1. In 1864, during the American Civil War, Union forces under General William T. Sherman captured the city of Marietta in Georgia. This was a strategic victory for the Union as it allowed them to continue their advance towards Atlanta.

2. On July 8, 1956, the famous civil rights activist and leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was arrested in Atlanta for violating the state's segregation laws. This arrest was one of many that King would experience in his fight for civil rights and equality for African Americans.

3. In 1977, the Atlanta Braves baseball team honored their former player, Hank Aaron, with a special night at the stadium. Aaron had recently broken Babe Ruth's all-time home run record and this event was a celebration of his achievement.

4. The city of Savannah, Georgia was founded on July 8, 1733, by General James Oglethorpe. He named the city after the Savannah River, which runs nearby. Today, Savannah is known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and vibrant culture.

5. On July 8, 1996, a bombing occurred at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. The explosion killed 2 people and injured more than 100 others. The event was later linked to a domestic terrorist named Eric Rudolph, who was finally captured and brought to justice in 2003.