August 13 has witnessed the division of cities, the founding of empires, and conquests that changed civilizations.
East German authorities began building the Berlin Wall, physically dividing East and West Berlin. The wall became the most potent symbol of the Cold War and the Iron Curtain separating communist and free Europe.
Hernán Cortés and his Spanish conquistadors captured the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan after a 75-day siege. The fall of the great city marked the end of the Aztec Empire and the beginning of Spanish colonial Mexico.
The 'Master of Suspense' was born in Leytonstone, London. Hitchcock directed over 50 feature films, including Psycho, Vertigo, and Rear Window, revolutionizing the thriller and horror genres.
King Louis XIII appointed Cardinal Richelieu as his chief minister, beginning an era of French centralization and power. Richelieu's policies laid the foundation for France's dominance in European affairs.
The US Army established the Manhattan Engineer District, formally launching the secret program to develop atomic weapons. The project employed over 125,000 people and cost nearly $2 billion.
Category 4 Hurricane Charley made landfall in southwestern Florida with 150 mph winds, causing $16 billion in damage. It was the strongest hurricane to hit the US since Andrew in 1992.
The legendary sharpshooter was born in Darke County, Ohio. Oakley's remarkable marksmanship skills made her a star of Buffalo Bill's Wild West show and an American folk hero.