August 3, 1852 – It was the first American intercollegiate sporting event that had ever taken place. The Harvard heavyweight rowing crew competed against their rivals Yale on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. Harvard triumphed by 2 lengths in over 2 miles over the Eli rowing group.
This started the competitive athletic rivalry between the two Eastern Universities. Most famously the football rivalry between the schools dates back to 1875 and is the second-oldest rivalry in college football, but as we see these two were rivals long before that.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network

1975 Dallas Cowboys Draft Class (Was It the Best Ever?)
1975 was supposed to be a season of rebuilding for the Cowboys. Veterans Bob

Horween Brothers: Their Lasting NFL Impact
In professional sports, there have been numerous examples of brothers leading their teams to

Sports History On This Day: April 25
April 25, 1901 – In what has gone down in history as one of the

Sports History On This Day: April 24
April 24, 1901 – The first game ever played in baseball’s American League occurred

Sports History On This Day: April 23
April 23, 1950 – A very historic evening occurred as the first Major League day

Sports History On This Day: April 22
April 22, 1876 – Here is a big anniversary for you! The very first official

The Night Pat Quinn Knocked Out Bobby Orr
Once upon a time in the National Hockey League, there were twelve teams. There

Sports History On This Day: April 21
Home Run Magic! Yes, there have been plenty of base clearers hit in single