Events for August 13

August 13, 1819

Birth of Sir George Gabriel Stokes, mathematician and physicist, in Skreen, Co. Sligo

Sir George Gabriel Stokes, one of the most prominent mathematicians and physicists of the 19th century, was born on August 13, 1819, in Skreen, County Sligo, Ireland. Stokes made significant contributions to fluid dynamics, optics, and mathematical physics, and his work has had a lasting impact on these fields.

August 13, 1888

Birth of John Logie Baird, developer of television.

John Logie Baird, the Scottish engineer and inventor who is widely recognized as the developer of the first working television system, was born on August 13, 1888, in Helensburgh, Scotland. Baird’s pioneering work in the field of television laid the groundwork for the technology that would eventually revolutionize communication and entertainment worldwide.

August 13, 1826

Explorer Alexander Gordon Laing became the first Christian to reach Timbuctu, Africa.

Alexander Gordon Laing, a Scottish explorer, became the first European Christian to reach the fabled city of Timbuktu (also spelled Timbuctu) in West Africa on August 18, 1826. His journey was a significant achievement in the age of exploration, but it also ended in tragedy.

August 13, 1881

First issue of United Ireland, Parnellite weekly

The first issue of United Ireland, a Parnellite weekly newspaper, was published on August 13, 1881. The newspaper was established by Charles Stewart Parnell, a prominent Irish nationalist leader, and it played a crucial role in promoting the political agenda of the Irish Parliamentary Party, particularly in relation to the Land League and the broader struggle for Irish Home Rule.