This Day In History

Social worker Jane Addams was born on September 6, 1860, in Cedarville, Illinois. She was the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and is often considered the founder of the profession of social work in America. 

After decades of serving the poor in the harshest conditions, Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997. Known for her work with the poor, the sick, and the dying, she devoted her life to those who were suffering. Her faith made her a global symbol of charity, and her legacy continues to inspire people of all faiths and backgrounds.

After nearly 30 years fighting the outsiders that invaded his home, Geronimo surrendered on September 4, 1886. His surrender marked the end of Apache resistance and the close of the so-called “Indian Wars.”

After more than eight years of fighting, the American Revolutionary War came to an end on September 3, 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

One of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, Bing Crosby, was born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr. in Tacoma, Washington, on May 3, 1903. The first major star of multiple media, he was a leader in record sales, radio ratings, and motion picture sales.

American musician and songwriter Tito Puente was born on April 20, 1923, in New York City, New York.

On March 26, 1827, legendary composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven died in Vienna, Austria. One of the most well-known figures in Western music, his compositions are among the most performed in the classical music genre.

On March 22, 1963, the Beatles released their first full-length album, “Please Please Me.”

American folk artist Grandma Moses was born on September 7, 1860, in Greenwich, New York. Moses began painting in her 70s and became famous for her paintings depicting rural life.

On September 7, 1927, inventor Philo T. Farnsworth made his first successful presentation of the “image dissector,” a crucial part of the first televisions.

Ordered by a Congressional Act in 1794, the first American ship to be christened the Constellation was launched on September 7, 1797.  It was the first ship commissioned into the United States Navy; the first put to sea; and the first to fight, defeat, and capture an enemy vessel.

On September 7, 1813, a newspaper referred to the United States as “Uncle Sam.”  The name reportedly came from Troy, New York’s Uncle Sam Wilson, and has since become one of America’s most enduring national symbols.