On September 18, 1870, a group of explorers stood on the banks of the Firehole River and watched as a geyser erupted in a towering column of steam and water. Amazed by its power and regularity, they gave it a name that has endured for more than 150 years — Old Faithful.
On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates from 12 states signed the US Constitution, laying the groundwork of our country’s government. Much of the document was inspired by the ideas of James Madison, leading him to be called the “Father of the Constitution.”
The Battle of Harlem Heights, fought on September 16, 1776, was one of the most important early morale-boosting victories for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. It came at a time when General George Washington and his troops were reeling from several defeats and desperately needed a reason to believe they could stand against the powerful British Army. Though the battle was relatively small compared to others in the war, it played an important role in lifting the spirits of the American troops and proving that they could go toe-to-toe with the British on the battlefield.
On September 15, 1831, the John Bull steam locomotive made its inaugural trip on New Jersey’s first railroad. It became a symbol of early railroad innovation and the beginning of a new era of transportation, marking a turning point that demonstrated the promise of steam power to move goods and passengers faster than ever before.
Eight days after being shot by an assassin at the Pan-American Expo, President McKinley died on September 14, 1901. His passing sent a wave of grief across the nation, as more than 200,000 people attended memorial ceremonies in Washington, DC and his home state of Ohio.
On September 11, 1935, workers broke ground on the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway near Cumberland Knob in North Carolina. Though it would take more than 50 years to complete, it’s been the most visited National Park Service site nearly every year since 1946, earning the nickname, “America’s Favorite Drive.”
On May 16, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson officially created the White Mountain National Forest, which resides mostly in New Hampshire (with about 5% of the forest in Maine). It’s the only national forest located in either state or the most eastern national forest in the country.
On May 11, 1910, an act of Congress officially created Glacier National Park in Montana. America’s 10th national park, its been called the “Crown of Continent.”
On April 28, 1948, Fort Sumter National Monument was established to preserve the site where the opening shots of the Civil War were fired. Twelve years later, nearby Fort Moultrie was added to the protected area. Together, they honor and preserve generations of American seacoast defense from the American Revolution to World War II.
After 40 years and two wars, the aeronautical division of the US military was established as its own branch, the Air Force, on September 18, 1947. Today, it’s the world’s largest air force.
On September 18, 1997, the USPS issued the US Air Force stamp, the first US stamp to have a hidden image using Scrambled Indicia.
On September 18, 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the US Capitol building in Washington, DC.
Joseph Story was born on September 18, 1779, in Marblehead, Massachusetts. He was the youngest person ever named to the Supreme Court and has been credited with reshaping American law.
Love history?
Subscribe to get This Day in History stories straight to your inbox every day!