1783: The Treaty of Paris – Birth of a Nation
On September 3, 1783, the United States of America was officially recognized as a sovereign nation. This monumental day marked the signing of the Treaty of Paris between representatives of the U.S. and Britain, bringing the Revolutionary War to a close and securing America’s independence. The treaty not only ended a fierce battle for freedom but also set the stage for the rise of a new nation, determined to chart its own destiny.
1861: The Civil War Intensifies – Kentucky’s Neutrality Breached
The Civil War saw a dramatic escalation on this day in 1861, as Confederate forces invaded Kentucky, a state that had declared its neutrality. This invasion shattered Kentucky’s stance and further deepened the divisions within the United States, pulling the border state into the brutal conflict that would determine the nation’s future.
1894: The First Federal Labor Day – A Tribute to American Workers
September 3, 1894, heralded a new era of recognition for the American workforce with the celebration of the first federal Labor Day holiday. This day was dedicated to honoring the labor movement and the countless contributions of workers who built the foundations of the nation. It was a moment to acknowledge their struggles and victories, laying the groundwork for the labor rights we value today.
1935: Sir Malcolm Campbell – Breaking Speed Barriers
In 1935, speed pioneer Sir Malcolm Campbell shattered records and expectations by becoming the first person to drive an automobile over 300 mph. His historic feat on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah pushed the boundaries of human engineering and opened the door to new possibilities in the world of motorsport.
1939: The Dawn of World War II – A Global Conflict Begins
September 3, 1939, marked a dark day in history as Britain, France, Australia, and New Zealand declared war on Germany following the Nazi invasion of Poland. In a solemn radio address, Britain’s King George VI expressed the gravity of the moment, stating, “With God’s help, we shall prevail.” This declaration signaled the start of World War II, a conflict that would engulf the world and redefine global alliances.
1943: Allied Forces Invade Italy – A Turning Point in WWII
On this day in 1943, Allied forces launched an invasion of Italy during World War II, a strategic move that coincided with Italian officials signing a secret armistice with the Allies. This invasion marked a critical turning point in the war, leading to the eventual downfall of the Axis powers in Europe.
1976: Viking 2 Lands on Mars – Unveiling the Red Planet
In a giant leap for space exploration, September 3, 1976, saw NASA’s Viking 2 lander touch down on Mars. It began transmitting the first close-up, color photographs of the Martian surface back to Earth, offering humanity its first detailed glimpse of the red planet and sparking a renewed interest in the possibilities of life beyond our world.
1999: Princess Diana’s Tragic Death – A Case Closed
The tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997 shook the world, and on September 3, 1999, a French judge closed a two-year investigation into the car crash that claimed her life. The inquiry dismissed charges against nine photographers and a press motorcyclist, concluding that the accident was caused by an intoxicated driver. This ruling brought a legal end to the intense public scrutiny and speculation surrounding the princess’s untimely death.
2019: Walmart Takes a Stand
In a significant corporate decision, Walmart announced on September 3, 2019, that it would stop selling ammunition for handguns and short-barrel rifles. The retail giant also requested that customers refrain from openly carrying firearms in its stores. This bold stance came in response to a tragic shooting at a Walmart in Texas, where 22 people lost their lives. Walmart’s decision highlighted the ongoing debate over gun control and corporate responsibility in America.
Today in History: December 20
A Look Back At Today, December 20
The Louisiana Purchase was completed.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater.
The United States launched Operation Just Cause.
The United States Space Force was established.
Today in History: December 19
Today in History: December 19
In 1777, General George Washington led an army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge.
In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, concluding the Apollo program.
In 2011, North Korean announced the death of Kim Jong Il and proclaimed Kim Jong Un as the leader.
In 2022, the House Jan. 6 Committee urged the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against the previous president
Today in History: December 18
Today in History: December 18
In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was proclaimed in effect.
In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.
In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)
In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nearly nine-year war.
Today in History: December 17
Today in History: December 17
In 1903 The Wright brothers’ flight redefined the possibilities of travel and opened the skies to human exploration.
In 1933 The first NFL championship laid the foundation for professional football’s evolution into a national pastime.
In 1989 “The Simpsons” redefined animated television, blending humor with social commentary to leave an indelible mark on entertainment.
In 1992 NAFTA reshaped North American trade, fostering economic ties while sparking debates on globalization.
In 2014 The U.S.-Cuba rapprochement signaled a pivotal moment in the post-Cold War world, rekindling hopes for reconciliation.