What Happened on September 2?

September 2 is National Blueberry Popsicle Day — a cool treat holiday — on the same date Japan formally surrendered in 1945, the Great Fire of London began in 1666, and the U.S. Treasury was established in 1789.

• 1666 — The Great Fire of London begins on Pudding Lane

  On September 2, 1666, a bakery fire on Pudding Lane spread through wooden London — burning for four days and reshaping the city. Read the full story →

• 1789 — The U.S. Treasury Department is established

  On September 2, 1789, Congress created the Department of the Treasury to manage the young nation’s money, debts, and taxes. Read the full story →

• 1901 — Theodore Roosevelt urges “speak softly and carry a big stick”

  On September 2, 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt told a Minnesota fair audience his foreign-policy motto: speak softly and carry a big stick. Read the full story →

• 1945 — Japan formally surrenders, ending World War II

  On September 2, 1945, Japanese officials signed the surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay — ending the deadliest war in history. Read the full story →

• 1945 — Ho Chi Minh declares Vietnam’s independence

  On September 2, 1945 — the same day Japan surrendered — Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in Hanoi. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Keanu Reeves (1964) · Salma Hayek (1966) · Jimmy Connors (1952) · Christa McAuliffe (1948–1986)

Days & observances

National Blueberry Popsicle Day · V-J Day Remembrance · Calendar Awareness Day (Great Britain 1752 note) · Maritime Heritage Remembrance