TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 11

 

September 11

 September 11 in History: A Date of Significance and Tragedy

September 11 is a date that carries deep historical significance, marked by both monumental achievements and devastating tragedy. Throughout history, this date has seen events that have shaped the course of nations and left lasting impacts on the world. Here, we explore some key moments from September 11 in history.

The Mayflower Departs (1620):

On September 11, 1620, the Pilgrims set sail from Plymouth, England, aboard the Mayflower, embarking on a historic journey to the New World. This voyage ultimately led to the establishment of the Plymouth Colony in what is now Massachusetts, a critical chapter in the early history of European settlement in North America.

Creation of the United States Army (1789):

On September 11, 1789, the U.S. Congress officially created the United States Army. This momentous decision laid the foundation for the development of one of the world's most powerful and influential military forces. The establishment of the army was a pivotal step in the formation of the newly independent United States.

Pinochet Ousted in Chile (1973):

September 11, 1973, marked a significant political event in Chile. On this day, a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet resulted in the overthrow of President Salvador Allende's government. Pinochet's regime would go on to rule Chile for nearly two decades, during which time the country experienced a period of authoritarian rule and human rights abuses.

Terrorist Attacks on the United States (2001):

The most tragic and infamous September 11 event in history occurred in 2001. On the morning of September 11, 2001, a group of terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two of these planes were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing both buildings to collapse. A third plane struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, while the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers bravely fought the hijackers. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in these devastating attacks, making it the deadliest terrorist act in world history.

The 9/11 attacks had profound and far-reaching consequences, both for the United States and the world. They led to significant changes in U.S. domestic and foreign policy, including the launch of the War on Terror and military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Security measures and international cooperation were also significantly altered in response to these attacks.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum:

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, a powerful memorial and museum were established to honor the victims and preserve the memory of that tragic day. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, located at the World Trade Center site in New York City, features two reflecting pools set within the footprints of the Twin Towers. The names of the victims are inscribed around the pools, creating a somber and reflective atmosphere. The museum houses artifacts, stories, and exhibitions that pay tribute to the lives lost and the resilience of survivors.

A Day of Remembrance and Unity:

In the years since the 9/11 attacks, September 11 has become a day of remembrance and unity in the United States and around the world. People gather at memorial services, participate in acts of service, and reflect on the events of that day. It serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of resilience, compassion, and global solidarity in the face of tragedy.

In conclusion, September 11 is a date that encompasses a wide range of historical events, from the founding of the United States Army to the tragic terrorist attacks of 2001. It reminds us of the complex tapestry of human history, with moments of great achievement and devastating loss. While the events of September 11, 2001, continue to shape the world, they also underscore the enduring spirit of resilience and unity that defines humanity in the face of adversity.

Here are more events on this day:

9 – The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest ends: The Roman Empire suffers the greatest defeat of its history and the Rhine is established as the border between the Empire and the so-called barbarians for the next four hundred years.

1185 – Isaac II Angelos kills Stephen Hagiochristophorites and then appeals to the people, resulting in the revolt that deposes Andronikos I Komnenos and places Isaac on the throne of the Byzantine Empire.

1297 – Battle of Stirling Bridge: Scots jointly led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray defeat the English.

1390 – Lithuanian Civil War (1389–92): The Teutonic Knights begin a five-week siege of Vilnius.

1541 – Santiago, Chile, is attacked by indigenous warriors, led by Michimalonco, to free eight indigenous chiefs held captive by the Spaniards.

1565 – Ottoman forces retreat from Malta ending the Great Siege of Malta.

1609 – Henry Hudson arrives on Manhattan Island and meets the indigenous people living there.

1649 – Siege of Drogheda ends: Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentarian troops take the town and execute its garrison.

1683 – Battle of Vienna: Coalition forces, including the famous winged Hussars, led by Polish King John III Sobieski lift the siege laid by Ottoman forces.

1697 – Battle of Zenta: a major engagement in the Great Turkish War (1683–1699) and one of the most decisive defeats in Ottoman history.

1708 – Charles XII of Sweden stops his march to conquer Moscow outside Smolensk, marking the turning point in the Great Northern War. The army is defeated nine months later in the Battle of Poltava, and the Swedish Empire ceases to be a major power.

