📅 On This Day in History

What Happened on September 7th in History

60 historical events on this date

1942

World War II: Japanese marines are forced to withdraw during the Battle of Milne Bay.

The Special Naval Landing Forces were naval infantry units in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), and were a part of the IJN land forces. They saw extensive service in the Second Sino-Japanese War and...

1942

World War II: Japanese marines are forced to withdraw during the Battle of Milne Bay.

The Special Naval Landing Forces were naval infantry units in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), and were a part of the IJN land forces. They saw extensive service in the Second Sino-Japanese War and...

1943

A fire at the Gulf Hotel in Houston kills 55 people.

The Gulf Hotel fire claimed 55 lives in the early-morning hours of September 7, 1943 in Downtown Houston, Texas, United States. The fire remains the worst loss of life in a fire in the city's history.

1943

World War II: The German 17th Army begins its evacuation of the Kuban bridgehead (Taman Peninsula) in southern Russia and moves across the Strait of Kerch to the Crimea.

The German Seventeenth Army was a field army of Nazi Germany during World War II.

1943

A fire at the Gulf Hotel in Houston kills 55 people.

The Gulf Hotel fire claimed 55 lives in the early-morning hours of September 7, 1943 in Downtown Houston, Texas, United States. The fire remains the worst loss of life in a fire in the city's history.

1943

World War II: The German 17th Army begins its evacuation of the Kuban bridgehead (Taman Peninsula) in southern Russia and moves across the Strait of Kerch to the Crimea.

The German Seventeenth Army was a field army of Nazi Germany during World War II.

1945

World War II: Japanese forces on Wake Island, which they had held since December 1941, surrender to U.S. Marines.

Wake Island, also known as Wake Atoll, is a coral atoll in the Micronesia subregion of the Pacific Ocean. The atoll is composed of three islets – Wake, Wilkes, and Peale Islands – surrounding a...

1945

The Berlin Victory Parade of 1945 is held.

The Berlin Victory Parade of 1945 was held by the Allies of World War II on 7 September 1945 in Berlin, the capital of the defeated Germany, shortly after the end of World War II. The four...

1945

World War II: Japanese forces on Wake Island, which they had held since December 1941, surrender to U.S. Marines.

Wake Island, also known as Wake Atoll, is a coral atoll in the Micronesia subregion of the Pacific Ocean. The atoll is composed of three islets – Wake, Wilkes, and Peale Islands – surrounding a...

1945

The Berlin Victory Parade of 1945 is held.

The Berlin Victory Parade of 1945 was held by the Allies of World War II on 7 September 1945 in Berlin, the capital of the defeated Germany, shortly after the end of World War II. The four...

1953

Nikita Khrushchev is elected first secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev was the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964 and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers from 1958 to 1964. As leader of the...

1953

Nikita Khrushchev is elected first secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev was the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964 and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers from 1958 to 1964. As leader of the...

1963

The Pro Football Hall of Fame opens in Canton, Ohio with 17 charter members.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame for professional American football, located in Canton, Ohio. Opened on September 7, 1963, the Hall of Fame enshrines exceptional figures in the...

1963

The Pro Football Hall of Fame opens in Canton, Ohio with 17 charter members.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame for professional American football, located in Canton, Ohio. Opened on September 7, 1963, the Hall of Fame enshrines exceptional figures in the...

1965

During an Indo-Pakistani War, China announces that it will reinforce its troops on the Indian border.

The India–Pakistan war of 1965, also known as the second India–Pakistan war, was an armed conflict between Pakistan and India that took place from August 1965 to September 1965.

1965

Vietnam War: In a follow-up to August's Operation Starlite, United States Marines and South Vietnamese forces initiate Operation Piranha on the Batangan Peninsula.

The Vietnam War was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia fought between North Vietnam and South Vietnam and their allies. North Vietnam was supported by the Soviet Union and China, while...

1965

During an Indo-Pakistani War, China announces that it will reinforce its troops on the Indian border.

The India–Pakistan war of 1965, also known as the second India–Pakistan war, was an armed conflict between Pakistan and India that took place from August 1965 to September 1965.

1965

Vietnam War: In a follow-up to August's Operation Starlite, United States Marines and South Vietnamese forces initiate Operation Piranha on the Batangan Peninsula.

The Vietnam War was an armed conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia fought between North Vietnam and South Vietnam and their allies. North Vietnam was supported by the Soviet Union and China, while...

1970

Fighting begins between Arab guerrillas and government forces in Jordan.

Black September, also known as the Jordanian Civil War, was an armed conflict between Jordan, led by King Hussein, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), led by chairman Yasser Arafat. The...

1970

Vietnam Television was established.

Vietnam Television, widely known as VTV, is the national television station under the direct management of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The station is professionally...

1970

Fighting begins between Arab guerrillas and government forces in Jordan.

Black September, also known as the Jordanian Civil War, was an armed conflict between Jordan, led by King Hussein, and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), led by chairman Yasser Arafat. The...

1970

Vietnam Television was established.

Vietnam Television, widely known as VTV, is the national television station under the direct management of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The station is professionally...

