On This Day

What Happened on

A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on September 21 throughout history.

105

Events

13

Births

1

Deaths

Historical Events on September 21

King James I of England gives Scottish courtier and poet William Alexander a royal charter to colonize Nova Scotia

King James I of England gives Scottish courtier and poet William Alexander a royal charter to colonize Nova Scotia

French First Republic is formed by the National Convention, stripping the French king of his powers

In the history of France, the First Republic (French: Première République), sometimes referred to in historiography as Revolutionary France, and officially the French Republic (French: République...

Empress Dowager Cixi seizes power and ends the Hundred Days' Reform in China, imprisoning the Guangxu Emperor

The Chinese Empire Reform Association, abbreviated as CERA, was known in Chinese as Baojiu Da-Qing Huangdi Hui, Chinese: 保救大清皇帝會; lit.

Cecil Chubb buys the prehistoric monument Stonehenge for £6,600 and later donates it to the British nation

Cecil Chubb buys the prehistoric monument Stonehenge for £6,600 and later donates it to the British nation

US President Warren G. Harding signs a joint resolution of approval to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine

US President Warren G. Harding signs a joint resolution of approval to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine

Spanish fascist junta names Francisco Franco Generalísimo and Supreme Commander

Francisco Paulino Hermenegildo Teódulo Franco Bahamonde (4 December 1892 – 20 November 1975) was a Spanish general who led the Nationalist forces in overthrowing the Second Spanish Republic during...

Mao Zedong and Chinese Communist leaders announce the establishment of the People's Republic of China at the first plena

Mao Zedong and Chinese Communist leaders announce the establishment of the People's Republic of China at the first plenary session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference at the Huairen Hall in Zhongnanhai, Peking

J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is published by George Allen and Unwin in London

The Hobbit, or There and Back Again is a children's fantasy novel by the English author J. R. R. Tolkien.

Green Day releases their album "American Idiot" in the US

Green Day is an American rock band formed in Rodeo, California, in 1987, by the lead singer and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and the bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, with the drummer Tré...

NFL players begin a 57-day strike

NFL players begin a 57-day strike

English Prince John of Gaunt marries Constance of Castile (17), heir of Peter of Castile and Leon

John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was an English prince, military leader and statesman. He was the fourth son of King Edward III, and the father of King Henry IV.

American jazz pianist Dave Brubeck (21) weds American college sweetheart and music promoter Iola Whitlock (19) at the C

American jazz pianist Dave Brubeck (21) weds American college sweetheart and music promoter Iola Whitlock (19) at the Carson City Methodist Church rectory in Carson City, Nevada, until his death in 2012

Publisher Malcolm Forbes (26) weds Roberta Remsen Laidlaw

Publisher Malcolm Forbes (26) weds Roberta Remsen Laidlaw

Actor and host Wayne Brady (23) divorces Diana Lasso after almost 2 years of marriage

Actor and host Wayne Brady (23) divorces Diana Lasso after almost 2 years of marriage

Battle of St Matthews Day: German forces defeat Estonian army and kill their leader Lembitu, during Northern Crusades to

Battle of St Matthews Day: German forces defeat Estonian army and kill their leader Lembitu, during Northern Crusades to Christianize the north

Jews in Zurich, Switzerland, are accused of poisoning wells

The persecution of Jews during the Black Death consisted of a series of violent mass attacks and massacres. Jewish communities were often blamed for outbreaks of the Black Death in Europe.

Portuguese, led by Henry the Navigator, assault Moroccan city of Tangiers, later ends in disaster when they are surround

Portuguese, led by Henry the Navigator, assault Moroccan city of Tangiers, later ends in disaster when they are surrounded by the army of vizier Abu Zakariya Yahya al-Wattasi of Fez

Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa orders Jews of Holland to wear a badge

Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa orders Jews of Holland to wear a badge

Shrine of Saint Swithun in Winchester smashed up in the middle of the night as part of the English Reformation

Shrine of Saint Swithun in Winchester smashed up in the middle of the night as part of the English Reformation

French bishops recognize Henry IV as King of France

Henry IV's succession to the French throne in 1589 was followed by a war of succession to establish his legitimacy, which was part of the French Wars of Religion (1562–1598).

Beginning of the Battle at Pilawce: Bohdan Khmelnytsky's Cossacks defeat the Polish army of John Casimir II (battle ends

Beginning of the Battle at Pilawce: Bohdan Khmelnytsky's Cossacks defeat the Polish army of John Casimir II (battle ends 23 Sept) [NS]

Benedetto Odescalchi elected as Pope Innocent XI

Pope Innocent XI (Latin: Innocentius XI; Italian: Innocenzo XI; 16 May 1611 – 12 August 1689), born Benedetto Odescalchi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 21...

Jan and Nicolaas van der Heyden patent the fire hose

Jan and Nicolaas van der Heyden patent the fire hose

Battle of Preston Pans: Bonnie Prince Charles beats British government army

Battle of Preston Pans: Bonnie Prince Charles beats British government army

French expeditionary army occupies Labourdonnais and Dupleix Madras

French expeditionary army occupies Labourdonnais and Dupleix Madras

Antoine de Beauterne announces he has killed the Beast of Gévaudan, but was later proved wrong by more attacks

The Beast of Gévaudan is the historic name associated with a man-eating animal or animals that terrorized the former province of Gévaudan (consisting of the modern-day department of Lozère and part...

5 days after British take New York, a quarter of the city burns down

The written history of New York City begins with the arrival of the first European explorer to the area, Italian Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1528 and his brief interactions with the Indigenous Lenape.

Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser becomes the 1st successful daily newspaper in the United States

Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser becomes the 1st successful daily newspaper in the United States

Inauguration of King Willem I of the Netherlands in Brussels

William II (Dutch: Willem II, French: Guillaume II; 6 December 1792 – 17 March 1849) was King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Duke of Limburg.

According to Joseph Smith Jr., the angel Moroni gave him a record of gold plates, one-third of which Joseph translated i

According to Joseph Smith Jr., the angel Moroni gave him a record of gold plates, one-third of which Joseph translated into The Book of Mormon

In the Second Opium War, an Anglo-French force defeats Chinese troops at the Battle of Baliqiao

The Second Opium War (simplified Chinese: 第二次鸦片战争; traditional Chinese: 第二次鴉片戰爭), also known as the Second Anglo-Chinese War or Arrow War, was fought between the United Kingdom and France against the...

Union forces retreat to Chattanooga after defeat at Chickamauga

The Battle of Chickamauga, fought on September 18–20, 1863, between the United States Army and Confederate forces in the American Civil War, marked the end of a U.S.

John Henry Conyers of South Carolina becomes first black student at Annapolis

John Henry Conyers of South Carolina becomes first black student at Annapolis

First direct US-Brazil telegraph connection

First direct US-Brazil telegraph connection

Dutch demonstrate for general voting rights

Dutch demonstrate for general voting rights

Frank Duryea drives the first American-made gas-propelled vehicle

Frank Duryea drives the first American-made gas-propelled vehicle

America's first automotive producer, the Duryea Motor Wagon Company, is founded by Charles and J. Frank Duryea

America's first automotive producer, the Duryea Motor Wagon Company, is founded by Charles and J. Frank Duryea

NY Sun runs famous "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" editorial in response to a letter from eight-year-old Virgini

NY Sun runs famous "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" editorial in response to a letter from eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon

First cowboy film "Kit Carson" premieres in US

First cowboy film "Kit Carson" premieres in US

The general strike called by the Socialist Party that spread throughout Italy ends

A general strike (or mass strike) is a strike action in which a substantial proportion of the total labour force in a city, region, or country participates.

Atlanta Life Insurance Co forms

Atlanta Life Insurance Co forms

New York Highlanders first baseman Hal Chase has 22 put-outs to tie MLB record in a 6-3 win over Chicago White Sox at So

New York Highlanders first baseman Hal Chase has 22 put-outs to tie MLB record in a 6-3 win over Chicago White Sox at South Side Park

France's Adolphe Pégoud becomes the second pilot to fly a loop

France's Adolphe Pégoud becomes the second pilot to fly a loop

A storage silo at a BASF fertiliser producing plant explodes in Oppau, Germany, 500—600 killed

A storage silo at a BASF fertiliser producing plant explodes in Oppau, Germany, 500—600 killed

First issue of the magazine "My Weekly Reader" is published

Weekly Reader was a weekly educational classroom magazine designed for children. It began in 1928 as My Weekly Reader.

First legal pass in Canada is thrown by Gerry Seiberling, and first reception is made by Ralph Losie of the Calgary Alto

First legal pass in Canada is thrown by Gerry Seiberling, and first reception is made by Ralph Losie of the Calgary Altomah-Tigers against Edmonton

Britain abandons gold standard; pound devalues 20%

A gold standard is a monetary system in which the standard economic unit of account is based on a fixed quantity of gold.

Trial against Marinus der Lubbe opens

Marinus van der Lubbe was a Dutch communist who was tried, convicted, and executed by the government of Nazi Germany for setting fire to the Reichstag building—the national parliament of Germany—on...

St Louis Cardinals pitching Dean brothers shut-out Brooklyn Dodgers in a doubleheader; Dizzy, in a 13-0 rout and Paul, w

St Louis Cardinals pitching Dean brothers shut-out Brooklyn Dodgers in a doubleheader; Dizzy, in a 13-0 rout and Paul, with a 3-0 no-hitter

hostages executed by Nazis in Paris

The city of Paris started mobilizing for war in September 1939, when Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union attacked Poland, but the war seemed far away until 10 May 1940, when the Germans attacked France...

Japanese troops withdrawal from Arundel Island in the Solomon Islands

The Battle of Arundel Island was fought from 27 August – 21 September 1943, primarily between United States Army and Imperial Japanese Army forces on Arundel Island during the New Georgia campaign in...

Operation Market Garden: Last British paratroopers at Arnhem Bridge surrender after several days of fighting

Operation Market Garden was an Allied military operation during the Second World War fought in the German-occupied Netherlands from 17 to 25 September 1944.

Indians play their final game in League Park, ending a 55-year stay

Indians play their final game in League Park, ending a 55-year stay

George Marshall sworn in as the 3rd Secretary of Defense of the United States

Since the 19th century, the United States government has participated and interfered, both overtly and covertly, in the replacement of many foreign governments.