1709 – Battle of Malplaquet: Great Britain, Netherlands, and Austria fight against France.

1714 – Siege of Barcelona: Barcelona, capital city of Catalonia, surrenders to Spanish and French Bourbon armies in the War of the Spanish Succession.

1758 – Battle of Saint Cast: France repels British invasion during the Seven Years' War.

1775 – Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec leaves Cambridge, Massachusetts.

1776 – British–American peace conference on Staten Island fails to stop nascent American Revolutionary War.

1777 – American Revolutionary War: Battle of Brandywine: The British celebrate a major victory in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

1780 – American Revolutionary War: Sugarloaf massacre: A small detachment of militia from Northampton County, Pennsylvania, are attacked by Native Americans and Loyalists near Little Nescopeck Creek.

1786 – The beginning of the Annapolis Convention.

1789 – Alexander Hamilton is appointed the first United States Secretary of the Treasury.

1792 – The Hope Diamond is stolen along with other French crown jewels when six men break into the house where they are stored.

1800 – The Maltese National Congress Battalions are disbanded by British Civil Commissioner Alexander Ball.

1802 – France annexes the Kingdom of Piedmont.

1803 – Battle of Delhi, during the Second Anglo-Maratha War, between British troops under General Lake, and Marathas of Scindia's army under General Louis Bourquin.

1813 – War of 1812: British troops arrive in Mount Vernon and prepare to march to and invade Washington, D.C.

1814 – War of 1812: The climax of the Battle of Plattsburgh, a major United States victory in the war.

1826 – Captain William Morgan, an ex-freemason is arrested in Batavia, New York for debt after declaring that he would publish The Mysteries of Free Masonry, a book against Freemasonry. This sets into motion the events that led to his mysterious disappearance.

1829 – An expedition led by Isidro Barradas at Tampico, sent by the Spanish crown to retake Mexico, surrenders at the Battle of Tampico, marking the effective end of Mexico's campaign for independence.

1830 – Anti-Masonic Party convention; one of the first American political party conventions.

1836 – The Riograndense Republic is proclaimed by rebels after defeating Empire of Brazil's troops in the Battle of Seival, during the Ragamuffin War.

1851 – Christiana Resistance: Escaped slaves led by William Parker fight off and kill a slave owner who, with a federal marshal and an armed party, sought to seize three of his former slaves in Christiana, Pennsylvania, thereby creating a cause célèbre between slavery proponents and abolitionists.

1852 – Outbreak of Revolution of September 11 resulting in the State of Buenos Aires declaring independence as a Republic.

1857 – The Mountain Meadows massacre: Mormon settlers and Paiutes massacre 120 pioneers at Mountain Meadows, Utah.

1881 – In the Swiss state of Glarus, a rockslide buries parts of the village of Elm, destroying 83 buildings and killing 115 people.

1897 – After months of pursuit, generals of Menelik II of Ethiopia capture Gaki Sherocho, the last king of the Kaffa.

1903 – The first race at the Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin is held. It is the oldest major speedway in the world.

1905 – The Ninth Avenue derailment occurs in New York City, killing 13.

1914 – World War I: Australia invades German New Guinea, defeating a German contingent at the Battle of Bita Paka.

1914 – The Second Period of Russification: The teaching of the Russian language and Russian history in Finnish schools is ordered to be considerably increased as part of the forced Russification program in Finland run by Tsar Nicholas II.

1916 – The Quebec Bridge's central span collapses, killing 11 men. The bridge previously collapsed completely on August 29, 1907.

1919 – United States Marine Corps invades Honduras.

1921 – Nahalal, the first moshav in Palestine, is settled as part of a Zionist plan of creating a Jewish state, later to be Israel.

1922 – The Treaty of Kars is ratified in Yerevan, Armenia.

1941 – Construction begins on The Pentagon.

1941 – Charles Lindbergh's Des Moines Speech accusing the British, Jews and FDR's administration of pressing for war with Germany.

1943 – World War II: German troops occupy Corsica and Kosovo-Metohija ending the Italian occupation of Corsica.

1944 – World War II: RAF bombing raid on Darmstadt and the following firestorm kill 11,500.

