Today in History graphic for September 8 featuring the 1900 Galveston hurricane, the 1966 debut of Star Trek, and Queen Elizabeth II.

September 8 in History: Galveston Hurricane, “Star Trek” Debuts & Queen Elizabeth II Dies

Scott Winters September 8, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on September 8 in history as devastating disasters, groundbreaking inventions, television milestones, and historic moments helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on September 8 in History?

On this day, the deadly Galveston hurricane struck Texas, Scotch transparent tape went on sale, Star Trek made its television debut, and Queen Elizabeth II died after a 70-year reign.

SEPTEMBER 8 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1565 – Spanish explorers established St. Augustine, FL. It became the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in what is now the continental United States.

1860 – The steamship Lady Elgin sank in Lake Michigan after colliding with another vessel during a storm. Around 300 people died in one of the deadliest disasters in Great Lakes history.

1892 – An early version of the Pledge of Allegiance, written by Francis Bellamy, was published in The Youth’s Companion. Millions of schoolchildren would recite it during a nationwide Columbus Day observance the following month.

1900 – A devastating hurricane struck Galveston, TX, killing an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 people. It remains the deadliest natural disaster in United States history.

1930 – 3M began marketing Scotch transparent tape, an invention developed by engineer Richard Drew.

1945 – Bess Myerson of New York City was crowned Miss America, becoming the first Jewish woman to win the title.

1952 – Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea was published in book form. The novella later won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

1960 – President Dwight D. Eisenhower formally dedicated NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL.

1966 – The TV series That Girl, starring Marlo Thomas as aspiring actress Ann Marie, premiered on ABC.

1966 – Star Trek made its television debut on NBC with the episode “The Man Trap.” The original series ran for three seasons but grew into one of the most successful franchises in television and film history.

1971 – Gordie Howe, of the Detroit Red Wings, retired from the National Hockey League.

1974 – President Gerald Ford granted former President Richard Nixon a “full, free and absolute pardon” for any federal crimes Nixon had committed or may have committed while president.

1986 – The Oprah Winfrey Show made its national television debut. The daytime talk show would run for 25 seasons.

1988 – Yellowstone National Park was closed to visitors for the first time in its history as massive wildfires continued to burn across the park.

1990 – The animated children’s TV series Bobby’s World, created by and starring the voice talents of Howie Mandel, premiered on Fox.

1996 – The children’s television series Blue’s Clues premiered on Nickelodeon, originally hosted by Steve Burns.

1997 – The TV show “Ally McBeal” debuted.

1997 – A deal was announced that would give America Online control of rival online service CompuServe.

1997 – A revived version of The People’s Court premiered with former New York City Mayor Ed Koch serving as judge.

1998 – St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire hit his 62nd home run of the season, breaking Roger Maris’ 37-year-old Major League single-season record. McGwire finished the season with 70 home runs.

1999 – Russia’s Mission Control switched off the Mir space station’s central computer and other systems to save energy during a planned six months of unmanned flights.

2003 – The Ellen DeGeneres Show made its television debut. The daytime talk show would run for 19 seasons.

2004 – NASA’s Genesis sample-return capsule crash-landed in the Utah desert after its parachutes failed to deploy. Despite the crash, scientists were able to recover and study some of its solar-wind samples.

2016 – NASA launched OSIRIS-REx, the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid and return it to Earth. The spacecraft collected material from asteroid Bennu in 2020, and its sample capsule successfully returned to Earth in 2023.

