1. On September 8, 1944, Alabama native Paul W. Bryant began his reign as head coach of the University of Alabama football team. Over the course of his career, Bryant led the Crimson Tide to six national championship titles and became a legend in the college football world.

2. On September 8, 1958, six black students attempted to enroll in Tuskegee High School, but were met with angry protests and violence from white residents. The incident highlighted the ongoing struggle for desegregation in the state and the country as a whole.

3. September 8, 1931 was the birthdate of Alabama native Virgil Westdale, who became a well-known astronaut in the early days of space exploration. Westdale served on several missions for NASA and was instrumental in developing new technology for space travel.

4. On September 8, 1974, the Alabama Crimson Tide faced off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a highly anticipated college football game. The game, which was dubbed the "Game of the Decade," ended in a 13-11 victory for Notre Dame thanks to a late field goal by their kicker.

5. September 8, 1863 marked the beginning of the Union siege of Chattanooga during the Civil War. The battle would ultimately end in a victory for the Union and helped to secure control of the vital transportation hub of Chattanooga.