1977

The Torrijos–Carter Treaties between Panama and the United States on the status of the Panama Canal are signed. The United States agrees to transfer control of the canal to Panama at the end of the 20th century.

The Torrijos–Carter Treaties are two treaties signed by the United States and Panama in Washington, D.C., on September 7, 1977, which superseded the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty of 1903. The treaties...

1977

The 300-metre-tall CKVR-DT transmission tower in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, is hit by a light aircraft in a fog, causing it to collapse. All aboard the aircraft are killed.

CKVR-DT is a television station in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, serving as the flagship station of the CTV2 system. It is owned and operated by Bell Media alongside Toronto-based CTV flagship CFTO-DT,...

1977

The Torrijos–Carter Treaties between Panama and the United States on the status of the Panama Canal are signed. The United States agrees to transfer control of the canal to Panama at the end of the 20th century.

The Torrijos–Carter Treaties are two treaties signed by the United States and Panama in Washington, D.C., on September 7, 1977, which superseded the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty of 1903. The treaties...

1977

The 300-metre-tall CKVR-DT transmission tower in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, is hit by a light aircraft in a fog, causing it to collapse. All aboard the aircraft are killed.

CKVR-DT is a television station in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, serving as the flagship station of the CTV2 system. It is owned and operated by Bell Media alongside Toronto-based CTV flagship CFTO-DT,...

1978

While walking across Waterloo Bridge in London, Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov is assassinated by Bulgarian secret police agent Francesco Gullino by means of a ricin pellet fired from a specially designed umbrella.

Georgi Ivanov Markov was a Bulgarian dissident writer. He worked as a novelist, screenwriter and playwright in his native country, the People's Republic of Bulgaria, until his defection in 1969....

1978

While walking across Waterloo Bridge in London, Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov is assassinated by Bulgarian secret police agent Francesco Gullino by means of a ricin pellet fired from a specially designed umbrella.

Georgi Ivanov Markov was a Bulgarian dissident writer. He worked as a novelist, screenwriter and playwright in his native country, the People's Republic of Bulgaria, until his defection in 1969....

1979

The Chrysler Corporation asks the United States government for US$1.5 billion to avoid bankruptcy.

FCA US, LLC, doing business as Stellantis North America and known historically as Chrysler, is one of the "Big Three" automobile manufacturers in the United States, headquartered in Auburn Hills,...

1979

The Chrysler Corporation asks the United States government for US$1.5 billion to avoid bankruptcy.

FCA US, LLC, doing business as Stellantis North America and known historically as Chrysler, is one of the "Big Three" automobile manufacturers in the United States, headquartered in Auburn Hills,...

1984

An explosion on board a Maltese patrol boat disposing of illegal fireworks at sea off Gozo kills seven soldiers and policemen.

The C23 tragedy occurred on 7 September 1984, when the Swift-class patrol boat C23 of the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) was severely damaged by an explosion while dumping...

1984

An explosion on board a Maltese patrol boat disposing of illegal fireworks at sea off Gozo kills seven soldiers and policemen.

The C23 tragedy occurred on 7 September 1984, when the Swift-class patrol boat C23 of the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) was severely damaged by an explosion while dumping...

1986

Desmond Tutu becomes the first black man to lead the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town.

Desmond Mpilo Tutu was a South African Anglican bishop and theologian, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. He was Bishop of Johannesburg from 1985 to 1986 and then...

1986

Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet survives an assassination attempt by the FPMR; five of Pinochet's bodyguards are killed.

Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in western South America. It is the southernmost country in the world and the closest to Antarctica, extending along a narrow strip of land...

1986

Desmond Tutu becomes the first black man to lead the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town.

Desmond Mpilo Tutu was a South African Anglican bishop and theologian, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. He was Bishop of Johannesburg from 1985 to 1986 and then...

1986

Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet survives an assassination attempt by the FPMR; five of Pinochet's bodyguards are killed.

Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in western South America. It is the southernmost country in the world and the closest to Antarctica, extending along a narrow strip of land...

1995

Space Shuttle Endeavour is launched on STS-69, the second flight of the Wake Shield Facility.

Space Shuttle Endeavour is a retired orbiter from NASA's Space Shuttle program and the fifth and final operational Shuttle built. It embarked on its first mission, STS-49, in May 1992 and its 25th...

1995

Space Shuttle Endeavour is launched on STS-69, the second flight of the Wake Shield Facility.

Space Shuttle Endeavour is a retired orbiter from NASA's Space Shuttle program and the fifth and final operational Shuttle built. It embarked on its first mission, STS-49, in May 1992 and its 25th...

1997

Maiden flight of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.

The maiden flight, also known as first flight, of an aircraft is the first occasion on which it leaves the ground under its own power. The same term is also used for the first launch of rockets.

1997

Maiden flight of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.

The maiden flight, also known as first flight, of an aircraft is the first occasion on which it leaves the ground under its own power. The same term is also used for the first launch of rockets.

1999

The 6.0 Mw  Athens earthquake affected the area with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), killing 143, injuring 800–1,600, and leaving 50,000 homeless.

