1. On August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812, British troops led by General Robert Ross landed at Benedict, Maryland, and began their march towards Washington, D.C. This led to the burning of several public buildings, including the White House and the Capitol.
2. The Maryland State Fair, one of the largest and oldest agricultural fairs in the country, typically begins on or around August 24 each year. The fair features livestock competitions, live music and entertainment, carnival rides, and a variety of food vendors.
3. August 24, 2013, marked the opening of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek, Maryland. The center honors the legacy of Tubman, who was born into slavery in Maryland and later became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping to lead dozens of enslaved people to freedom.
4. Baltimore-born actor and filmmaker John Waters celebrated his 75th birthday on August 24, 2021. Waters is known for his uniquely quirky and subversive films, including "Pink Flamingos," "Hairspray," and "Cry-Baby."
5. On August 24, 1968, the Third National Congress of the Black Panther Party was held in Baltimore. The congress brought together Black Panther Party leaders and members from across the country to discuss issues facing the Black community and to strategize their activism efforts. The event also featured speeches and performances by prominent Black artists and activists.