Name: Hurricane Katrina Devastates the U.S. Gulf Coast
Start: 2005-08-29
Location: Gulf Coast, Louisiana to Florida Panhandle, USA

Holidays on August 29, 2026:

Pony Express Day

Pony Express Day, 8/29/2026, relive the Wild West's daring mail service history through reenactments, exhibits, and educational programs. more >>

Get ready to sweat and try out new activities! This day is all about exploring different sports and games, finding new passions and making unforgettable memories with friends and family. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just looking to stay active, ... more >>

Chop Suey Day

Savoring the flavors of Chinese-American cuisine, this festive day is all about indulging in a delicious stir-fry dish that's a staple in many restaurants and households. With its origins dating back to the late 19th century, Chop Suey has become a b... more >>

International Day against Nuclear Tests

International Day against Nuclear Tests, 8/29/2026: Raise awareness about nuclear testing's devastating effects on the environment, human health, and global security. more >>

Speak Kind Words Saturday

"Join Speak Kind Words Saturday on 8/29/2026 and spread positivity through verbal affirmations, uplifting others and creating a ripple effect of kindness in your community." more >>

Individual Rights Day

Discover the truth about Individual Rights Day on August 29, 2026. Is it a real holiday or a mistake? more >>

Lemon Juice Day

Discover the truth behind Lemon Juice Day on August 29, 2026. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? more >>

"According to Hoyle" Day

Discover the fascinating history of card games, dating back to the 17th century, as people celebrate the genius of Edmond Hoyle, the father of whist and the writer of rules for various card games. more >>

More Herbs, Less Salt Day

More Herbs, Less Salt Day, 8/29/2026: Discover the flavor and health benefits of herbs and spices, and learn how to cook with less salt. more >>

Birthdays on August 29:

Michael Jackson

Died in 2009, aged 50

A pop culture icon who redefined music, dance, and fashion with his groundbreaking albums, mesmerizing performances, and signature moonwalk. He is synonymous with innovation and en...

Ingrid Bergman

Died in 1982, aged 67

A legendary actress who captivated audiences with her natural, emotional performances in films like "Casablanca" and "Autumn Sonata", earning her three Academy Awards.

Richard Attenborough

Died in 2014, aged 90

A renowned actor, director, and producer who brought iconic films like "Gandhi" and "Jurassic Park" to life, earning numerous awards and accolades.

Chris Hadfield

66 Years Old

A highly decorated military pilot and astronaut who commanded the International Space Station, known for his incredible spacewalks and making space exploration accessible through s...

John McCain

Died in 2018, aged 81

A decorated war hero and senator, known for his bravery as a POW and his influential role in shaping US politics.

James Hunt

Died in 1993, aged 45

A charismatic and fearless Formula One driver turned TV commentator, known for his dashing good looks, party lifestyle, and iconic rivalry with Niki Lauda.

Bob Beamon

79 Years Old

A legendary long jumper who shattered the world record by an unprecedented 21.75 inches at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, earning him the nickname "Beamonesque".

Lea Michele

39 Years Old

Star of the hit TV show Glee, known for her powerful vocals and iconic character Rachel Berry. She has also released several successful albums and written a bestselling memoir.

Temple Grandin

78 Years Old

A renowned autism spokesperson and innovator in animal behavior, known for designing humane livestock handling systems and advocating for autism awareness.

John Locke

Died in 1704, aged 72

A 17th-century thinker who laid the groundwork for modern democracy, arguing that governments derive their power from the people and that individuals have inherent rights to life, ...

William Friedkin

Died in 2023, aged 87

Acclaimed filmmaker behind iconic movies like "The Exorcist" and "The French Connection", known for his gritty, realistic, and suspenseful storytelling style.

Arthur B. McDonald

82 Years Old

A renowned astrophysicist and academic who led the team that discovered neutrino oscillations, proving that neutrinos have mass, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2015.

Events from History on August 29:

116 years ago

Japan annexes Korea, starting 35-year occupation (Korea) 1910

Korean independence crumbled on this fateful day when the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1910 came into effect, officially marking the beginning of Japanese rule in Korea. This treaty, orchestrated by Japanese Resident-General of Korea, Terauchi Masatake, and Korean Emperor Sunjong, stripped Korea of its sovereignty, annexing the nation to Japan. The treaty's signing was a culmination of years of Japanese coercion, with the Japanese government exploiting Korea's political instability to its advantage. Over the next 35 years, Japanese rule would drastically alter Korean culture, language, and identity, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's psyche. The occupation would only end with Japan's defeat in World War II.

