September 3rd, 2008

September 3rd in History

1939:
World War II: France, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia declare war on Germany.

1895:
The first professional American football game is played, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, between the Latrobe YMCA and the Jeannette Athletic Club. (Latrobe won the contest 12-0).

1878:
Over 640 die when the crowded pleasure boat Princess Alice collides with the Bywell Castle in the River Thames.

1855:
Indian Wars: In Nebraska, 700 soldiers under American General William Harney avenge the Grattan Massacre by attacking a Sioux village, killing 100 men, women, and children.

590:
St. Gregory I becomes Pope.