Celebrated American author William Faulkner was born on September 25, 1897, in New Albany, Mississippi. Known for using a wide range of styles, Faulkner explored America’s geography, history, economy, and social and moral life in his writing.
Severo Ochoa de Albornoz was born on September 24, 1905, in Luarca, Spain. Ochoa researched how cells build proteins like RNA, which earned him the Nobel Prize in 1956.
Journalist Walter Lippmann was born on September 23, 1889, in New York City, New York. He’s been called the “most influential journalist” of the 20th century and the Father of Modern Journalism.
On September 22, 1956, the US Post Office issued its first commemorative stamp on colored paper. The stamp celebrated the 200th anniversary of Princeton’s Nassau Hall.
On September 20, 1947, former New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia died. Voted the best former mayor in America, he fought corruption and revitalized the city.
On September 19, 1777, the first Battle of Saratoga was fought at Freeman’s Farm. Though the British claimed victory, it set the stage for a second battle that would be an American victory and major turning point in the war.
On September 18, 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the US Capitol building in Washington, DC.
On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower left England. The Pilgrims braved rough seas and a harsh winter in search of a place to build a community based on their religious beliefs. They reached America and founded the settlement of Plymouth.
On September 14, 1716, the first lighthouse in what would become America was lit for the first time in Boston Harbor. In honor of its long history, it’s the only lighthouse in America to still have a light keeper today.