77 years ago

Soviet Union's First Atomic Bomb Test (Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan) 1949

In the heart of the Kazakh desert, a team of Soviet scientists, led by Igor Kurchatov, had been working tirelessly to bridge the nuclear gap with the West. On a fateful day, the RDS-1, codenamed "First Lightning" or "Joe 1," was finally ready to unleash its fury. The atomic bomb, with a yield of 22 kilotons, was detonated at the Semipalatinsk Test Site, sending a massive mushroom cloud into the sky, marking the Soviet Union's triumphant entry into the nuclear club.

184 years ago

Treaty of Nanking ends First Opium War between China and Britain (Nanjing, Jiangsu, China) 1842

The ink has dried on the Treaty of Nanking, and with it, the First Opium War between China and Britain comes to a close. This humiliating defeat for China marks the beginning of a tumultuous "Century of Humiliation" as foreign powers carve up the country. The treaty forces China to open up five ports to British trade, including Hong Kong, and demands massive reparations. This unequal treaty sets the stage for further Western exploitation, forever changing the course of Chinese history.

270 years ago

Frederick the Great invades Saxony, sparking the Seven Years' War (Saxony, Germany) 1756

In a daring move, Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, launched a surprise attack on Saxony, catching its rulers off guard. This bold strike ignited the flames of the Seven Years' War, a global conflict that would engulf Europe and beyond. With his army of 60,000, Frederick aimed to annex Saxony and secure a crucial trade route. The Saxon forces, vastly outnumbered, were quickly overwhelmed, and their king, Augustus III, fled to Warsaw. As the war escalated, other European powers like Austria, Russia, and Britain would take sides, entangling the continent in a complex web of alliances and rivalries. The Seven Years' War would ultimately redraw the map of Europe and leave a lasting impact on global politics.

35 years ago

Supreme Soviet suspends Soviet Communist Party activities (Moscow, Soviet Union) 1991

The Soviet Union's highest governing body, the Supreme Soviet, dropped a political bombshell when it suspended all activities of the Soviet Communist Party, effectively crippling the once-almighty organization. This unprecedented move marked a significant shift in the Soviet Union's power dynamics, as the Communist Party had dominated the country's politics for decades. With this bold decision, the Supreme Soviet sought to curb the Party's influence and pave the way for democratic reforms.

21 years ago

Hurricane Katrina Devastates the U.S. Gulf Coast (Gulf Coast, Louisiana to Florida Panhandle, USA) 2005

The fury of Hurricane Katrina unleashed its wrath on the U.S. Gulf Coast, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in its wake. The Category 5 behemoth made landfall on August 29, 2005, bringing with it howling winds of up to 175 mph and torrential rains that submerged cities and towns under a deluge of water. The storm's fury was merciless, ravaging the coastal regions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, and leaving countless lives shattered. The staggering toll: up to 1,836 lives lost, and a staggering $125 billion in damage.

Notable Deaths on August 29:

2016Gene Wilder Beloved American comic genius

2021Ed Asner American acting legend

1982Ingrid Bergman Swedish screen siren and cinematic legend

1981Lowell Thomas Golden-voiced journalist and bestselling author

1931David T. Abercrombie A pioneering entrepreneur who founded Abercrombie & Fitch, a iconic outdoor retailer

1987Lee Marvin Tough-guy actor and Hollywood icon

2021Jacques Rogge Noted Olympic sailor and accomplished orthopedic surgeon who led the International Olympic Committee

1975Ã?amon de Valera A decorated war hero and statesman who served as President of Ireland

2001Francisco Rabal Prolific actor, director, and screenwriter

2007Alfred Peet Visionary entrepreneur and founder of Peet's Coffee

1971Nathan Freudenthal Leopold Jr. A notorious criminal who committed a heinous crime

2008Geoffrey Perkins Talented actor, producer, and screenwriter with a flair

1977Jean Hagen A talented actress who captivated audiences with her performances

1985Evelyn Ankers Dashing British-American actress and style icon

1987Archie Campbell Renaissance man of stage, screen, and comedy

2013Bruce C. Murray Geologist and space pioneer

1990Manly Palmer Hall Mystic and scholar of esoteric knowledge

1533Atahualpa Inca emperor who resisted the Spanish conquest of his empire

2023Mike Enriquez Prolific Filipino journalist and news anchor with a long-running career

1972Lale Andersen A talented singer-songwriter who electrified audiences with her music

Play Music on the Porch Day