On This Day, September 1 - Know what happened today in history

Today in history, September 1

On September 1, history marked significant events that shaped the world in various ways. From tragic incidents to groundbreaking discoveries, this date has witnessed moments of profound impact. Let’s delve into the notable occurrences that define this day.

2004: The Beslan School Siege
In Beslan, North Ossetia, a harrowing siege unfolded as armed Chechen rebels took over 1,000 hostages, including schoolchildren. The crisis, demanding international recognition of an independent Chechnya, lasted three agonising days before Russian forces stormed the school, tragically claiming 350 lives.

1985: Discovery of the Titanic Wreck
The wreck of the RMS Titanic, which sank on its maiden voyage in April 1912, was discovered in the North Atlantic Ocean by a French-American expedition. This monumental find, located about 2.5 miles (4,000 metres) below the surface, unveiled the tragic remains of the ship that had eluded discovery for decades.

1979: Pioneer 11's Historic Flyby
NASA's Pioneer 11 made history with its closest approach to Saturn, flying by the planet at a distance of 13,000 miles (21,000 km). This mission marked the first time a spacecraft encountered Saturn, providing invaluable data before continuing its trajectory beyond the Solar System.

1952: Publication of The Old Man And The Sea
Life magazine published excerpts of Ernest Hemingway’s acclaimed novel, The Old Man and the Sea. The story of an old fisherman’s struggle with a giant marlin captured the public’s imagination, leading to a swift sale of 5 million copies of the magazine.

1914: Extinction of the Passenger Pigeon
Martha, the last known Passenger Pigeon, passed away at the Cincinnati Zoo, marking the extinction of the species. Once abundant, Passenger Pigeons’ dramatic decline highlighted the impact of human activities on wildlife.

Notable Births:

• 1975: Natalie Bassingthwaighte - Talented Australian singer-songwriter, actress
• 1970: Padma Lakshmi - Renowned Indian actress
• 1964: Nabeel Rajab - Prominent Bahraini activist
• 1957: Gloria Estefan - Acclaimed Cuban-American singer-songwriter, actress
• 1946: Roh Moo-hyun - Esteemed South Korean politician, 16th President of South Korea

• 2013: Tommy Morrison - Celebrated American boxer
• 1983: Larry McDonald - Notable American politician
• 1981: Albert Speer - Influential German architect
• 1947: Frederick Russell Burnham - Distinguished American soldier, adventurer
• 1715: Louis XIV - Legendary French monarch