On this day in History - August 3

1492 – Christopher Columbus sets sail from Palos de la Frontera, Spain.

1527 – The first known letter from North America is sent by John Rut while at St. John's, Newfoundland.

1852 – Harvard University wins the first Boat Race between Yale University and Harvard. The race is also known as the first ever American intercollegiate athletic event.

1900 – The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is founded.

1914 – World War I: Germany declares war against France, while Romania declares its neutrality.