1. US History This Day in American History August 31 1864 Battle of Jonesboro leads to fall of Atlanta - On this day in 1864, at the Battle of Jonesboro, Georgia, General William T. Sherman launches the attack that finally secures Atlanta, Georgia, for the Union, and seals the fate of Confederate General John Bell Hood’s army, which is forced to evacuate the area.

2. US History This Day in American History August 31 1886 Earthquake shakes Charleston, South Carolina - An earthquake near Charleston, South Carolina, on this day in 1886 leaves more than 100 people dead and hundreds of buildings destroyed. This was the largest recorded earthquake in the history of the southeastern United States.

3. US History This Day in American History August 31 1959 Sandy Koufax strikes out 18 - On August 31, 1959, Brooklyn Dodgers left-hander Sandy Koufax strikes out 18 batters, setting a new National League record for most strikeouts in a single game.

4. US History This Day in American History August 31 1985 Los Angeles mob attacks Night Stalker - Richard Ramirez, the notorious “Night Stalker,” is captured and nearly killed by a mob in East Los Angeles, California, after being recognized from a photograph shown both on television and in newspapers. Recently identified as the serial killer, Ramirez was pulled from the enraged mob by police officers.