What Happened on September 3?
September 3 is Skyscraper Day — celebrating towering buildings — on the same date the Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolution in 1783, Britain and France declared war in 1939, and Viking 2 landed on Mars in 1976.
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1189 — Richard I (the Lionheart) is crowned king of England
On September 3, 1189, Richard I — later called the Lionheart — was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Read the full story →
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1783 — The Treaty of Paris ends the American Revolutionary War
On September 3, 1783, American and British negotiators signed the Treaty of Paris, recognizing U.S. independence and ending the Revolutionary War. Read the full story →
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1838 — Frederick Douglass escapes slavery
On September 3, 1838, Frederick Douglass fled bondage in Maryland, beginning a journey that made him a leading voice for freedom and equality. Read the full story →
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1939 — Britain and France declare war on Germany
On September 3, 1939 — two days after Germany invaded Poland — Britain and France declared war, expanding World War II across Europe. Read the full story →
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1967 — Sweden switches to driving on the right (Dagen H)
On September 3, 1967 — Dagen H — Sweden flipped overnight from left-side to right-side driving. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Shaun White (1986) · Al Jardine (1942) · Malcolm Gladwell (1963) · Memphis Depay (1994)
Days & observances
Skyscraper Day · National Welsh Rarebit Day · Merchant Navy Day · Cinema Celebration Day