August 13 in American History

August 13, 1961 — East Germany begins building the Berlin Wall

Overnight, East German troops began sealing off East Berlin with barbed wire, soon replaced by concrete — built specifically to stop East Germans from fleeing to the free West, not to keep anyone out. It stood for 28 years as the clearest physical symbol of the Cold War's divide.

Common Questions About August 13

What happened on August 13 in American history?

In 1961: East Germany begins building the Berlin Wall. Overnight, East German troops began sealing off East Berlin with barbed wire, soon replaced by concrete — built specifically to stop East Germans from fleeing to the free West, not to keep anyone out.

Why is August 13 significant?

Overnight, East German troops began sealing off East Berlin with barbed wire, soon replaced by concrete — built specifically to stop East Germans from fleeing to the free West, not to keep anyone out. It stood for 28 years as the clearest physical symbol of the Cold War's divide.

The Daily Poll · Weigh In

Which everyday American freedom do you think people take most for granted?

Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.

★ Forge Your Freedom

How Well Do You Know American History?

Your Freedom Score puts a number on it — 60 seconds, free. See how you rank, then get a history moment like this in your brief every day.

Take the Free Assessment
Edison completes the phonographSocial Security is signed into law