August 05

On August 5, 1884, the foundational stone for the Statue of Liberty was placed on Bedloe's Island (now Liberty Island) in New York Harbor. Sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi with structural engineering by Gustave Eiffel, the statue symbolized friendship between France and the United States. The laying of the cornerstone marked the beginning of on-site construction after years of fundraising and component assembly in France. Shipments of copper plates, iron framework, and pedestal stones arrived at the island for assembly. Completed in 1886, the towering figure would become a universal symbol of freedom and democracy, welcoming immigrants to New York. Its construction exemplified late 19th-century engineering feats and international collaboration.

On August 5, 1926, legendary magician and escapologist Harry Houdini stunned audiences with an unprecedented underwater escape. Locked in a steel tank filled with water, Houdini remained submerged for 91 minutes before breaking free. He designed the stunt to outdo earlier challenges and solidify his reputation as the world’s greatest escape artist. The feat demonstrated his mastery of endurance and illusion under extreme pressure. It captivated press and public alike, cementing Houdini’s place in entertainment history.

On August 5, 1957, American Bandstand premiered nationally on the ABC network, showcasing the latest rock and roll songs and dances. Aimed at the postwar baby-boomer generation, the show featured live music performances, record spins, and popular teen dance contests. Its accessible format and charismatic host turned Bandstand into a cultural phenomenon. Millions tuned in weekly, propelling local artists to national fame and influencing youth culture across America. Over the following decades, it helped shape music television and launch the career of many iconic artists.

On August 5, 1962, Marilyn Monroe, the famed actress and model, was discovered dead at her Brentwood home. Her death was officially ruled a probable suicide by barbiturate overdose, though speculation about the circumstances endures. Monroe rose to stardom in the 1950s with memorable roles in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itch. She became a cultural icon known for her beauty, charisma, and complex personal life, which was often scrutinized by the media. Her passing at age 36 stunned the entertainment world and sparked widespread mourning and curiosity. Monroe’s enduring legacy influences film, fashion, and popular culture generations after her untimely death.