8th September In History

September 8this a day which is replete with battles fought across continents. London was attacked with a V2 rocket for the first time on this day in 1944. The Battle of Orsha, The Great Siege of Malta, Battle Of Lake George are some of the battles that were fought on this day. The Siege Of Leningrad by German Forces began and Italy surrendered to the Allies. Germany joined the League of Nations and Menton, France, got freedom from Germany. A masterpiece was added to the world of art after Italian sculptor Michelangelo’s David was unveiled in Piazza della Signoria in Italy in 1504. The city of St. Augustine was founded by Spaniard Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on this day. On the sports front, the first season of the English Football League started in 1888 in which twelve teams took part. In a breakthrough in the field of naval technology the Isaac Peral submarine was launched, which was the first to have an undersea torpedo and ran on electricity. Today, many things can be fixed using a cello tape; this indispensable part of our lives was marketed by the 3M Company on this day. A new source of information entered the society when the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation or CBC Television made its debut in 1952.


HISTORICAL EVENTS ON 8th September



1331

Politics

Dušan Becomes The King Of Serbia

Stefan Uroš IV Dušan or Silni became the King of Serbia on 8 September 1331. Under Dušan Serbia attained its territorial peak and the Serbian Empire became one of the biggest in Europe.


1831

Politics

King William IV And His Wife Adelaide Are Crowned

King William IV or William Henry and his wife Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen were crowned the king and queen of Great Britain and Ireland on 8th September 1831 at Westminster Abbey. William became the oldest person to succeed to the throne at 64 years after the death of his brother George IV.


1926

Politics

Germany Joins League Of Nations

On September 8 in 1926, Germany was admitted to the League of Nations by the Seventh Assembly. The League of Nations was formed to preserve peace and mediate in international issues.


1944

Politics

Menton Is Liberated From Germany

On the 8th of September 1944, Menton, France, attained freedom from Germany. The town was totally ruined and its re-building was completed in the 60’s.


1945

Politics

U.S Forces Arrive In Korea

The United States’ forces reached Korea to occupy the southern part of the peninsula, a month after the Soviet troops began their occupation of the northern part of Korea in 1945.


1946

Politics

Bulgaria Votes In Favour Of A Republic

During a referendum held on 8th September 1946 the Bulgarian people voted with a 93% majority to abolish monarchy in the country. The Communist Party won the election and Georgi Dimitrov became the Prime Minister.


1951

Politics

Treaty Of San Francisco Is Signed

The Treaty of San Francisco was signed by 48 countries at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, California on 8th September 1951. The International Military Tribunal for the Far East and of other Allied War Crimes Courts asked Japan to pay compensation to various Allied nations, Allied civilians and former prisoners of war who had suffered Japanese war crimes during World War II. It also ended the post-war occupation of Japan by Allied forces and returned the sovereignty to Japan.


1954

Politics

Southeast Asia Treaty Organization Is Formed

On this day in 1954, the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), a regional-defense body from 1955 to 1977, was formed at Manila. The organization was approved by Australia, France, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.


1955

Politics

U.N Security Council Resolution 108 Is Adopted

United Nations Security Council Resolution 108 was adopted on 8thSeptember, 1955. The resolution urged Israel and Egypt to refrain from indulging in further acts of violence.


617

Wars

Battle Of Huoyi Takes Place

Battle of Huoyi was fought on 8th September 617 in China. The Sui army commanded by Song Laosheng lost to the Tang rebels led by Tang Gaozu.


1380

Wars

Golden Horde Loses Battle Of Kulikovo

Russians defeated the Golden Horde army in the Battle of Kulikovo on this day in 1380. The battle was the result of invasion of Russia by Mamai, a Mongol general who ruled over western Golden Horde.


1514

Wars

Battle Of Orsha Takes Place

A significantly small army of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Kingdom of Poland conquered the Muscovy army in the Battle of Orsha on this day in 1514. The battle was part of a series of wars planned by Russian Tsars in order to bring all the Old Ruthenian lands under their control.


1565

Wars

The Great Siege Of Malta Ends

The Great Siege of Malta ended on 8th September 1565 after the Knights of Malta inflicted heavy losses on the Ottoman forces and the day was referred to as Victory Day. The strategic location of Malta Island between Europe and Africa made their role very crucial in the Mediterranean Sea.