2022 – Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at age 96 after a 70-year reign, the longest of any British monarch. Her son immediately became King Charles III.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 8:

Jacqueline Ceballos – 101 years old (1925) – Activist, founded the Veteran Feminists of America

Les Wexner – 89 years old (1937) – Businessman

Sam Nunn – 88 years old (1938) – Lawyer and politician

Quentin L. Cook – 86 years old (1940) – Religious leader

Jack Prelutsky – 86 years old (1940) – Author and poet

Bernie Sanders – 85 years old (1941) – Politician

Sal Valentino – 84 years old (1942) – Rock singer-songwriter and guitarist

Adelaide C. Eckardt – 83 years old (1943) – Academic and politician

Lem Barney – 81 years old (1945) – Football player

Aziz Sancar – 80 years old (1946) – Turkish-American biologist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate

Ann Beattie – 79 years old (1947) – Novelist and short story writer

Marianne Wiggins – 79 years old (1947) – Author

Zachary Richard – 76 years old (1950) – Singer-songwriter and poet

Mike Simpson – 76 years old (1950) – Dentist and politician

Tom Gullikson – 75 years old (1951) – Tennis player and coach

Will Lee – 74 years old (1952) – Bass player

Ruby Bridges – 72 years old (1954) – Civil rights activist

Michael Shermer – 72 years old (1954) – Historian, author, and academic, founded The Skeptics Society

Terry Tempest Williams – 71 years old (1955) – Environmentalist and author

Mick Brown – 70 years old (1956) – Drummer

Maurice Cheeks – 70 years old (1956) – Basketball player and coach

Heather Thomas – 69 years old (1957) – Actress and activist

Michael Lardie – 68 years old (1958) – Keyboard player, songwriter, and producer

Aimee Mann – 66 years old (1960) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress

Daniel Wolpert – 63 years old (1963) – Scientist

Michael Johns – 62 years old (1964) – Businessman and political activist

Raven – 62 years old (1964) – Wrestler

Kimberly Peirce – 59 years old (1967) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Neko Case – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Nidal Hasan – 56 years old (1970) – Soldier, psychiatrist, and mass murderer

Latrell Sprewell – 56 years old (1970) – Basketball player

Lodi – 56 years old (1970) – Wrestler

David Arquette – 55 years old (1971) – Actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and wrestler

Brooke Burke – 55 years old (1971) – Actress and television personality

Dustin O'Halloran – 55 years old (1971) – Pianist and composer

Kennedy – 54 years old (1972) – Radio and television host

Gabrial McNair – 53 years old (1973) – Saxophonist, keyboard player, and composer

Troy Sanders – 53 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter and bass player

Tanaz Eshaghian – 52 years old (1974) – Iranian-American director and producer

Rick Michaels – 52 years old (1974) – Wrestler

Larenz Tate – 51 years old (1975) – Actor, director, and producer

Nate Corddry – 49 years old (1977) – Actor and comedian

Gil Meche – 48 years old (1978) – Baseball player

Angela Rawlings – 48 years old (1978) – Canadian-American author and poet

Rebel – 48 years old (1978) – Wrestler

Pink – 47 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actress

Eric Hutchinson – 46 years old (1980) – Singer-songwriter

Jonathan Taylor Thomas – 45 years old (1981) – Actor

Travis Daniels – 44 years old (1982) – Football player

Melissa St. Vil – 43 years old (1983) – Professional boxer

Will Blalock – 43 years old (1983) – Basketball player

Nick Hundley – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player

Jason Mattera – 43 years old (1983) – Writer and conservative activist

Sarah Stup – 43 years old (1983) – Writer and autism activist

Bobby Parnell – 42 years old (1984) – Baseball player

Matt Grothe – 40 years old (1986) – Football player

Derrick Brown – 39 years old (1987) – Basketball player

Wiz Khalifa – 39 years old (1987) – Rapper and actor

Arrelious Benn – 38 years old (1988) – Football player

Matt Barkley – 36 years old (1990) – Football player

Gerrit Cole – 36 years old (1990) – Baseball player

Za'Darius Smith – 34 years old (1992) – Football player

Alayna Treene – 32 years old (1994) – Journalist

Cameron Dallas – 32 years old (1994) – Internet personality

Gonzalo Piovi – 32 years old (1994) – Internet personality

George Honeyman – 32 years old (1994) – Professional basketball player

Rigoberto Sanchez – 32 years old (1994) – Professional football punter and kickoff specialist