MLB Boston Braves play what turns out to be their last home game at Braves Field in Boston, losing to the Brooklyn Dodge

MLB Boston Braves play what turns out to be their last home game at Braves Field in Boston, losing to the Brooklyn Dodgers 8–2 before crowd of 8,822; team relocates to Milwaukee before start of next season

KRDO TV channel 13 in Colorado Spgs-Pueblo, CO (ABC) 1st broadcast

KRDO TV channel 13 in Colorado Spgs-Pueblo, CO (ABC) 1st broadcast

Eelco Van Kleffens appointed President of the ninth session of the UN General Assembly

Eelco Van Kleffens appointed President of the ninth session of the UN General Assembly

New York Yankees set dubious MLB record, stranding 20 on base; Mickey Mantle hits a 500' plus homer but rival Boston Red

New York Yankees set dubious MLB record, stranding 20 on base; Mickey Mantle hits a 500' plus homer but rival Boston Red Sox win 13-9 at Fenway Park

American pilots Jim Heth and Bill Burkhart complete the first airplane flight exceeding 1,200 hours (50 days, 16 minutes

American pilots Jim Heth and Bill Burkhart complete the first airplane flight exceeding 1,200 hours (50 days, 16 minutes), landing "The Old Scotchman," their modified Cessna 172, in Dallas, Texas; the record is broken 123 days later [1]

Indian Dutch emigrate to US

Indian Dutch emigrate to US

Antonio Albertondo of Argentina completes the first double-crossing swim of the English Channel in 43 hours and 10 minut

Antonio Albertondo of Argentina completes the first double-crossing swim of the English Channel in 43 hours and 10 minutes at age 42

Malta gains independence from the United Kingdom

Independence Day (Maltese: Jum l-Indipendenza) is one of the five national holidays in Malta. It celebrates the day the country gained independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1964.

Olga Kommissarova (USSR) sets the women's parachute record at 45,300 feet

Olga Kommissarova (USSR) sets the women's parachute record at 45,300 feet

Five inches of rain falls on NYC

Five inches of rain falls on NYC

US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site

The Nevada National Security Sites (N2S2 or NNSS), popularized as the Nevada Test Site (NTS) until 2010, is a reservation of the United States Department of Energy located in the southeastern portion...

Police drama "Adam-12" debuts on NBC in the US

Police drama "Adam-12" debuts on NBC in the US

AFL New York Jets Steve O'Neal (23) kicks 98 yard punt, the longest professional American football punt in Denver agains

AFL New York Jets Steve O'Neal (23) kicks 98 yard punt, the longest professional American football punt in Denver against the Broncos

Oakland A's Vida Blue no-hits Minnesota Twins, 6-0

Vida Rochelle Blue Jr. (July 28, 1949 – May 6, 2023) was an American professional baseball player.

AL OKs Washington Senator move to Arlington (Texas Rangers)

AL OKs Washington Senator move to Arlington (Texas Rangers)

Nate Archibald signs a 7-year contract with the NBA's Kansas City Kings for $450,000

Nate Archibald signs a 7-year contract with the NBA's Kansas City Kings for $450,000

The Provisional Irish Republican Army explodes bombs at the RAF airfield near Eglinton, County Londonderry; the terminal

The Provisional Irish Republican Army explodes bombs at the RAF airfield near Eglinton, County Londonderry; the terminal building, two aircraft hangars and four planes are destroyed

José Eduardo dos Santos becomes President of Angola

José Eduardo dos Santos was an Angolan politician and military officer who served as the second president of Angola from 1979 to 2017.

Kerry GAA beat Roscommon GAA in Croke Park during the All-Ireland Football Final by 1-9 to 1-6 thus winning the champion

Kerry GAA beat Roscommon GAA in Croke Park during the All-Ireland Football Final by 1-9 to 1-6 thus winning the championship and a three-in-a-row.

Belize (British Honduras) gains independence from the United Kingdom

British Honduras was a Crown colony on the east coast of Central America — specifically located on the southern edge of the Yucatán Peninsula from 1783 to 1964, then a self-governing colony — renamed...

MLB Philadelphia Phillies lefthander Steve Carlton strikes out NL record 3,118th (Andre Dawson)

MLB Philadelphia Phillies lefthander Steve Carlton strikes out NL record 3,118th (Andre Dawson)

2,251 turn out to see Expos play NY Mets at Shea Stadium

2,251 turn out to see Expos play NY Mets at Shea Stadium

11 killed in anti Marcos demonstrations in Manila

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr. (September 11, 1917 – September 28, 1989) was a Filipino lawyer, politician, and kleptocrat who served as the tenth and longest serving president of the...

David Mamet's play "Glengarry Glen Ross" premieres in London

Glengarry Glen Ross is a 1983 stage play written by the American playwright David Mamet.

NASA launches Galaxy-C

NASA launches Galaxy-C

3 Belgian minesweepers depart to Persians Gulf

3 Belgian minesweepers depart to Persians Gulf

East German swimmer Silke Hörner sets world record 2:26.71 to win the 200m breaststroke gold medal at the Seoul Olympics

East German swimmer Silke Hörner sets world record 2:26.71 to win the 200m breaststroke gold medal at the Seoul Olympics; first of 2 gold (4 x 100m medley relay)

Mike Tyson smashes TV camera outside his Bernardsville, New Jersey home

Mike Tyson smashes TV camera outside his Bernardsville, New Jersey home

Poland's Sejm (National Assembly) approves prime minister Mazowiecki

Tadeusz Mazowiecki was a Polish author, journalist, philanthropist and politician, formerly one of the leaders of the Solidarity movement, and the first non-communist Polish prime minister since...

MLB Commissioner Faye Vincent turns down Chicago White Sox bid to reinstate 68-year-old Minnie Miñoso

MLB Commissioner Faye Vincent turns down Chicago White Sox bid to reinstate 68-year-old Minnie Miñoso

Armenia votes on whether to remain in Soviet Union

A referendum on the future of the Soviet Union was held on 17 March 1991 across the Soviet Union.

Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Ft Lauderdale and Miami Floroda on WBGG 105.9 FM

Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Ft Lauderdale and Miami Floroda on WBGG 105.9 FM

The Hindu milk miracle occurs: Hindu worshippers claim that statues of the Hindu God Ganesh begin drinking milk when spo

The Hindu milk miracle occurs: Hindu worshippers claim that statues of the Hindu God Ganesh begin drinking milk when spoonfuls are placed near their mouths

Mike Piazza is 2nd to hit a HR out of Dodger Stadium

Mike Piazza is 2nd to hit a HR out of Dodger Stadium

NY Yankee Cecil Fielder hits his 300th HR

NY Yankee Cecil Fielder hits his 300th HR

TV comedy "Will & Grace" starring Eric McCormack and Debra Messing premieres in the US

Will & Grace is an American television sitcom created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan.

Chi-Chi earthquake occurs in central Taiwan, leaving about 2,400 people dead

Chi-Chi earthquake occurs in central Taiwan, leaving about 2,400 people dead

AZF chemical plant explodes in Toulouse, France, killing 31 people

AZF chemical plant explodes in Toulouse, France, killing 31 people

Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) People's War and the Maoist Communist Centre of India merge to form the Comm

Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) People's War and the Maoist Communist Centre of India merge to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist)

George Clooney is injured in a motorcycle accident in Weehawken, New Jersey

George Timothy Clooney is an American and French actor and filmmaker. Known for his leading man roles on screen in both blockbuster and independent films, Clooney has received numerous accolades,...

60th Emmy Awards: Mad Men, 30 Rock, Bryan Cranston & Glenn Close win

60th Emmy Awards: Mad Men, 30 Rock, Bryan Cranston & Glenn Close win

Macedonia officially enters the recession after experiencing a drop in GDP of 0.9% in the first quarter, followed by 1.4

Macedonia officially enters the recession after experiencing a drop in GDP of 0.9% in the first quarter, followed by 1.4% in the second quarter

Scandinavian crime drama "The Bridge" created by Hans Rosenfeldt, starring Sofia Helin and Kim Bodnia premieres

The Bridge is a Nordic noir crime television series created and written by Hans Rosenfeldt.

Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, wins a leadership ballot

Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, wins a leadership ballot

people are killed in a series of attacks across Iraq

Estimates of the casualties from the Iraq War (beginning with the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the ensuing occupation and insurgency and civil war) have come in several forms, and those estimates of...

Andre Ward, unified light heavyweight champion and world’s top pound-for-pound boxer, announces his retirement

Andre Michael Ward is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017.

"Queer Eye" star Jonathan Van Ness reveals he is living with HIV and is a sexual abuse survivor, ahead of the publicatio

"Queer Eye" star Jonathan Van Ness reveals he is living with HIV and is a sexual abuse survivor, ahead of the publication of his autobiography

Canadian province of Quebec expands restrictions, declaring it is in a second COVID-19 wave as cases across the country

Canadian province of Quebec expands restrictions, declaring it is in a second COVID-19 wave as cases across the country average 1,000 a day

McDonald's announces plans to drastically reduce plastic in its Happy Meals by 2025; these meals make it one of the larg

McDonald's announces plans to drastically reduce plastic in its Happy Meals by 2025; these meals make it one of the largest toy distributors in the world [1]

An explosion at a coal mine in Tabas, eastern Iran, kills at least 50 people and leaves others trapped underground [1]

An explosion at a coal mine in Tabas, eastern Iran, kills at least 50 people and leaves others trapped underground [1]

Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal announce support of statehood for Palestine [1]

As of September 2025, the State of Palestine is recognized as a sovereign state by 157 of the 193 member states of the United Nations (UN), or just over 80% of all UN members.

Famous Births on September 21

birth

Stephen King is born

Stephen King, American author, known for american author, was born on 1948-09-21. Stephen Edwin King is an American author.

birth

Samantha Power is born

Samantha Power, American academic, author and diplomat, known for american academic, author and diplomat, was born on 1971-09-21.

birth

Larry Hagman is born

Larry Hagman, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1931-09-21. Larry Martin Hagman (September 21, 1931 – November 23, 2012) was an American actor, best known for playing ruthless oil…

birth

Jack Brisco is born

Jack Brisco, American professional wrestler and amateur wrestler, known for american professional wrestler and amateur wrestler, was born on 1941-09-21.

birth

Bill Murray is born

Bill Murray, American actor and comedian, known for american actor and comedian, was born on 1951-09-21.

birth

Faith Hill is born

Faith Hill, American singer and actress, known for american singer and actress, was born on 1968-09-21. Audrey Faith McGraw, known professionally as Faith Hill, is an American singer and actress.

birth

Ricki Lake is born

Ricki Lake, American television host and actress, known for american television host and actress, was born on 1969-09-21. Ricki Pamela Lake is an American television host and actress.

birth

Joseph Mazzello is born

Joseph Mazzello, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1984-09-21. Joseph Francis Mazzello III is an American actor.

birth

Leonard Cohen is born

Leonard Cohen, Canadian musician, known for canadian singer-songwriter and poet, was born on 1934-09-21.

birth

Howie Morenz is born

Howie Morenz, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player, was born on 1902-09-21. Howard William Morenz (September 21, 1902 – March 8, 1937) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player.

birth

Cecil Fielder is born

Cecil Fielder, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1964-09-21.

birth

Curtly Ambrose is born

Curtly Ambrose is born

birth

Chris Gayle is born

Chris Gayle, Jamaican athlete, known for jamaican cricketer, was born on 1980-09-21.

