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Hurricane Katrina caused over $80 billion in damage and killed over 1,800 people. The Communist Party of the Soviet Union dissolved, ending one of the largest communist governments. The Beatles gave their last concert in 1966. Ingrid Bergman, known for her roles in Casablanca and Anastasia, was born and died on the same day 67 years later.
Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. (2005) Katrina was the costliest hurricane in US history and was one of the top five deadliest. The hurricane killed more than 1,800 people and caused more than US$80 billion in damage.
Communist Party of the Soviet Union dissolved. (1991) The Union’s parliament, the Supreme Soviet, halted all communist activity. The move ended one of the largest communist governments in the world.
US Senator Strom Thurmond spoke out against what would become the 1957 Civil Rights Act for 24 hours and 18 minutes. (1957) Thurmond caused the longest filibuster in the history of the United States Senate. After his loquacious speech, the bill went from 270 to 97.
The world’s first motorcycle is patented. (1885) The patent was awarded to Gottlieb Daimler, co-founder of Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) in Germany. Daimler produced the first motorcycle the following November.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is founded. (1898) The company was founded by American inventor Frank Seiberling. It started with just 13 employees making tires for bicycles and carriages; the company also produced poker chips and rubber horseshoe pads.
The Beatles have given their last concert. (1966) The band’s last concert was in San Francisco at Candlestick Park; thereafter, they only produced studio music.
The first American Indian reservation was established. (1758) The Indian Mills Indian Reservation was established in Indian Mills, New Jersey. Today there are more than 300 Indian reservations in the United States.
The world’s first cog railway opened on Mount Washington. (1869) A rack railway is built with a toothed center rail between two outer rails. The trains have gears underneath to grip the toothed guide, which helps the train travel up steep hills. The Mount Washington Cog Railway continues to operate today.
English writer and television presenter Robin Leach was born. (1941) Leach is perhaps best known for hosting the American television program Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman was born; she died the same day 67 years later. (1915 and 1982) Bergman was perhaps best known for her roles in Casablanca, Spellbound and Anastasia. During her career she has won three Academy Awards, a Tony Award and two Emmy Awards. The American Film Institute considers her the fourth greatest female star in history.
