Hurricane Ike makes landfall in Galveston, Texas. Ike proves to be the third costliest Atlantic hurricane, causing over $29.5 billion in damage in the United States.
General John J. Pershing born
American General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, is born in Laclede, Missouri
British ships begin bombing Fort McHenry as it defends the Port of Baltimore. A witness to the bombing, Francis Scott Key begins writing the "Star-Spangled Banner" while aboard a British ship.
