This Day In History, August 29th

What happened on this day in history: Michael Jackson is born, Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans, and more events that occurred on August 29th.

1533: The Last Inca Emperor Is Executed

Atahuallpa, the last emperor of the Inca, is executed by conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The leader was known for being brave and ambitious, and he had recently led his forces to victory in a civil war against his half-brother over control of the empire. But in November 1532, he accepted an invitation to dine with Pizarro, who had him captured. Pizarro held Atahuallpa for nine months, accepting his ransom of 24 tons of gold and silver before killing him.


1911: The Last Surviving Member Of The Yahi Tribe Emerges In California

Today In History August 29

Wikimedia CommonsIshi in 1914.

Ishi, the last known member of the Indigenous Yahi people, emerges from the wilderness in Oroville, California. He had lived in isolation for years after his tribe was destroyed by genocide. Ishi means “man” in the Yahi language, and he was given this name because his people’s tradition demanded that he could not speak his own name until introduced by another Yahi. Since he was the last remaining tribe member, however, he died without ever revealing his true name.


1956: GG Allin Is Born

Punk rock legend GG Allin is born in New Hampshire. Known for his intense music and performances, GG Allin is one of the most shocking hardcore punk artists of all time. After growing up in a strict and abusive religious home, Allin sought to rebel. He initially looked to cross-dressing, music, and drugs to fulfill this need.

Later in life, Allin’s music career began taking off, and he gained a reputation as a madman on stage, often fighting audience members, defecating, and pouring blood over himself. In 1993, Allin was found dead due to an overdose after one of his shows. Today, GG Allin is known as one of the most outrageous artists to ever live.


1958: Michael Jackson Is Born

The “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, is born in Gary, Indiana. From a young age, Jackson was thrust into the music industry, performing in the Jackson 5 with his siblings when he was just six years old. He went on to become one of the most famous and successful musical artists in history. Jackson’s later life was marked by numerous controversies, including accusations of sexually abusing children, and he died in 2009 after suffering from cardiac arrest, which was caused by a lethal combination of drugs.


2005: Hurricane Katrina Hits New Orleans

Hurricane Katrina Flooding

Trinity CollegeThe flooded streets of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Hurricane Katrina makes landfall near Buras-Triumph, Louisiana as a Category 3 storm before devastating the city of New Orleans with its storm surge. After the flooding breached the levees surrounding New Orleans, 80 percent of the city was flooded. It’s estimated that over 1,800 people died in the storm, but many bodies were never recovered. Katrina also caused more than $160 billion in damage.