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Facts & Events That Happened Today In History

The word "today" was generally written as two words until the 16th Century, then as "to-day" until the early 20th Century.

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Facts & Events That Happened Today In History

Today is Saturday, September 5, 2026. It’s the 248th day of the year, and we’re on week 36.

Every day is special for some reason, and today is no different! Here you’ll find some interesting facts & events that happened today in history, as well as The Fact Site’s Fact of the Day!

Learn what special holiday falls on this day and how to celebrate it. You’ll also find out what famous people celebrate their birthdays today!

We update this page daily, so if you have a few minutes spare, check out these events & facts that all help to make today a special day!

Historical Events

The world is full of things happening – all day, every day. But here are some notable events that happened today in history.

Hurricane Irma hit the Atlantic Basin area of the United States.

Gusts of winds were reported to have reached record speeds of 185 mph, and as a result, the region was devastated by the destruction caused. The category five hurricane was announced as the strongest hurricane on record to hit the area.

Gotthard Road Tunnel opened in St Gotthard, Switzerland, making it the longest tunnel in the world at the time.

In July 1969, the Swiss government approved the construction of the 11 miles (17 km) Gotthard Road tunnel following a surge in vehicle production and the need for a more convenient route.

Sylvanus Bowser’s invention of the gasoline pump was delivered to a dealer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, US.

Interestingly the automobile still hadn't been invented by this date.

The Reign of Terror occurred in France, where many massacres and public executions happened during the French Revolution.

In France, the Committee of Public Safety organized public executions to scare protesters hoping they would stop the revolting. Many were protesting as a response to the formation of the First French Republic the previous year.

These are just our highlighted events, but if you'd like to learn more about what happened on this day, you can check out the link below!

Famous Birthdays

Are you celebrating your birthday today? If so, you're not the only one! Here are a few famous people that were also born on this day.

Today's Holidays

Every day has special holidays that are celebrated throughout the world, and today is no different! Here's two of today's special holidays you can participate in.

International

World Samosa Day

Celebrating World Samosa Day is easy - eat samosas! If you’re not familiar with them, samosas as a scrumptious triangular pastry from India. Often stuffed with spices and a mix of vegetables or minced meat, they’re so sinfully delicious it’s impossible just to eat one or two.

United States

National Be Late For Something Day

Being punctual certainly has its merits, but we often place too much importance on it. So National Be Late For Something Day is here to remind us to slow down a little, to stop and smell the roses, and to embrace being late for something - as long as it’s not too important, anyway!

Shower Thoughts

Don't you just love it when you're taking your morning shower, and that little voice in your head asks, "how many balloons would it take to float a human?"

We all have these strange thoughts at random times - and here are our shower thoughts of the day.

Fact Of The Day

Check out our daily facts page for fresh, random facts updated every day!

Fast Facts About Today

  • Day of Week

    Saturday

  • Day of Year

    Day 248

  • Week Number

    Week 36

  • Decade

    2020s

  • Moon Phase

    Waning Crescent

  • Leap Year

    2026 is not a leap year

  • Zodiac Sign

    Virgo

  • Birthstone

    Sapphire

  • Birth Flower

    Aster

Final Thoughts

Every date has its own story. From headline-making moments in history to notable birthdays, seasonal traditions, and small daily curiosities, this page is a quick reminder that there’s always something worth learning.

Check back anytime you want a fresh snapshot of what makes today truly unique.

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About The Author

Luke Ward
Owner

Luke Ward is the owner of The Fact Site. He has over 14 years of experience in researching, informative writing, fact-checking, SEO & web design. In his spare time, he loves to explore the world, drink coffee & attend trivia nights.

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