August 8 is the 220th day of the year. There are 145 days remaining until the end of the year. This date is slightly more likely to fall on a Monday, Wednesday or Saturday (58 in 400 years each) than on Thursday or Friday (57), and slightly less likely to occur on a Tuesday or Sunday (56).
+ 1863 – American Civil War: Following his defeat in the Battle of Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee sends a letter of resignation to Confederate President Jefferson Davis (which is refused upon receipt).
+ 1876 – Thomas Edison receives a patent for his mimeograph.
+ 1969 – At a zebra crossing in London, photographer Iain Macmillan takes the iconic photo that becomes the cover image of the Beatles' album Abbey Road.
+ 1989 – Space Shuttle program: STS-28 Mission: Space Shuttle Columbia takes off on a secret five-day military mission.
+ 2015 – Eight people are killed in a shooting in Harris County, Texas.
( Births )
+ 1930 – Jerry Tarkanian, American basketball player and coach (d. 2015)
+ 1932 – Mel Tillis, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
+ 1937 – Dustin Hoffman, American actor and director
+ 1961 – Bruce Matthews, American football player and coach
+ 1981 – Roger Federer, Swiss tennis player