This week in outdoor history features the beginning of America's Cup and the birth of the National Park Service. I'm grateful for the National Park Service and the service it provides for outdoor lovers. I spend an enormous amount of time in the parks and for the most part is pleased with the program's preservation and community programs. Check out your nearest National Park.

August 20, 1980: Italian Reinhold Messner made the first successful solo ascent of Mount Everest and without oxygen.

August 22, 1851: The U.S. yacht America outraced the British Aurora off the English coast to win a trophy that became known as the America's Cup.

August 25, 1875: Matthew Webb became the first person to swim across the English Channel. It took him 21 hours and 45 minutes.

August 25, 1916: The Department of the Interior created the National Park Service to manage and preserve national parks and monuments for future generations.

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