This Day in History
The Mayflower Departs England for America
On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower left England to establish a colony in America.
John Bull Takes Its First Ride
On September 15, 1831, the John Bull steam locomotive made its inaugural trip on New Jersey’s first railroad.
President McKinley Dies
Eight days after being shot by an assassin at the Pan-American Expo, President McKinley died on September 14, 1901.
New York City Becomes America’s First Capital
On September 13, 1788, New York City was established as America’s first capital under the Constitution of the United States.
Birth of Superstar Athlete Jesse Owens
Born on September 12, 1913, Jesse Owens broke several track and field records and won four Olympic gold medals. He was ranked as the greatest athlete in the history of his sport.
9/11 Terrorist Attacks and the Fate of the Ground Zero Flag
At 8:46 a.m. on the morning of September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of New York City’s World Trade Center, changing our world forever.
Elias Howe Patents First Lockstitch Sewing Machine
After eight years of tinkering, Elias Howe was awarded the first U.S. patent for a practical lockstitch sewing machine on September 10, 1846.
The “United Colonies” Become “United States”
On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared that the United Colonies would now be known as the United States.
Pledge of Allegiance First Published
On September 8, 1892, Francis Bellamy’s Pledge of Allegiance was published in The Youth’s Companion magazine to promote patriotism among children.