1655

Wars

Warsaw Falls To Swedish Forces

On 8th September 1655, Charles X Gustav, King of Sweden, captured Warsaw, the capital of Poland. Gustav’s forces invaded Poland-Lithuania and spread across the country so quickly that it was termed the Swedish Deluge.


1755

Wars

Battle Of Lake George Is Fought

The Battle of Lake George was fought between the French army and the British and Colonial troops on September 8, 1755. Sir William Johnson led the British and Colonial troops while the French and Indian armies were commanded by German Baron Ludwig August Dieskau.


1756

Wars

Kittanning Expedition Raid Is Conducted

On 8th September 1756 a raid under the Kittanning Expedition devastated the American Indian village of Kittanning during the French and Indian War. The raid is also called as the Armstrong Expedition as it was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John Armstrong.


1781

Wars

Battle Of Eutaw Springs Is Fought

Battle of Eutaw Springs was fought between the British and American forces near Charleston, South Carolina in 1781. The American army was led by General Nathanael Greeneand the British troops fought under Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Stewart.


1796

Wars

French Win Battle Of Bassano

On the 8th of September 1796, the Battle of Bassano was fought between the French army commanded by Napoleon Bonaparte and the Austrian forces led by Count Dagobert von Wurmser in the Republic of Venice. The French won the battle, which was fought during the French Revolutionary Wars.


1863

Wars

Confederate Forces Overcome Federal Invasion Of Texas

In 1863, a small Confederate force upstaged the Federal invasion of Texas at the Sabine River on the Texas-Louisiana border during the Second Battle of Sabine Pass. Most of the harbors along the Texas coast were under the control of the Union but Confederate General John Bankhead Magruder managed to capture two of them.


1941

Wars

German Forces Begin Siege Of Leningrad

The siege of Leningrad, USSR’s second-largest city, by German forces began on 8th September 1941. About a million of the city’s civilians and Red Army defenders died during the siege.


1943

Wars

USAAF Bombs Italian Town Of Frascati,

The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) carried out a bombing raid against the Italian town of Frascati on this day in 1943. The raids targeted the German General Headquarters for the Mediterranean zone (O.B.S.) and the Italian headquarters near the town.


1943

Wars

Italy Surrenders To The Allies

General Dwight Eisenhower publicly declared the surrender of Italy to Allies in the year 1943. The Italian government agreed to suspend all conflicts with the United Nations.


1944

Wars

London Is Hit With A V2 Rocket

London was attacked with a V2 (‘Vergeltungswaffen’, or 'retaliatory weapon') rocket for the first time on this day in 1944. The attack created a crater of 10m, took three lives and injured 22 people.


1727

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Fire Kills 78 People In A Barn In England

In 1727, a fire broke out in a barn in Burwell village of Cambridgeshire, England killing 78 people, mostly children. The people had gathered to watch a puppet show and could not escape quickly because the barn’s door was shut.


1860

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Steamer Lady Elgin Sinks On Lake Michigan

The steamer Lady Elgin sunk on Lake Michigan after it collided with schooner Augusta on 8th September 1860. Though 17 people were rescued, more than 300 lives were lost in the incident.


1900

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Category 4 Hurricane Strikes Galveston City

A category 4 hurricane devastated the Galveston city in Texas and took approximately 6000-8000 lives on this day in 1900. The city was brimming with vacationers when the hurricane hit.


1923

Disasters & Natural Calamities

US Navy Loses 23 Sailors

The US Navy lost one and a half destroyer division, seven ships in a mass grounding at Honda Point, California on this day in 1923. The incident, considered to be the worst naval disasters in the US history, led to the death of 23 sailors.


1934

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Fire On SS Morro Castle Leads To 135 Deaths

Luxury ocean ship SS Morro Castle caught fire on 8thSeptember 1934 leading to the death of 135 people. The ship was on its way to New Yorkfrom Havanain Cuba.


1989

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Partnair Flight 394 Crashes Into The North Sea

On this day in 1989, Partnair Flight 394 drove into the North Sea and crashed after significant parts of the tail section failed and the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The mishap led to the death of all 55 persons on board, including five crew members.


1888

Sports

First Season Of The English Football League Begins

The first season of the English Football League began on 8thSeptember, 1888. Twelve teams participated in the first edition, which produced Preston North End as their very first champions.


