September 2nd

Battle of Actium: decisive naval battle that effectively ends the Roman Republic. Octavian's forces defeat those under Mark Antony and Cleopatra off the western coast of Greece.

President George W. Bush told Michael Brown, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job" during a tour of Hurricane Katrina damage in Alabama.

President George W. Bush accepted his party's nomination for a second term at the Republican National Convention in New York City.

Tom Brokaw took over as anchor of NBC's 'Nightly News.'.

The first automatic teller machine to use magnetic-striped cards opened to the public at Chemical Bank in Rockville Centre, New York.

Alabama governor George Wallace prevented the racial integration of Tuskegee High School by encircling the building with state troopers.

The First election of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile is held. The parliamentary body of the Central Tibetan Administration was elected and formed by Tibetan exiles in India. The day is celebrated as Democracy Day among Tibetan exiles.

Interim government of India is formed. The interim government and the Constituent Assembly of India was given the task to oversee India's transition to independence from British rule. The government was headed by Jawaharlal Nehru.

V-J Day, formal surrender of Japan aboard USS Missouri marks the end of WW II (Japanese date, 1st September in US).

Navy pilot George H.W. Bush was shot down by Japanese forces as he completed a bombing run over the Bonin Islands.

A hurricane slammed into the Florida Keys, claiming 423 lives.

Vice President Theodore Roosevelt gave his "speak softly and carry a big stick" speech, regarding foreign policy, at the Minnesota State Fair.

Union General William T. Sherman captures and burns Atlanta during US Civil War.

September Massacres of the French Revolution: In Paris rampaging mobs slaughter 3 Roman Catholic bishops, more than two hundred priests, and prisoners believed to be royalist sympathizers.

The U.S. Treasury Department was established.

U.K. adopts the Gregorian Calendar. The calendar, also sometimes known as the Western Calendar, is one of the most widely used calendars today. Prior to the switch, Britain and its territories followed the Julian Calendar. Due to the change, the British lost 11 days when September 2 was followed by September 14.

The Great Fire of London broke out. It destroyed nearly 400 acres, including some 13,000 houses and the old St. Paul's Cathedral.

Sultan Saladin and King Richard the Lionheart of England sign treaty over Jerusalem, at end of the Third Crusade.