Jillian Alleyne – 32 years old (1994) – Professional basketball player

Lars Nootbaar – 29 years old (1997) – Baseball player

Sierra Capri – 28 years old (1998) – Actress

Miles McBride – 26 years old (2000) – Basketball player

Gaten Matarazzo – 24 years old (2002) – Actor and singer

Nicolas Cantu – 23 years old (2003) – Actor and internet personality

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 8:

Star Trek Day: Binge Star Trek: The Original Series, or whichever series you like best, to honor the progressive cultural touchstone created by Gene Roddenberry in the 1960s.
National Ampersand Day: National Ampersand Day, celebrated every year on September 8th, pays tribute to the iconic "&" symbol. This special day brings attention to its importance in writing and design. The ampersand isn't just a symbol; it's a practical tool that connects ideas in a way that adds flair to any text...
World Physical Therapy Day: Physical therapy can help everything from minor pains to serious injuries, and understanding how the body works can help you keep yours healthy and comfortable.
Actors’ Day: Take part in a local theater production, perhaps by auditioning or simply supporting local actors. Give some appreciation to this difficult but entertaining skill.
Pardon Day: Be polite and make sure you say “pardon” and “excuse me” when necessary, but more importantly examine the grudges you hold and see who you need to pardon.
Telephone Tuesday: It's that unofficial transition day, when summer's last hurrah gives way to the everyday hustle, and white clothing quietly retires.
National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day: National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day honors the dedicated nurses who care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. These nurses work tirelessly to provide medical and emotional support to their young patients and their families. Their role is crucial, as they help guide families through the...
National Dog Walker Appreciation Day: National Dog Walker Appreciation Day shines a light on the essential role dog walkers play in our pets’ lives. These people do much more than lead dogs on a leash. In fact, they ensure our furry friends are active, happy, and safe. This special day recognizes their dedication and the...
National Iguana Awareness Day: Learn about how to properly care for, love, and treat the magnificent creatures known as iguanas, and decide if they could be the right fit for your home.
International Literacy Day: Head to the library, volunteer for an event, or donate books or money to help improve the world’s ability to read and give people better opportunities in life.
National Ants on a Log Day: There’s something cheerful about a snack that looks like tiny ants marching across a log. That’s exactly what you get with this fun mix of celery, peanut butter, and raisins. Each piece brings a satisfying crunch, a bit of sweetness, and just the right amount of stickiness. Kids love the...
National Another Look Unlimited Day: Before you take those boxes and bags to the dump or donation center, take another look and make sure you’re ready to let go of all those memories and moments.
Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
National Child Protection Week: National Child Protection Week is a fantastic opportunity to come together and focus on keeping our kids safe. It's all about raising awareness, having fun, and learning important safety tips. This week serves as a powerful reminder that everyone plays a role in protecting children. The theme underscores the importance...
Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
Fiesta de San Pacho: Fiesta de San Pacho is a vibrant celebration that fills the streets of Quibdó with music, dance, and color. The festival honors Saint Francis of Assisi, blending Catholic traditions with Afro-Colombian culture uniquely and joyfully. As the day unfolds, the city becomes a stage where people showcase their rich heritage...
National Waffle Week: National Waffle Week is a delightful celebration of one of the most beloved breakfast foods. It shines a spotlight on waffles and encourages people to enjoy this crispy, golden treat in all its forms. Throughout this week, waffle lovers are invited to explore different recipes and toppings, transforming their morning...
Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...
Zero Waste Week: The hope is that raising awareness during Zero Waste Week will draw attention to climate change, helping to create new environmentally conscious habits that will overflow into the other 51 weeks of the year! History of Zero Waste Week For more than 15 years, folks have been celebrating Zero Waste Week as...