What Happened on September 3?
All
events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON SEPTEMBER 3
Explore the most important historical events that happened on September 3, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
American Civil War
Year:
1861
American Civil War: Confederate General Leonidas Polk invades neutral Kentucky, prompting the state legislature to ask for Union assistance.
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Franco-Prussian War
Year:
1870
Franco-Prussian War: The Siege of Metz begins, resulting in a decisive Prussian victory on October 23.
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American Indian Wars
Year:
1855
American Indian Wars: In Nebraska, 700 soldiers under United States General William S. Harney avenge the Grattan massacre by attacking a Sioux village and killing 100 men, women and children.
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Otto of Greece
Year:
1843
King Otto of Greece is forced to grant a constitution following an uprising in Athens.
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Abolitionism in the United States
Year:
1838
Future abolitionist Frederick Douglass escapes from slavery.
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Polo
Year:
1875
The first official game of polo is played in Argentina after being introduced by British ranchers.
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Sinking of SS Princess Alice
Year:
1878
Over 640 die when the crowded pleasure boat Princess Alice collides with the Bywell Castle in the River Thames.
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World War I
Year:
1914
World War I: Start of the Battle of Grand Couronné, a German assault against French positions on high ground near the city of Nancy.
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BIRTHS ON SEPTEMBER 3
Discover famous people and historical figures born on September 3, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Ryōji Noyori
Year of birth:
1938
Ryōji Noyori, Japanese chemist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate
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Richard MacCormac
Year of birth:
1938
Richard MacCormac, English architect, founded MJP Architects (died 2014)
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Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
Year of birth:
1936
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisian soldier and politician, 2nd President of Tunisia (died 2019)
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Pilar Pallete
Year of birth:
1936
Pilar Pallete, Peruvian-American actress
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Freddie King
Year of birth:
1934
Freddie King, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died 1976)
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Caryl Churchill
Year of birth:
1938
Caryl Churchill, English-Canadian playwright
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Brian Lochore
Year of birth:
1940
Brian Lochore, New Zealand rugby player and coach (died 2019)
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Valerie Perrine
Year of birth:
1943
Valerie Perrine, American model and actress
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DEATHS ON SEPTEMBER 3
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on September 3, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
E. E. Cummings
Year of death:
1962
E. E. Cummings, American poet and playwright (born 1894)
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Louis MacNeice
Year of death:
1963
Louis MacNeice, Irish poet and playwright (born 1907)
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Francis Ouimet
Year of death:
1967
Francis Ouimet, American golfer and banker (born 1893)
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John Lester
Year of death:
1969
John Lester, American cricketer and soccer player (born 1871)
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Robert E. Gross (businessman)
Year of death:
1961
Robert E. Gross, American businessman (born 1897)
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Marika Kotopouli
Year of death:
1954
Marika Kotopouli, Greek actress (born 1887)
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Séraphine Louis
Year of death:
1942
Séraphine Louis, French painter (born 1864)
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Will James (artist)
Year of death:
1942
Will James, Canadian-American author and illustrator (born 1892)
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HOLIDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 3
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on September 3 around the world.
San Marino
Feast of San Marino and the Republic, celebrates the foundation of the Republic of San Marino in 301.
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List of national independence days
Independence Day, celebrates the second independence of Qatar from the United Kingdom in 1971.
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Levy Mwanawasa
Levy Mwanawasa Day (Zambia)
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Merchant Navy (United Kingdom)
Merchant Navy Day (United Kingdom)
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Mansuetus (bishop of Toul)
Christian feast day: Mansuetus of Toul
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Victory over Japan Day
China's victory over Japan commemoration related observances: V-J Day (People's Republic of China)
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Pope Gregory I
Christian feast day: Pope Gregory I
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Saint Marinus
Christian feast day: Marinus
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