1998

Sports

Mark McGwire Breaks Roger Maris’ Record

St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire broke Roger Maris’ record of the most home runs in a single season when he attained his 62nd home run of the year in 1998. McGwire’s achievements, however, were marred by the allegations that he consumed performance-enhancing substances.


1971

Literature & Entertainment

John F. Kennedy Center For Performing Arts Opens

It was on this day in 1971 that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was inaugurated. The Centre opened with the world debut of Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers’.


1276

Trivia

John XXI Becomes Pope

John XXI or Pedro Juliao was elected as Pope on 8th September 1276. John served as the Pope from 1276 to 1277 during which he worked for unity between Rome and the Eastern Church.


1504

Trivia

Michelangelo Unveils David

On this day in 1504, Italian sculptor Michelangelo unveiled David in Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy. David made Michelangelo as one of the finest Renaissance sculptors of the early Cinquecento.


1565

Trivia

City Of St. Augustine Is Founded

In 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, a Spanish citizen, discovered a city on the Atlantic coast of Florida, which he called St. Augustine after the patron saint of his hometown. It was the oldest settlement of European origin that was continuously inhabited in the continental United States.


1761

Trivia

Princess Charlotte Ties The Knot With King George III

Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz married King George III of England on 8th September 1761, just a few hours after they met. The couple shared their liking for outdoors and austere living.


1862

Trivia

Millennium Of Russia Is Unveiled

The Millennium of Russia was installed at the centre of the Detinets, Novgorod Kremlin on September 8, 1862. The monument was created to celebrate the millennium of Rurik's arrival to Novgorod, which is traditionally taken as a starting point of the history of Russian statehood. Russian sculptor Mikhail Mikeshin created the monument.


1883

Trivia

Northern Pacific Railway’s Main Line Opens

The Northern Pacific Railway’s main line began operation from the Great Lakes to the Pacific after former president Ulysses S. Grant drove in the final “golden spike” in Montana in 1883. The Northern Pacific Railway was a transcontinental railroad that ran from Minnesota to the Pacific Coast.


1888

Trivia

Isaac Peral Submarine Is Launched

The Isaac Peral submarine was launched on 8th September, 1888 in Cadiz, Spain. The submarine, invented by Isaac Peral, was the first to have undersea torpedo and ran on electricity.


1892

Trivia

Pledge Of Allegiance Is Published

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was originally published on 8th September, 1892 in the journal, The Youth’s Companion. Socialist minister Francis Bellamy wrote the Pledge of Allegiance.


1921

Trivia

Margaret Gorman Wins Gold Mermaid Trophy

On this day in 1921 Margaret Gorman bagged the Atlantic City Pageant’s Gold Mermaid Trophy. The Atlantic City declared her the first Miss America; making her the only Miss America to get the crown at the end of her title period.


1930

Trivia

3M Company Markets Cellophane Tape

The 3M Company started marketing the first waterproof, transparent, pressure-sensitive tape on 8th September in 1930. The company’s employee Richard Drew found out the way to coat cellophane with glue.


1952

Trivia

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Makes Its Debut

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation or CBC Television debuted on 8th September, 1952. The Boyd Gang’s second jailbreak became the first news report on the CBC English Television network.


1960

Trivia

NASA Gets New Field Center

On 8th September, 1960 former U.S President Dwight Eisenhower formally dedicated the George C Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville as the new NASA facility. The center was named after late General George C. Marshall.


1962

Trivia

Pines Express Runs For The Last Time

The Pines Express, hauled by the 9F Evening Star locomotive, plied for the last time between Bournemouth and Manchester on 8thSeptember, 1962. The passenger train took its name from the pine trees of the Bournemouth area.


1975

Trivia

Air Force Sergeant Declares He’s Gay

In 1975, Air Force Sergeant Leonard Matlovich, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, appeared on the cover of TIME magazine disclosing the fact that he was gay. The Air Force gave Matlovich a general discharge but was upgraded to honorable after he won the case against the Air Force.


1988

Trivia

Yellowstone National Park Closes Due To Forest Fire

The Yellowstone National Park was closed to the public for the first time in its history because of wildfires on this day in 1988. The hot, dry and windy summer caused over 200 fires that burnt down lodge pole pine forests.


2004

Trivia

NASA’s Genesis Space Capsule Crashes

On the 8th of September in 2004, NASA’s Genesis space capsule crashed directly into the ground after its parachutes failed to open. The spacecraft was bringing back samples of the Sun to the Earth.