1945 – World War II: Australian 9th Division forces liberate the Japanese-run Batu Lintang camp, a POW and civilian internment camp on the island of Borneo.

1954 – Hurricane Edna hits New England (United States) as a Category 2 hurricane, causing significant damage and 29 deaths.

1961 – Hurricane Carla strikes the Texas coast as a Category 4 hurricane, the second strongest storm ever to hit the state.

1965 – Indo-Pakistani War: The Indian Army captures the town of Burki, just southeast of Lahore.

1967 – China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched an attack on Indian posts at Nathu La, Sikkim, India, which resulted in military clashes.

1968 – Air France Flight 1611 crashes off Nice, France, killing 89 passengers and six crew.

1970 – The Dawson's Field hijackers release 88 of their hostages. The remaining hostages, mostly Jews and Israeli citizens, are held until September 25.

1971 – The Egyptian Constitution becomes official.

1972 – The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit system begins passenger service.

1973 – A coup in Chile, headed by General Augusto Pinochet, topples the democratically elected president Salvador Allende. Pinochet exercises dictatorial power until ousted in a referendum in 1988, staying in power until 1990.

1973 – JAT Airways Flight 769 crashes into the Maganik mountain range while on approach to Titograd Airport, killing 35 passengers and six crew.

1974 – Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 crashes in Charlotte, North Carolina, killing 69 passengers and two crew.

1976 – A bomb planted by a Croatian terrorist, Zvonko Bušić, is found at New York's Grand Central Terminal; one NYPD officer is killed trying to defuse it.

1980 – A new constitution of Chile is established under the influence of then Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, which is subject to controversy in Chile today.

1982 – The international forces that were guaranteeing the safety of Palestinian refugees following Israel's 1982 Invasion of Lebanon leave Beirut. Five days later, several thousand refugees are massacred in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps by Phalange forces.

1989 – Hungary announces that the East German refugees who had been housed in temporary camps were free to leave for West Germany.

1990 – A Faucett Boeing 727 disappears in the Atlantic Ocean while being flown from Malta to Peru.

1991 – Continental Express Flight 2574 crashes in Colorado County, Texas, near Eagle Lake, killing 11 passengers and three crew.

1992 – Hurricane Iniki, one of the most damaging hurricanes in United States history, devastates the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai and Oahu.

1997 – NASA's Mars Global Surveyor reaches Mars.

1997 – Kurkse tragedy: Fourteen Estonian soldiers of the Baltic Battalion are drowned or die of hypothermia during a training exercise in the Kurkse Strait.

1997 – After a nationwide referendum, Scotland votes to establish a devolved parliament within the United Kingdom.

2001 – The September 11 attacks, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks killing 2,996 people using four aircraft hijacked by 19 members of al-Qaeda. Two aircraft crash into the World Trade Center in New York City, a third crashes into The Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, and a fourth into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

2007 – Russia tests the largest conventional weapon ever, the Father of All Bombs.

2008 – A major Channel Tunnel fire breaks out on a freight train, resulting in the closure of part of the tunnel for six months.

2011 – A dedication ceremony is held at the United States National September 11 Memorial on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York City, and the memorial opens to family members.

2012 – A total of 315 people are killed in two garment factory fires in Pakistan.

2012 – The U.S. embassy in Benghazi, Libya is attacked, resulting in four deaths.

2015 – A crane collapses onto the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Saudi Arabia, killing 111 people and injuring 394 others.

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 10

 

September 10

 

September 10th is a significant day in history for several reasons. From important historical events to notable births and deaths, this day holds a variety of interesting facts and occurrences. Let us delve into the significance of September 10th.

One major historical event that took place on September 10th was the Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798. This battle was fought off the coast of what is now Belize between Spanish and British forces. The British repelled the Spanish invasion, securing their presence in the region and laying the foundation for the establishment of the territory known as British Honduras, which eventually gained independence as Belize.

In addition, September 10th is celebrated as World Suicide Prevention Day. This observance aims to raise awareness about the prevention of suicide and promote mental health support. Organizations and communities worldwide come together to disseminate information, launch programs, and offer support networks to individuals battling mental health issues.

