What Happened on September 5?

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events

births

deaths

holidays

EVENTS ON SEPTEMBER 5

Explore the most important historical events that happened on September 5, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

Exeter Theatre Royal fire

Year: 1887

A fire at the Theatre Royal, Exeter kills 186, making it the UK's deadliest ever building fire.

Russo-Japanese War

Year: 1905

Russo-Japanese War: In New Hampshire, United States, the Treaty of Portsmouth, mediated by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, ends the war.

Labor Day

Year: 1882

The first United States Labor Day parade is held in New York City.

American Indian Wars

Year: 1877

American Indian Wars: Oglala Sioux chief Crazy Horse is bayoneted by a United States soldier after resisting confinement in a guardhouse at Fort Robinson in Nebraska.

American Civil War

Year: 1862

American Civil War: The Army of Northern Virginia crosses the Potomac River at White's Ford in the Maryland Campaign.

World War I

Year: 1914

World War I: First Battle of the Marne begins. Northeast of Paris, the French attack and defeat German forces who are advancing on the capital.

Zimmerwald Conference

Year: 1915

The pacifist Zimmerwald Conference begins.

German occupation of the Baltic states during World War II

Year: 1941

Whole territory of Estonia is occupied by Nazi Germany.

BIRTHS ON SEPTEMBER 5

Discover famous people and historical figures born on September 5, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

Jack Valenti

Year of birth: 1921

Jack Valenti, American businessman, created the MPAA film rating system (died 2007)

Murray Henderson (ice hockey)

Year of birth: 1921

Murray Henderson, Canadian ice hockey player and coach (died 2013)

Fons Rademakers

Year of birth: 1920

Fons Rademakers, Dutch-Swiss actor, director, producer, and screenwriter (died 2007)

Elisabeth Volkenrath

Year of birth: 1919

Elisabeth Volkenrath, German SS officer and executed war criminal (died 1945)

Bob Katter Sr.

Year of birth: 1918

Bob Katter, Sr., Australian captain and politician (died 1990)

Luis Alcoriza

Year of birth: 1918

Luis Alcoriza, Mexican actor, director, and screenwriter (died 1992)

Denys Wilkinson

Year of birth: 1922

Denys Wilkinson, English physicist and academic (died 2016)

Ken Meuleman

Year of birth: 1923

Ken Meuleman, Australian cricketer (died 2004)

DEATHS ON SEPTEMBER 5

Look back at notable individuals who passed away on September 5, and learn about their lasting influences on history.

Richard Walther Darré

Year of death: 1953

Richard Walther Darré, Argentine-German agronomist and politician, convicted war criminal (born 1895)

Richard C. Tolman

Year of death: 1948

Richard C. Tolman, American physicist and chemist (born 1881)

Eugen Schiffer

Year of death: 1954

Eugen Schiffer, German lawyer and politician, Vice-Chancellor of Germany (born 1860)

Haydn Bunton Sr.

Year of death: 1955

Haydn Bunton Sr., Australian footballer and coach (born 1911)

Dezső Lauber

Year of death: 1966

Dezső Lauber, Hungarian golfer, tennis player, and architect (born 1879)

Tom Johnston (British politician)

Year of death: 1965

Thomas Johnston, Scottish journalist and politician, Secretary of State for Scotland (born 1882)

Clem Hill

Year of death: 1945

Clem Hill, Australian cricketer and footballer (born 1877)

Kathleen O'Melia

Year of death: 1939

Kathleen O'Melia, Canadian religious sister (born 1869)

HOLIDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 5

See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on September 5 around the world.

International Day of Charity

Jeûne genevois

Earliest date on which Jeûne genevois can fall, while September 11 is the latest; celebrated on Thursday after the first Sunday of September. (Canton of Geneva)