1914

Crime

Private Thomas Highgate Is Executed

The 19-years-old Private Thomas Highgate was executed for desertion in World War I on 8th September 1914. Highgate was the first British soldier to be executed out of the 306 executions conducted by the British during WWI.


1935

Crime

Louisiana Senator Huey P. Long Is Fatally Shot

Louisiana Senator Huey P. Long was shot and fatally wounded on this day in 1935. The Louisiana House of Representatives voted to impeach Long after he had spent less than a year as Louisiana governor.


People Born This Day

Antonín Dvořák
(1841-1904)
One of the First Czech Composers to Achieve Worldwide Recognition [ Czech ]
Ludovico Ariosto
(1474-1533)
Italian Poet Best Known for His Romance Epic Poem ‘Orlando Furioso’ [ Italian ]
Alan Dundes
(1934-2005)
Folklorist [ American ]
Siegfried Sassoon
(1886-1967)
English War Poet and Soldier Who Became One of the Leading Poets of the First World War [ British ]
Joshua Chamberlain
(1828-1914)
Educator & War Hero [ American ]
Neko Case
(1970-)
Singer-Songwriter [ American ]
Patsy Cline
(1932-1963)
One of the Most Influential Vocalists of the 20th Century [ American ]
Peter Sellers
(1925-1980)
English Actor and Comedian Known for His Role as ‘Inspector Jacques Clouseau’ in ‘The Pink Panther’ Film Series [ British ]
Asha Bhosle
(1933-)
Indian playback singer [ Indian ]
Aimee Mann
(1960-)
Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Academy Award Winning Soundtrack for the Film 'Magnolia' [ American ]
Bhupen Hazarika
(1926-2011)
Musician, Singer, Poet, Filmmaker, Lyricist [ Indian ]
Louise Minchin
(1968-)
Journalist and News Anchor [ British ]
Sid Caesar
(1922-2014)
Actor, Comedian and Writer Known for His TV Series: ‘Your Show of Shows’ and ‘Caesar's Hour’ [ American ]
Rachel Hunter
(1969-)
New Zealand Actress and Model [ New Zealander ]
Ruby Bridges
(1954-)
Philanthropist [ American ]
Brooke Burke
(1971-)
Host of the 'E! Network' Travel Show 'Wild On!' [ American ]
Pink
(1979-)
Singer and Songwriter Known for Her Rock-Influenced Pop Songs, Distinctive Raspy Voice and Acrobatic Stage Presence [ American ]
Richard I of England
(1157-1199)
King of England [ British ]
Bernie Sanders
(1941-)
United States Senator from Vermont [ American ]
Derek Barton
(1918-1998)
British Organic Chemist and One of the Recipients of 1969 Nobel Prize in Chemistry [ British ]
Cameron Dallas
(1994-)
Internet Personality and Actor Known for His Comedic Videos on Vine and YouTube [ American ]
James Packer
(1967-)
Billionaire Businessman and Son of Media Mogul Kerry Packer [ Australian ]
Hendrik Verwoerd
(1901-1966)
Politician [ South African ]
John McDonnell
(1951-)
British Politician Who Served as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2015 to 2020 [ British ]
Martin Freeman
(1971-)
Actor [ British ]
Wiz Khalifa
(1987-)
Singer-Rapper Known for His Songs ‘Black and Yellow’, ‘See You Again’ and ‘Say Yeah’ [ American ]
Gylfi Sigurðsson
(1989-)
Icelandic Professional Football Player Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder [ Icelander ]
Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy
(1892-1963)
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan [ Pakistani ]
Kate Abdo
(1981-)
Sports Broadcaster [ British ]
Joe Sugg
(1991-)
English YouTuber and Actor [ British ]
David Vonderhaar
(1972-)
Video Game Designer [ American ]
Carmen Blanchard
(2003-)
Younger Sister of Rowan Blanchard [ American ]
Gaten Matarazzo
(2002-)
Best Known for Playing ‘Dustin Henderson’ in the Netflix Hit Series ‘Stranger Things’ [ American ]
Lauren Hashian
(1984-)
Singer, Dwayne Johnson's Wife [ American ]
David Arquette
(1971-)
Actor, Director and Former Professional Wrestler Best Known for His Role as ‘Dewey Riley’ in the Film ‘Scream’ [ American ]
Daniel Fredinburg
(1981-2015)
Google Executive and Climate Activist [ American ]
Phil Laak
(1972-)
Professional Poker Player [ Irish ]
Shubman Gill
(1999-)
Indian International Cricketer [ Indian ]
Avicii
(1989-2018)
Swedish DJ & Remixer Known for His Single 'Levels' [ Swedish ]
In Mad's World
(2005-)
YouTuber [ American ]
Jazzy Grace
(2002-)
American YouTuber [ American ]
Michael Finch
(1996-)
YouTube Star [ Australian ]
Jacob Ballinger
(2009-)
American YouTube Star [ American ]
Hilde Osland
(1987-)
Norwegian Instagram Star and Model [ Norwegian ]
Sierra Capri
(1998-)
American Actress [ American ]
Euell Gibbons
(1911-1975)
Outdoorsman [ American ]
Frankie Jonas
(2000-)
American Actor, Musician and Youngest Sibling of the 'Jonas Brothers' [ American ]
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
(1981-)
Known for His Role in the Sitcom ‘Home Improvement’ [ American ]
Fe4RLess
(1994-)
American YouTuber and Gamer [ American ]
Larenz Tate
(1975-)
Best Known for His Role as ‘O-Dog’ in the Film ‘Menace II Society’ [ American ]
Heather Thomas
(1957-)
Actress [ American ]
Jos Buttler
(1990-)
English Cricketer [ British ]
Ben De Almeida
(1999-)
Canadian TikTok Star and YouTuber [ American ]
Mina Kimes
(1985-)
Journalist [ American ]
Benjamin Orr
(1947-2000)
Best Known as the Bassist, Co-founder, and Co-lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'The Cars' [ American ]
Kennedy Montgomery
(1972-)
Political Commentator and the Host of 'Kennedy' on the ‘Fox Business Network’ [ American ]
Gabrielle Weiss
(2004-)
YouTube Star [ American ]
Chumlee Russell
(1982-)
Businessman and TV Personality Known for His Show ‘Pawn Stars’ [ American ]
Kerry Kennedy
(1959-)
American Lawyer, Author and Human Rights Activist [ American ]
Lyndon LaRouche
(1922-2019)
American Political Activist and Founder of the 'LaRouche Movement' [ American ]
Nate Corddry
(1977-)
Actor [ American ]
Indraneil Sengupta
(1974-)
Actor, Model [ Indian ]
Jim Mattis
(1950-)
26th United States Secretary of Defense (2017 - 2019) [ American ]
Jocko Willink
(1971-)
Author, Podcaster and Former Member of US Navy SEAL Team 3 [ American ]
Charles J. Guiteau
(1841-1882)
American Man Who Assassinated the United States President James A. Garfield [ American ]
Sneako
(1998-)
Former YouTube Star [ American ]