September 10th is also marked as International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. This day honors the innocent lives lost due to acts of terrorism worldwide. It recognizes the enduring impact these events have on affected communities and calls for unity in the face of such adversity.

On a more lighthearted note, September 10th is the birthday of notable figures in history. For instance, it is the birthdate of physicist Carl David Anderson, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1936 for discovering the positron, the positively charged partner of the electron. His work revolutionized our understanding of subatomic particles and antimatter.

Moreover, September 10th is the birthday of film director and producer Guy Ritchie. Known for his distinctive filmmaking style and films such as \Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels\ and \Snatch,\ Ritchie has made a significant impact on the world of cinema.

Unfortunately, September 10th also marks the passing of influential personalities. One such notable death was that of American singer and actress Mary Travers, a member of the folk music group Peter, Paul and Mary. Her captivating voice and sociopolitical activism left an indelible mark on the music industry.

In the realm of sports, September 10th witnesses noteworthy events as well. On this day in 2006, tennis player Roger Federer won the US Open, securing his 9th Grand Slam title and his 3rd consecutive US Open win. Federer's exceptional skills, mastery of the game, and his enduring rivalry with other tennis greats have firmly established him as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

September 10th also holds historical importance in popular culture. In 1984, Apple Inc. used this day to unveil a landmark product, the Macintosh computer. The Macintosh revolutionized the personal computer industry by introducing the graphical user interface, making computers more accessible to the general public.

In summary, September 10th stands out with its historical events, notable births, and deaths. From battles that shaped nations and celebrated international observances to the achievements of prominent individuals, this day carries diverse significance across various fields. Whether exploring world-changing occurrences or celebrating the accomplishments of remarkable individuals, September 10th holds its place in history.

Here are some more events on this day:

506 – The bishops of Visigothic Gaul meet in the Council of Agde.

1419 – John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy is assassinated by adherents of the Dauphin, the future Charles VII of France.

1509 – An earthquake known as "The Lesser Judgment Day" hits Constantinople.

1515 – Thomas Wolsey is invested as a Cardinal.

1547 – The Battle of Pinkie, the last full-scale military confrontation between England and Scotland, resulting in a decisive victory for the forces of Edward VI.

1561 – Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima: Takeda Shingen defeats Uesugi Kenshin in the climax of their ongoing conflicts.

1570 – Spanish Jesuit missionaries land in present-day Virginia to establish the short-lived Ajacán Mission.

1573 – German pirate Klein Henszlein and 33 of his crew are beheaded in Hamburg.

1607 – Edward Maria Wingfield ousted as first president of the governing council of the Colony of Virginia; he is replaced by John Ratcliffe.

1608 – John Smith is elected council president of Jamestown, Virginia.

1776 – American Revolutionary War: Nathan Hale volunteers to spy for the Continental Army.

1798 – At the Battle of St. George's Caye, British Honduras defeats Spain.

1813 – The United States defeats a British Fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

1846 – Elias Howe is granted a patent for the sewing machine.

1858 – George Mary Searle discovers the asteroid 55 Pandora.

1897 – Lattimer massacre: A sheriff's posse kills 19 unarmed striking immigrant miners in Lattimer, Pennsylvania, United States.

1898 – Empress Elisabeth of Austria is assassinated by Luigi Lucheni.

1918 – Russian Civil War: The Red Army captures Kazan.

1919 – The Republic of German-Austria signs the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, ceding significant territories to Italy, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia.

1932 – The New York City Subway's third competing subway system, the municipally-owned IND, is opened.

1936 – First World Individual Motorcycle Speedway Championship, Held at London's (England) Wembley Stadium

1937 – Nine nations attend the Nyon Conference to address international piracy in the Mediterranean Sea.

1939 – World War II: The submarine HMS Oxley is mistakenly sunk by the submarine HMS Triton near Norway and becomes the Royal Navy's first loss of a submarine in the war.

1939 – World War II: The Canadian declaration of war on Germany receives royal assent.

1942 – World War II: The British Army carries out an amphibious landing on Madagascar to re-launch Allied offensive operations in the Madagascar Campaign.

1943 – World War II: In the course of Operation Achse, German troops begin their occupation of Rome.

