This Day In History, August 31

Here are some notable events that occurred on this day throughout history. 

1886 – The largest earthquake ever recorded in the southeastern US strikes near Charleston, SC. The quake, thought to be a 7.6 magnitude, kills more than 100 people and damages thousands of buildings.

1888 – The first victim of notorious murderer Jack the Ripper, prostitute Mary Ann Nichols is discovered in east London.

1897 – Famous inventor Thomas Edison patents the very first movie camera, the Kinetograph. (AP)

1939 – Adolf Hitler authorizes Nazi forces to invade Poland.

1949 – Actor and philanthropist Richard Gere is born in Philadelphia. (CBS)

1955 – The first ever solar-powered vehicle is demonstrated at the GM auto show in Chicago.

1980 – “Oklahoma” the musical ends its run at New York City’s Palace theater after 301 performances. (AP)