People Died This Day

Richard Georg Strauss
(1864-1949)
Considered a Leading Composer of The Late Romantic & Early Modern Eras [ German ]
Jerry Pournelle
(1933-2017)
Fiction writer [ American ]
Shirley Jackson
(1916-1965)
American Writer Known Primarily for Her Works of Horror and Mystery [ American ]
Queen Elizabeth II
(1926-2022)
Queen of the United Kingdom from 1952 to 2022 [ British ]
Coolio
(1963-2022)
Rapper Best Known for His Singles ‘Gangsta's Paradise’ and ‘My Soul’ [ American ]
Hermann von Helmholtz
(1821-1894)
Physicist and Physician [ German ]
Hideki Yukawa
(1907-1981)
Theoretical Physicist and the First Japanese to Receive the Nobel Prize [ Japanese ]
John Franklin Enders
(1897-1985)
American Biomedical Scientist Regarded as 'Father of Modern Vaccines' [ American ]
Hermann Staudinger
(1881-1965)
Chemist [ German ]
Willard Libby
(1908-1980)
American Physical Chemist Who Played an Important Role in the Development of Radiocarbon Dating [ American ]
Aage Bohr
(1922-2009)
Danish Nuclear Physicist and Winner of 1975 Nobel Prize in Physics [ Danish ]
Dorothy Dandridge
(1922-1965)
The First African-American Film Star to be Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, [ American ]
Faisal I of Iraq
(1885-1933)
King of Iraq from 1921 to 1933 [ Saudi Arabian ]
Feroze Gandhi
(1912-1960)
Political Leader [ Indian ]
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