What Happened on September 1?

September 1 is World Letter Writing Day — celebrating handwritten notes — on the same date World War II began in Europe in 1939, Emma Nutt became the first female telephone operator in 1878, and explorers found the Titanic wreck in 1985.

• 1859 — The Carrington Event solar storm dazzles Earth

  On September 1–2, 1859, a massive solar flare observed by Richard Carrington sparked auroras worldwide and knocked out telegraph systems. Read the full story →

• 1878 — Emma Nutt becomes the first female telephone operator

  On September 1, 1878, Emma M. Nutt started work in Boston as the first woman telephone operator — proving calm voices belonged on the switchboard. Read the full story →

• 1939 — Germany invades Poland, starting World War II in Europe

  At dawn on September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany attacked Poland — the invasion that pulled Europe into the deadliest war in history. Read the full story →

• 1972 — Bobby Fischer becomes world chess champion

  On September 1, 1972, American Bobby Fischer defeated Soviet champion Boris Spassky in Iceland, ending 24 years of Soviet hold on the world chess title. Read the full story →

• 1982 — USA Today publishes its first issue

  On September 1, 1982, Gannett launched USA Today — a colorful national newspaper designed for busy readers and satellite printing. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950) · Rocky Marciano (1923–1969) · Gloria Estefan (1957) · Zendaya (1996)

Days & observances

World Letter Writing Day · Emma M. Nutt Day · Disaster Prevention Day · National Cherry Popover Day