Notable Deaths on September 21

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 21, 1621?
King James I of England gives Scottish courtier and poet William Alexander a royal charter to colonize Nova Scotia
What happened on September 21, 1792?
In the history of France, the First Republic (French: Première République), sometimes referred to in historiography as Revolutionary France, and officially the French Republic (French: République...
What happened on September 21, 1898?
The Chinese Empire Reform Association, abbreviated as CERA, was known in Chinese as Baojiu Da-Qing Huangdi Hui, Chinese: 保救大清皇帝會; lit.
What happened on September 21, 1915?
Cecil Chubb buys the prehistoric monument Stonehenge for £6,600 and later donates it to the British nation
What happened on September 21, 1922?
US President Warren G. Harding signs a joint resolution of approval to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine

Complete Timeline — September 21 Through the Ages

  1. Battle of St Matthews Day: German forces defeat Estonian army and kill their leader Lembitu, during Northern Crusades to

    Battle of St Matthews Day: German forces defeat Estonian army and kill their leader Lembitu, during Northern Crusades to Christianize the north

  2. Jews in Zurich, Switzerland, are accused of poisoning wells

    The persecution of Jews during the Black Death consisted of a series of violent mass attacks and massacres. Jewish communities were often blamed for outbreaks of the Black Death in Europe.

  3. English Prince John of Gaunt marries Constance of Castile (17), heir of Peter of Castile and Leon

    John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was an English prince, military leader and statesman. He was the fourth son of King Edward III, and the father of King Henry IV.

  4. Portuguese, led by Henry the Navigator, assault Moroccan city of Tangiers, later ends in disaster when they are surround

    Portuguese, led by Henry the Navigator, assault Moroccan city of Tangiers, later ends in disaster when they are surrounded by the army of vizier Abu Zakariya Yahya al-Wattasi of Fez

  5. Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa orders Jews of Holland to wear a badge

    Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa orders Jews of Holland to wear a badge

  6. Shrine of Saint Swithun in Winchester smashed up in the middle of the night as part of the English Reformation

    Shrine of Saint Swithun in Winchester smashed up in the middle of the night as part of the English Reformation

  7. Girolamo Cardano dies

    Girolamo Cardano, French renaissance polymath, known for italian renaissance polymath, died on 1576-09-21.

  8. French bishops recognize Henry IV as King of France

    Henry IV's succession to the French throne in 1589 was followed by a war of succession to establish his legitimacy, which was part of the French Wars of Religion (1562–1598).

  9. King James I of England gives Scottish courtier and poet William Alexander a royal charter to colonize Nova Scotia

    King James I of England gives Scottish courtier and poet William Alexander a royal charter to colonize Nova Scotia

  10. Beginning of the Battle at Pilawce: Bohdan Khmelnytsky's Cossacks defeat the Polish army of John Casimir II (battle ends

    Beginning of the Battle at Pilawce: Bohdan Khmelnytsky's Cossacks defeat the Polish army of John Casimir II (battle ends 23 Sept) [NS]

  11. Benedetto Odescalchi elected as Pope Innocent XI

    Pope Innocent XI (Latin: Innocentius XI; Italian: Innocenzo XI; 16 May 1611 – 12 August 1689), born Benedetto Odescalchi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 21...

  12. Jan and Nicolaas van der Heyden patent the fire hose

    Jan and Nicolaas van der Heyden patent the fire hose

  13. Battle of Preston Pans: Bonnie Prince Charles beats British government army

    Battle of Preston Pans: Bonnie Prince Charles beats British government army

  14. French expeditionary army occupies Labourdonnais and Dupleix Madras

    French expeditionary army occupies Labourdonnais and Dupleix Madras

  15. Antoine de Beauterne announces he has killed the Beast of Gévaudan, but was later proved wrong by more attacks

    The Beast of Gévaudan is the historic name associated with a man-eating animal or animals that terrorized the former province of Gévaudan (consisting of the modern-day department of Lozère and part...

  16. 5 days after British take New York, a quarter of the city burns down

    The written history of New York City begins with the arrival of the first European explorer to the area, Italian Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1528 and his brief interactions with the Indigenous Lenape.

  17. Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser becomes the 1st successful daily newspaper in the United States

    Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser becomes the 1st successful daily newspaper in the United States

  18. French First Republic is formed by the National Convention, stripping the French king of his powers

    In the history of France, the First Republic (French: Première République), sometimes referred to in historiography as Revolutionary France, and officially the French Republic (French: République...

  19. Inauguration of King Willem I of the Netherlands in Brussels

    William II (Dutch: Willem II, French: Guillaume II; 6 December 1792 – 17 March 1849) was King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Duke of Limburg.

  20. According to Joseph Smith Jr., the angel Moroni gave him a record of gold plates, one-third of which Joseph translated i

    According to Joseph Smith Jr., the angel Moroni gave him a record of gold plates, one-third of which Joseph translated into The Book of Mormon

  21. In the Second Opium War, an Anglo-French force defeats Chinese troops at the Battle of Baliqiao

    The Second Opium War (simplified Chinese: 第二次鸦片战争; traditional Chinese: 第二次鴉片戰爭), also known as the Second Anglo-Chinese War or Arrow War, was fought between the United Kingdom and France against the...

  22. Union forces retreat to Chattanooga after defeat at Chickamauga

    The Battle of Chickamauga, fought on September 18–20, 1863, between the United States Army and Confederate forces in the American Civil War, marked the end of a U.S.

