable figures were born in 1908, including Simone de Beauvoir is born, Paul Henreid is born, Edward Teller is born.
- Who died in 1908?
- 1 notable figure passed away in 1908, including Cixi dies.