1960 – At the Summer Olympics in Rome, Abebe Bikila becomes the first sub-Saharan African to win a gold medal, winning the marathon in bare feet.

1961 – In the Italian Grand Prix, a crash causes the death of German Formula One driver Wolfgang von Trips and 15 spectators who are hit by his Ferrari, the deadliest accident in F1 history.

1967 – The people of Gibraltar vote to remain a British dependency rather than becoming part of Spain.

1974 – Guinea-Bissau gains independence from Portugal.

1976 – A British Airways Hawker Siddeley Trident and an Inex-Adria DC-9 collide near Zagreb, Yugoslavia, killing 176.

1977 – Hamida Djandoubi, convicted of torture and murder, is the last person to be executed by guillotine in France.

2000 – Operation Barras successfully frees six British soldiers held captive for over two weeks and contributes to the end of the Sierra Leone Civil War.

2001 – Antônio da Costa Santos, mayor of Campinas, Brazil is assassinated.

2001 – During his appearance on the British TV game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, contestant Charles Ingram reaches the £1 million top prize, but it was later revealed that he had cheated to the top prize by listening to coughs from his wife and another contestant.

2002 – Switzerland, traditionally a neutral country, becomes a full member of the United Nations.

2007 – Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan after seven years in exile, following a military coup in October 1999.

2008 – The Large Hadron Collider at CERN, described as the biggest scientific experiment in history, is powered up in Geneva, Switzerland.

2017 – Hurricane Irma makes landfall on Cudjoe Key, Florida as a Category 4, after causing catastrophic damage throughout the Caribbean. Irma resulted in 134 deaths and $64.76 billion (2017 USD) in damage.

2022 – Death of Queen Elizabeth II: King Charles III is formally proclaimed as monarch at a meeting of the Accession Council in St James's Palace.

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 8

 

September 8

 

September 8th is an eventful day in history, filled with significant events and notable occurrences. It is a day that has shaped the course of nations, witnessed breakthroughs in various fields, and celebrated the achievements of extraordinary individuals. From political milestones to artistic achievements, September 8th has left an indelible mark in numerous aspects of our world.

One of the most noteworthy events to take place on September 8th occurred in 1565, when the first permanent European settlement was established in what is now the United States. Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles founded the city of St. Augustine in Florida, marking the beginning of the presence of Europeans in North America. This momentous occasion paved the way for the subsequent colonization and development of the New World.

Fast forward to September 8th, 1900, when Galveston, Texas, was struck by one of the deadliest natural disasters in American history. The Great Galveston Hurricane, as it came to be known, caused widespread devastation and claimed the lives of approximately 8,000 people. This catastrophic storm prompted significant changes in how cities prepare for hurricanes, leading to the construction of seawalls and improved storm forecasting systems.

Turning to the realm of arts and culture, September 8th has seen the birth of several influential figures. In 1925, the iconic musician and singer-songwriter B.B. King was born. Known for his distinctive guitar playing style and soulful vocals, King became one of the most influential blues artists of all time. His impact on music is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to reverberate through generations.

On September 8th, 1960, the beloved sitcom \The Andy Griffith Show\ premiered on television. This heartwarming series, set in the fictional town of Mayberry, became a cultural phenomenon and captured the hearts of millions with its portrayal of small-town life and the endearing characters that inhabited it. Through its eight-season run, the show left an indelible mark on American television and remains a timeless favorite to this day.

Another significant event that occurred on September 8th was the signing of the Treaty of Lisbon in 2007. This treaty amended the existing European Union treaties, aiming to streamline decision-making processes and enhance the EU's institutional framework. It represented a crucial step towards a more unified and integrated Europe, solidifying cooperation between member states and strengthening the EU as a global political player.

In conclusion, September 8th has witnessed pivotal moments throughout history that have shaped our world in various ways. From the establishment of European settlements in America to devastating natural disasters, and from the birth of influential artists to the signing of transformative treaties, this date holds a diverse range of significant events. September 8th serves as a reminder of the profound impact that these milestones, both large and small, have had on the course of our collective history.

Here are some more events on this day:

617 – Battle of Huoyi: Li Yuan defeats a Sui dynasty army, opening the path to his capture of the imperial capital Chang'an and the eventual establishment of the Tang dynasty.

