august 21, 1772
- A coup led by Gustav III was completed by adopting a new Instrument of Government, ending the Age of Liberty in Sweden.

august 21, 1959
- Hawaii was admitted as the 50th U.S. state.

august 21, 1986
- Toxic gas erupted from volcanic Lake Nyos in Cameroon, killing over 1700 people.


Birthdays august 21
1956 - Kim Cattrall, actress (from Sex and the City)
1967 - Carrie-Anne Moss, actress (The Matrix trilogy)
1984 - Alizée, french singer (song 'Moi Lolita')