The 1999 Athens earthquake occurred on September 7 at 14:56:51 local time near Mount Parnitha in Greece with a moment magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). The proximity...

1999

The 6.0 Mw  Athens earthquake affected the area with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), killing 143, injuring 800–1,600, and leaving 50,000 homeless.

The 1999 Athens earthquake occurred on September 7 at 14:56:51 local time near Mount Parnitha in Greece with a moment magnitude of 6.0 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). The proximity...

2005

Egypt holds its first-ever multi-party presidential election.

Presidential elections were held by the authoritarian Hosni Mubarak regime in Egypt on September 7, 2005, the first to feature more than one candidate. Incumbent president Hosni Mubarak was...

2005

Egypt holds its first-ever multi-party presidential election.

Presidential elections were held by the authoritarian Hosni Mubarak regime in Egypt on September 7, 2005, the first to feature more than one candidate. Incumbent president Hosni Mubarak was...

2008

The United States government takes control of the two largest mortgage financing companies in the US, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

In September 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that it would take over the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Both...

2008

The United States government takes control of the two largest mortgage financing companies in the US, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

In September 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that it would take over the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Both...

2010

A Chinese fishing trawler collides with two Japanese Coast Guard patrol boats in disputed waters near the Senkaku Islands.

The 2010 Senkaku boat collision incident occurred on the morning of September 7, 2010, when a Chinese trawler operating in disputed waters collided with Japanese Coast Guard (JCG) patrol boats near...

2010

A Chinese fishing trawler collides with two Japanese Coast Guard patrol boats in disputed waters near the Senkaku Islands.

The 2010 Senkaku boat collision incident occurred on the morning of September 7, 2010, when a Chinese trawler operating in disputed waters collided with Japanese Coast Guard (JCG) patrol boats near...

2011

The Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash in Russia kills 43 people, including nearly the entire roster of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Kontinental Hockey League team.

On 7 September 2011, YAK-Service Flight 9633, a Yakovlev Yak-42 carrying players and coaching staff of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl professional ice hockey team, crashed during take-off near Yaroslavl,...

2011

The Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash in Russia kills 43 people, including nearly the entire roster of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Kontinental Hockey League team.

On 7 September 2011, YAK-Service Flight 9633, a Yakovlev Yak-42 carrying players and coaching staff of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl professional ice hockey team, crashed during take-off near Yaroslavl,...

2012

Canada officially cuts diplomatic ties with Iran by closing its embassy in Tehran and orders the expulsion of Iranian diplomats from Ottawa, over nuclear plans and purported human rights abuses.

Canada has not had a formal diplomatic presence in Iran since 2012, and as of February 2026, the Canadian government has stated that restoration of ties would require a change in the Iranian regime.

2012

Canada officially cuts diplomatic ties with Iran by closing its embassy in Tehran and orders the expulsion of Iranian diplomats from Ottawa, over nuclear plans and purported human rights abuses.

Canada has not had a formal diplomatic presence in Iran since 2012, and as of February 2026, the Canadian government has stated that restoration of ties would require a change in the Iranian regime.

2017

The 8.2 Mw  2017 Chiapas earthquake strikes southern Mexico, killing at least 60 people.

The 2017 Chiapas earthquake struck at 23:49 CDT on 7 September in the Gulf of Tehuantepec off the southern coast of Mexico near the state of Chiapas, approximately 87 kilometres (54 mi) southwest of...

2017

The 8.2 Mw  2017 Chiapas earthquake strikes southern Mexico, killing at least 60 people.

The 2017 Chiapas earthquake struck at 23:49 CDT on 7 September in the Gulf of Tehuantepec off the southern coast of Mexico near the state of Chiapas, approximately 87 kilometres (54 mi) southwest of...

2019

Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov and 66 others are released in a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia.

Oleh Hennadiiovych Sentsov is a Ukrainian filmmaker, writer, activist and soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Crimea. Sentsov has directed the feature films Gamer (2011), Numbers, and Rhino...

2019

Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov and 66 others are released in a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia.

Oleh Hennadiiovych Sentsov is a Ukrainian filmmaker, writer, activist and soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Crimea. Sentsov has directed the feature films Gamer (2011), Numbers, and Rhino...

2021

Bitcoin becomes legal tender in El Salvador.

Bitcoin is the first decentralized cryptocurrency. Based on a free-market ideology, bitcoin was invented in 2008 when an unknown person published a white paper under the pseudonym of Satoshi...

2021

The National Unity Government of Myanmar declares a people's defensive war against the military junta during the Myanmar civil war.

The National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is an internationally unrecognized Myanmar government in exile formed by the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a...

2021

Bitcoin becomes legal tender in El Salvador.

Bitcoin is the first decentralized cryptocurrency. Based on a free-market ideology, bitcoin was invented in 2008 when an unknown person published a white paper under the pseudonym of Satoshi...

2021

The National Unity Government of Myanmar declares a people's defensive war against the military junta during the Myanmar civil war.

The National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is an internationally unrecognized Myanmar government in exile formed by the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a...