1100 – Election of Antipope Theodoric.

1198 – Philip of Swabia, Prince of Hohenstaufen, is crowned King of Germany (King of the Romans)

1253 – Pope Innocent IV canonises Stanislaus of Szczepanów, killed by King Bolesław II.

1264 – The Statute of Kalisz, guaranteeing Jews safety and personal liberties and giving battei din jurisdiction over Jewish matters, is promulgated by Bolesław the Pious, Duke of Greater Poland.

1276 – Pope John XXI is elected Pope.

1331 – Stefan Dušan declares himself king of Serbia.

1380 – Battle of Kulikovo: Russian forces defeat a mixed army of Tatars and Mongols, stopping their advance.

1504 – Michelangelo's David is unveiled in Piazza della Signoria in Florence.

1514 – Battle of Orsha: In one of the biggest battles of the century, Lithuanians and Poles defeat the Russian army.

1522 – Magellan–Elcano circumnavigation: Victoria arrives at Seville, technically completing the first circumnavigation.

1565 – St. Augustine, Florida is founded by Spanish admiral and Florida's first governor, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés.

1655 – Warsaw falls without resistance to a small force under the command of Charles X Gustav of Sweden during The Deluge, making it the first time the city is captured by a foreign army.

1727 – A barn fire during a puppet show in the village of Burwell in Cambridgeshire, England kills 78 people, many of whom are children.

1755 – French and Indian War: Battle of Lake George.

1756 – French and Indian War: Kittanning Expedition.

1760 – French and Indian War: French surrender Montreal to the British, completing the latter's conquest of New France.

1761 – Marriage of King George III of the United Kingdom to Duchess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.

1775 – The unsuccessful Rising of the Priests in Malta.

1781 – American Revolutionary War: The Battle of Eutaw Springs in South Carolina, the war's last significant battle in the Southern theater, ends in a narrow British tactical victory.

1793 – French Revolutionary Wars: Battle of Hondschoote.

1796 – French Revolutionary Wars: Battle of Bassano: French forces defeat Austrian troops at Bassano del Grappa.

1810 – The Tonquin sets sail from New York Harbor with 33 employees of John Jacob Astor's newly created Pacific Fur Company on board. After a six-month journey around the tip of South America, the ship arrives at the mouth of the Columbia River and Astor's men establish the fur-trading town of Astoria, Oregon.

1813 – At the final stage of the Peninsular War, British-Portuguese troops capture the town of Donostia (now San Sebastián), resulting in a rampage and eventual destruction of the town.

1831 – William IV and Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen are crowned King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

1831 – November uprising: The Battle of Warsaw effectively ends the Polish insurrection.

1855 – Crimean War: The French assault the tower of Malakoff, leading to the capture of Sevastopol.

1860 – The steamship PS Lady Elgin sinks on Lake Michigan, with the loss of around 300 lives.

1862 – Millennium of Russia monument is unveiled in Novgorod.

1863 – American Civil War: In the Second Battle of Sabine Pass, a small Confederate force thwarts a Union invasion of Texas.

1883 – The Northern Pacific Railway (reporting mark NP) was completed in a ceremony at Gold Creek, Montana. Former president Ulysses S. Grant drove in the final "golden spike" in an event attended by rail and political luminaries.

1888 – Isaac Peral's submarine is first tested.

1888 – The Great Herding (Spanish: El Gran Arreo) begins with thousands of sheep being herded from the Argentine outpost of Fortín Conesa to Santa Cruz near the Strait of Magellan.

1888 – In London, the body of Jack the Ripper's second murder victim, Annie Chapman, is found.

1888 – In England, the first six Football League matches are played.

1892 – The Pledge of Allegiance is first recited.

1900 – Galveston hurricane: A powerful hurricane hits Galveston, Texas killing about 8,000 people.

1905 – The 7.2 M_w  Calabria earthquake shakes southern Italy with a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme), killing between 557 and 2,500 people.

1914 – World War I: Private Thomas Highgate becomes the first British soldier to be executed for desertion during the war.