  23. John Henry Conyers of South Carolina becomes first black student at Annapolis

    John Henry Conyers of South Carolina becomes first black student at Annapolis

  24. First direct US-Brazil telegraph connection

    First direct US-Brazil telegraph connection

  25. Dutch demonstrate for general voting rights

    Dutch demonstrate for general voting rights

  26. Frank Duryea drives the first American-made gas-propelled vehicle

    Frank Duryea drives the first American-made gas-propelled vehicle

  27. America's first automotive producer, the Duryea Motor Wagon Company, is founded by Charles and J. Frank Duryea

    America's first automotive producer, the Duryea Motor Wagon Company, is founded by Charles and J. Frank Duryea

  28. NY Sun runs famous "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" editorial in response to a letter from eight-year-old Virgini

    NY Sun runs famous "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" editorial in response to a letter from eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon

  29. Empress Dowager Cixi seizes power and ends the Hundred Days' Reform in China, imprisoning the Guangxu Emperor

    The Chinese Empire Reform Association, abbreviated as CERA, was known in Chinese as Baojiu Da-Qing Huangdi Hui, Chinese: 保救大清皇帝會; lit.

  30. Howie Morenz is born

    Howie Morenz, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player, was born on 1902-09-21. Howard William Morenz (September 21, 1902 – March 8, 1937) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player.

  31. First cowboy film "Kit Carson" premieres in US

    First cowboy film "Kit Carson" premieres in US

  32. The general strike called by the Socialist Party that spread throughout Italy ends

    A general strike (or mass strike) is a strike action in which a substantial proportion of the total labour force in a city, region, or country participates.

  33. Atlanta Life Insurance Co forms

    Atlanta Life Insurance Co forms

  34. New York Highlanders first baseman Hal Chase has 22 put-outs to tie MLB record in a 6-3 win over Chicago White Sox at So

    New York Highlanders first baseman Hal Chase has 22 put-outs to tie MLB record in a 6-3 win over Chicago White Sox at South Side Park

  35. France's Adolphe Pégoud becomes the second pilot to fly a loop

    France's Adolphe Pégoud becomes the second pilot to fly a loop

  36. Cecil Chubb buys the prehistoric monument Stonehenge for £6,600 and later donates it to the British nation

    Cecil Chubb buys the prehistoric monument Stonehenge for £6,600 and later donates it to the British nation

  37. A storage silo at a BASF fertiliser producing plant explodes in Oppau, Germany, 500—600 killed

    A storage silo at a BASF fertiliser producing plant explodes in Oppau, Germany, 500—600 killed

  38. US President Warren G. Harding signs a joint resolution of approval to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine

    US President Warren G. Harding signs a joint resolution of approval to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine

  39. First issue of the magazine "My Weekly Reader" is published

    Weekly Reader was a weekly educational classroom magazine designed for children. It began in 1928 as My Weekly Reader.

  40. First legal pass in Canada is thrown by Gerry Seiberling, and first reception is made by Ralph Losie of the Calgary Alto

    First legal pass in Canada is thrown by Gerry Seiberling, and first reception is made by Ralph Losie of the Calgary Altomah-Tigers against Edmonton

  41. Britain abandons gold standard; pound devalues 20%

    A gold standard is a monetary system in which the standard economic unit of account is based on a fixed quantity of gold.

  42. Larry Hagman is born

    Larry Hagman, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1931-09-21. Larry Martin Hagman (September 21, 1931 – November 23, 2012) was an American actor, best known for playing ruthless oil…

  43. Trial against Marinus der Lubbe opens

    Marinus van der Lubbe was a Dutch communist who was tried, convicted, and executed by the government of Nazi Germany for setting fire to the Reichstag building—the national parliament of Germany—on...

  44. St Louis Cardinals pitching Dean brothers shut-out Brooklyn Dodgers in a doubleheader; Dizzy, in a 13-0 rout and Paul, w

    St Louis Cardinals pitching Dean brothers shut-out Brooklyn Dodgers in a doubleheader; Dizzy, in a 13-0 rout and Paul, with a 3-0 no-hitter

  45. Leonard Cohen is born

    Leonard Cohen, Canadian musician, known for canadian singer-songwriter and poet, was born on 1934-09-21.

  46. Spanish fascist junta names Francisco Franco Generalísimo and Supreme Commander

    Francisco Paulino Hermenegildo Teódulo Franco Bahamonde (4 December 1892 – 20 November 1975) was a Spanish general who led the Nationalist forces in overthrowing the Second Spanish Republic during...

  47. J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is published by George Allen and Unwin in London

    The Hobbit, or There and Back Again is a children's fantasy novel by the English author J. R. R. Tolkien.

  48. Jack Brisco is born

    Jack Brisco, American professional wrestler and amateur wrestler, known for american professional wrestler and amateur wrestler, was born on 1941-09-21.

  49. American jazz pianist Dave Brubeck (21) weds American college sweetheart and music promoter Iola Whitlock (19) at the C

    American jazz pianist Dave Brubeck (21) weds American college sweetheart and music promoter Iola Whitlock (19) at the Carson City Methodist Church rectory in Carson City, Nevada, until his death in 2012

  50. hostages executed by Nazis in Paris

    The city of Paris started mobilizing for war in September 1939, when Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union attacked Poland, but the war seemed far away until 10 May 1940, when the Germans attacked France...

  51. Japanese troops withdrawal from Arundel Island in the Solomon Islands

    The Battle of Arundel Island was fought from 27 August – 21 September 1943, primarily between United States Army and Imperial Japanese Army forces on Arundel Island during the New Georgia campaign in...

