The most important news item in 2001 is the events of September 11. A breakdown of the day comes from http://www.september11news.com/AttackImages.htm:

Hijacked jetliners hit the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon outside Washington. A fourth hijacked plane crashes into a field in Pennsylvania. Trading on Wall Street is stopped. The Federal Aviation Administration halts all flight operations at the nation's airports for the first time in U.S. history. U.S. military is placed on high alert. President Bush addresses the nation and vows to "find those responsible and bring them to justice." Hundreds of New York City firemen and policemen sent to rescue WTC workers are lost when the WTC Twin Towers collapse. Reaction from international leaders is swift as world leaders react with outrage over the attacks.

7:58 a.m. — United Airlines Flight 175 departs Boston for Los Angeles, carrying 56 passengers, two pilots, and seven flight attendants. The Boeing 767 is hijacked after takeoff and diverted to New York.

7:59 a.m. — American Airlines Flight 11 departs from Boston for Los Angeles, carrying 81 passengers, two pilots, and nine flight attendants. This Boeing 767 is also hijacked and diverted to New York.

8:01 a.m. — United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757 carrying 38 passengers, two pilots, and five flight attendants, leaves Newark, N.J., for San Francisco.

8:10 a.m. — American Airlines Flight 77 departs from Washington's Dulles International Airport for Los Angeles, carrying 58 passengers, two pilots, and four flight attendants. The Boeing 757 is hijacked after takeoff.

8:46 a.m. — American Flight 11 from Boston crashes into the North Tower at the World Trade Center.

9:03 a.m. — United Flight 175 from Boston crashes into the South Tower at the World Trade Center. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration shuts down all New York area airports.

9:21 a.m. — Bridges and tunnels leading into New York City are closed.

9:25 a.m. — All domestic flights are grounded by U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

9:45 a.m. — American Flight 77 crashes into The Pentagon.

10:05 a.m. — The South Tower at the World Trade Center collapses.

10:05 a.m. — The White House is evacuated.

10:10 a.m. — A large section of one side of The Pentagon collapses.

10:10 a.m. — United Flight 93 crashes in a wooded area in Pennsylvania, after passengers confront hijackers.

10:28 a.m. — The North Tower at the World Trade Center collapses.