This Day in History: September 8

1380 The Battle of Kulikovo initiates the decline of the Tatars

Dimitri, Moscow's greatest monarch, triumphs over the Mongols in the Battle of Kulikovo. This victory signals the beginning of the decline for the Tatars.

1504 Unveiling of Michelangelo's Statue of David in Florence

The renowned Statue of David by Michelangelo is unveiled in Florence, captivating observers with its remarkable detail and artistry.

1522 Juan de Elcano completes the first circumnavigation of the globe

Spanish navigator Juan de Elcano returns to Spain after completing the first circumnavigation of the world. This remarkable journey had begun under the command of Ferdinand Magellan.

1565 Establishment of the first permanent European settlement in the United States

St. Augustine, Florida, becomes the site for the first permanent European settlement in the US. This historical development signifies the beginning of the deep-seated European influence that would shape the future of the country.

1664 Dutch surrender New Netherlands, including New York, to English soldiers

The Dutch yield their colony of New Netherlands, incorporating New York, to English soldiers. This surrender reflected the shifting balances of power in the New World.

1941 WWII: The Siege of Leningrad commences

The Siege of Leningrad launches during WWII, involving German, Finnish, and eventually Spanish troops. The battle, lasting for over 28 months, sees Russia successfully fend off the invasion, despite the loss of well over a million lives.

1970 Black September hijackings begin

A series of airliner hijackings orchestrated by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine—including the destruction of three aircraft—marks the start of the Black September hijackings.

2022 Passing of Queen Elizabeth II after a 70-year reign

British monarch Queen Elizabeth II, after ruling as the longest-serving monarch in the UK for 70 years, passes away at Balmoral Castle. Her eldest son assumes the throne to become King Charles III.

2015 The Late Show with Stephen Colbert debuts

Comedian Stephen Colbert, known for his work as a correspondent for the Daily Show and host of the Colbert Report on Comedy Central, takes over from David Letterman as the host of The Late Show on CBS. The inaugural episode features Presidential hopeful and former Florida Governor, Jeb Bush, and actor George Clooney.

1991 Macedonia declares its independence from Yugoslavia

The Balkan country of Macedonia gains independence from Yugoslavia after a successful independence referendum. Approximately 96% of the voting population approved of this move, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Macedonia.

1986 The Oprah Winfrey Show premieres

The Oprah Winfrey Show, hosted and produced by Oprah Winfrey herself, airs for the first time. This remarkably successful daytime talk show would go onto run for 25 years, collecting over 45 Daytime Emmy Awards. The first episode was titled "How to Marry the Man or Woman of Your Choice".

1974 President Ford pardons Richard Nixon

The 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, issues Proclamation 4311, pardoning his predecessor Richard Nixon for any potential crimes committed during his term as President. This followed Nixon's resignation—the only in U.S. history—in the wake of impending impeachment due to the Watergate Scandal. The decision to pardon Nixon remains contentious and some speculate that it contributed to Ford's failure to secure election as President two years later.

1966 Star Trek makes its television debut

Star Trek, the timeless science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry, broadcasts its first episode. The series follows the adventures of the starship USS Enterprise, led by Captain James T. Kirk and supported by Science Officer Spock and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Leonard McCoy. The debut episode, titled "The Man Trap," airs on NBC.