  52. Operation Market Garden: Last British paratroopers at Arnhem Bridge surrender after several days of fighting

    Operation Market Garden was an Allied military operation during the Second World War fought in the German-occupied Netherlands from 17 to 25 September 1944.

  53. Publisher Malcolm Forbes (26) weds Roberta Remsen Laidlaw

    Publisher Malcolm Forbes (26) weds Roberta Remsen Laidlaw

  54. Indians play their final game in League Park, ending a 55-year stay

    Indians play their final game in League Park, ending a 55-year stay

  55. Stephen King is born

    Stephen King, American author, known for american author, was born on 1948-09-21. Stephen Edwin King is an American author.

  56. Mao Zedong and Chinese Communist leaders announce the establishment of the People's Republic of China at the first plena

    Mao Zedong and Chinese Communist leaders announce the establishment of the People's Republic of China at the first plenary session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference at the Huairen Hall in Zhongnanhai, Peking

  57. George Marshall sworn in as the 3rd Secretary of Defense of the United States

    Since the 19th century, the United States government has participated and interfered, both overtly and covertly, in the replacement of many foreign governments.

  58. Bill Murray is born

    Bill Murray, American actor and comedian, known for american actor and comedian, was born on 1951-09-21.

  59. MLB Boston Braves play what turns out to be their last home game at Braves Field in Boston, losing to the Brooklyn Dodge

    MLB Boston Braves play what turns out to be their last home game at Braves Field in Boston, losing to the Brooklyn Dodgers 8–2 before crowd of 8,822; team relocates to Milwaukee before start of next season

  60. KRDO TV channel 13 in Colorado Spgs-Pueblo, CO (ABC) 1st broadcast

    KRDO TV channel 13 in Colorado Spgs-Pueblo, CO (ABC) 1st broadcast

  61. Eelco Van Kleffens appointed President of the ninth session of the UN General Assembly

    Eelco Van Kleffens appointed President of the ninth session of the UN General Assembly

  62. New York Yankees set dubious MLB record, stranding 20 on base; Mickey Mantle hits a 500' plus homer but rival Boston Red

    New York Yankees set dubious MLB record, stranding 20 on base; Mickey Mantle hits a 500' plus homer but rival Boston Red Sox win 13-9 at Fenway Park

  63. American pilots Jim Heth and Bill Burkhart complete the first airplane flight exceeding 1,200 hours (50 days, 16 minutes

    American pilots Jim Heth and Bill Burkhart complete the first airplane flight exceeding 1,200 hours (50 days, 16 minutes), landing "The Old Scotchman," their modified Cessna 172, in Dallas, Texas; the record is broken 123 days later [1]

  64. Indian Dutch emigrate to US

    Indian Dutch emigrate to US

  65. Antonio Albertondo of Argentina completes the first double-crossing swim of the English Channel in 43 hours and 10 minut

    Antonio Albertondo of Argentina completes the first double-crossing swim of the English Channel in 43 hours and 10 minutes at age 42

  66. Malta gains independence from the United Kingdom

    Independence Day (Maltese: Jum l-Indipendenza) is one of the five national holidays in Malta. It celebrates the day the country gained independence from the United Kingdom on 21 September 1964.

  67. Cecil Fielder is born

    Cecil Fielder, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1964-09-21.

  68. Curtly Ambrose is born

    Curtly Ambrose is born

  69. Olga Kommissarova (USSR) sets the women's parachute record at 45,300 feet

    Olga Kommissarova (USSR) sets the women's parachute record at 45,300 feet

  70. Five inches of rain falls on NYC

    Five inches of rain falls on NYC

  71. US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site

    The Nevada National Security Sites (N2S2 or NNSS), popularized as the Nevada Test Site (NTS) until 2010, is a reservation of the United States Department of Energy located in the southeastern portion...

  72. Police drama "Adam-12" debuts on NBC in the US

    Police drama "Adam-12" debuts on NBC in the US

  73. Faith Hill is born

    Faith Hill, American singer and actress, known for american singer and actress, was born on 1968-09-21. Audrey Faith McGraw, known professionally as Faith Hill, is an American singer and actress.

  74. AFL New York Jets Steve O'Neal (23) kicks 98 yard punt, the longest professional American football punt in Denver agains

    AFL New York Jets Steve O'Neal (23) kicks 98 yard punt, the longest professional American football punt in Denver against the Broncos

  75. Ricki Lake is born

    Ricki Lake, American television host and actress, known for american television host and actress, was born on 1969-09-21. Ricki Pamela Lake is an American television host and actress.

  76. Oakland A's Vida Blue no-hits Minnesota Twins, 6-0

    Vida Rochelle Blue Jr. (July 28, 1949 – May 6, 2023) was an American professional baseball player.

  77. AL OKs Washington Senator move to Arlington (Texas Rangers)

    AL OKs Washington Senator move to Arlington (Texas Rangers)

  78. Samantha Power is born

    Samantha Power, American academic, author and diplomat, known for american academic, author and diplomat, was born on 1971-09-21.

  79. Nate Archibald signs a 7-year contract with the NBA's Kansas City Kings for $450,000

    Nate Archibald signs a 7-year contract with the NBA's Kansas City Kings for $450,000

  80. The Provisional Irish Republican Army explodes bombs at the RAF airfield near Eglinton, County Londonderry; the terminal

    The Provisional Irish Republican Army explodes bombs at the RAF airfield near Eglinton, County Londonderry; the terminal building, two aircraft hangars and four planes are destroyed

  81. José Eduardo dos Santos becomes President of Angola

    José Eduardo dos Santos was an Angolan politician and military officer who served as the second president of Angola from 1979 to 2017.