1916 – In a bid to prove that women were capable of serving as military dispatch riders, Augusta and Adeline Van Buren arrive in Los Angeles, completing a 60-day, 5,500 mile cross-country trip on motorcycles.

1921 – Margaret Gorman, a 16-year-old, wins the Atlantic City Pageant's Golden Mermaid trophy; pageant officials later dubbed her the first Miss America.

1923 – Honda Point disaster: Nine US Navy destroyers run aground off the California coast. Seven are lost, and twenty-three sailors killed.

1925 – Rif War: Spanish forces including troops from the Foreign Legion under Colonel Francisco Franco landing at Al Hoceima, Morocco.

1926 – Germany is admitted to the League of Nations.

1933 – Ghazi bin Faisal became King of Iraq.

1934 – Off the New Jersey coast, a fire aboard the passenger liner SS Morro Castle kills 137 people.

1935 – US Senator from Louisiana Huey Long is fatally shot in the Louisiana State Capitol building.

1941 – World War II: German forces begin the Siege of Leningrad.

1943 – World War II: The Armistice of Cassibile is proclaimed by radio. OB Süd immediately implements plans to disarm the Italian forces.

1944 – World War II: London is hit by a V-2 rocket for the first time.

1945 – The division of Korea begins when United States troops arrive to partition the southern part of Korea in response to Soviet troops occupying the northern part of the peninsula a month earlier.

1946 – The referendum abolishes the monarchy in Bulgaria.

1952 – The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation makes its first televised broadcast on the second escape of the Boyd Gang.

1954 – The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) is established.

1960 – In Huntsville, Alabama, US President Dwight D. Eisenhower formally dedicates the Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA had already activated the facility on July 1).

1962 – Last run of the famous Pines Express over the Somerset and Dorset Railway line (UK) fittingly using the last steam locomotive built by British Railways, BR Standard Class 9F 92220 Evening Star.

1966 – The landmark American science fiction television series Star Trek premieres with its first-aired episode, "The Man Trap".

1970 – Trans International Airlines Flight 863 crashes during takeoff from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, killing all 11 aboard.

1971 – In Washington, D.C., the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is inaugurated, with the opening feature being the premiere of Leonard Bernstein's Mass.

1973 – World Airways Flight 802 crashes into Mount Dutton in King Cove, Alaska, killing six people.

1974 – Watergate scandal: US President Gerald Ford signs the pardon of Richard Nixon for any crimes Nixon may have committed while in office.

1975 – Gays in the military: US Air Force Tech Sergeant Leonard Matlovich, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, appears in his Air Force uniform on the cover of Time magazine with the headline "I Am A Homosexual". He is given a general discharge, later upgraded to honorable.

1978 – Black Friday, a massacre by soldiers against protesters in Tehran, results in 88 deaths, it marks the beginning of the end of the monarchy in Iran.

1986 – Nicholas Daniloff, a correspondent for U.S. News & World Report, is indicted on charges of espionage by the Soviet Union.

1988 – Yellowstone National Park is closed for the first time in U.S. history due to ongoing fires.

1989 – Partnair Flight 394 dives into the North Sea, killing 55 people. The investigation showed that the tail of the plane vibrated loose in flight due to sub-standard connecting bolts that had been fraudulently sold as aircraft-grade.

1994 – USAir Flight 427, on approach to Pittsburgh International Airport, suddenly crashes in clear weather killing all 132 aboard, resulting in the most extensive aviation investigation in world history and altering manufacturing practices in the industry.

2004 – NASA's unmanned spacecraft Genesis crash-lands when its parachute fails to open.

2005 – Two Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft from EMERCOM land at a disaster aid staging area at Little Rock Air Force Base; the first time Russia has flown such a mission to North America.

2016 – NASA launches OSIRIS-REx, its first asteroid sample return mission. The probe will visit 101955 Bennu and is expected to return with samples in 2023.

2017 – Syrian civil war: The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announce the beginning of the Deir ez-Zor campaign, with the stated aim of eliminating the Islamic State (IS) from all areas north and east of the Euphrates.

2022 – Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom dies at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after a reign lasting over 70 years. Her son Charles, Prince of Wales, becomes King of the United Kingdom, assuming the regnal name Charles III.