  82. Kerry GAA beat Roscommon GAA in Croke Park during the All-Ireland Football Final by 1-9 to 1-6 thus winning the champion

    Kerry GAA beat Roscommon GAA in Croke Park during the All-Ireland Football Final by 1-9 to 1-6 thus winning the championship and a three-in-a-row.

  83. Chris Gayle is born

    Chris Gayle, Jamaican athlete, known for jamaican cricketer, was born on 1980-09-21.

  84. Belize (British Honduras) gains independence from the United Kingdom

    British Honduras was a Crown colony on the east coast of Central America — specifically located on the southern edge of the Yucatán Peninsula from 1783 to 1964, then a self-governing colony — renamed...

  85. MLB Philadelphia Phillies lefthander Steve Carlton strikes out NL record 3,118th (Andre Dawson)

    MLB Philadelphia Phillies lefthander Steve Carlton strikes out NL record 3,118th (Andre Dawson)

  86. NFL players begin a 57-day strike

    NFL players begin a 57-day strike

  87. 2,251 turn out to see Expos play NY Mets at Shea Stadium

    2,251 turn out to see Expos play NY Mets at Shea Stadium

  88. 11 killed in anti Marcos demonstrations in Manila

    Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr. (September 11, 1917 – September 28, 1989) was a Filipino lawyer, politician, and kleptocrat who served as the tenth and longest serving president of the...

  89. David Mamet's play "Glengarry Glen Ross" premieres in London

    Glengarry Glen Ross is a 1983 stage play written by the American playwright David Mamet.

  90. NASA launches Galaxy-C

    NASA launches Galaxy-C

  91. Joseph Mazzello is born

    Joseph Mazzello, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1984-09-21. Joseph Francis Mazzello III is an American actor.

  92. 3 Belgian minesweepers depart to Persians Gulf

    3 Belgian minesweepers depart to Persians Gulf

  93. East German swimmer Silke Hörner sets world record 2:26.71 to win the 200m breaststroke gold medal at the Seoul Olympics

    East German swimmer Silke Hörner sets world record 2:26.71 to win the 200m breaststroke gold medal at the Seoul Olympics; first of 2 gold (4 x 100m medley relay)

  94. Mike Tyson smashes TV camera outside his Bernardsville, New Jersey home

    Mike Tyson smashes TV camera outside his Bernardsville, New Jersey home

  95. Poland's Sejm (National Assembly) approves prime minister Mazowiecki

    Tadeusz Mazowiecki was a Polish author, journalist, philanthropist and politician, formerly one of the leaders of the Solidarity movement, and the first non-communist Polish prime minister since...

  96. MLB Commissioner Faye Vincent turns down Chicago White Sox bid to reinstate 68-year-old Minnie Miñoso

    MLB Commissioner Faye Vincent turns down Chicago White Sox bid to reinstate 68-year-old Minnie Miñoso

  97. Armenia votes on whether to remain in Soviet Union

    A referendum on the future of the Soviet Union was held on 17 March 1991 across the Soviet Union.

  98. Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Ft Lauderdale and Miami Floroda on WBGG 105.9 FM

    Howard Stern Radio Show premieres in Ft Lauderdale and Miami Floroda on WBGG 105.9 FM

  99. Actor and host Wayne Brady (23) divorces Diana Lasso after almost 2 years of marriage

    Actor and host Wayne Brady (23) divorces Diana Lasso after almost 2 years of marriage

  100. The Hindu milk miracle occurs: Hindu worshippers claim that statues of the Hindu God Ganesh begin drinking milk when spo

    The Hindu milk miracle occurs: Hindu worshippers claim that statues of the Hindu God Ganesh begin drinking milk when spoonfuls are placed near their mouths

  101. Mike Piazza is 2nd to hit a HR out of Dodger Stadium

    Mike Piazza is 2nd to hit a HR out of Dodger Stadium

  102. NY Yankee Cecil Fielder hits his 300th HR

    NY Yankee Cecil Fielder hits his 300th HR

  103. TV comedy "Will & Grace" starring Eric McCormack and Debra Messing premieres in the US

    Will & Grace is an American television sitcom created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan.

  104. Chi-Chi earthquake occurs in central Taiwan, leaving about 2,400 people dead

    Chi-Chi earthquake occurs in central Taiwan, leaving about 2,400 people dead

  105. AZF chemical plant explodes in Toulouse, France, killing 31 people

    AZF chemical plant explodes in Toulouse, France, killing 31 people

  106. Green Day releases their album "American Idiot" in the US

    Green Day is an American rock band formed in Rodeo, California, in 1987, by the lead singer and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and the bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, with the drummer Tré...

  107. Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) People's War and the Maoist Communist Centre of India merge to form the Comm

    Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) People's War and the Maoist Communist Centre of India merge to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist)

  108. George Clooney is injured in a motorcycle accident in Weehawken, New Jersey

    George Timothy Clooney is an American and French actor and filmmaker. Known for his leading man roles on screen in both blockbuster and independent films, Clooney has received numerous accolades,...

  109. 60th Emmy Awards: Mad Men, 30 Rock, Bryan Cranston & Glenn Close win

    60th Emmy Awards: Mad Men, 30 Rock, Bryan Cranston & Glenn Close win

  110. Macedonia officially enters the recession after experiencing a drop in GDP of 0.9% in the first quarter, followed by 1.4

    Macedonia officially enters the recession after experiencing a drop in GDP of 0.9% in the first quarter, followed by 1.4% in the second quarter

  111. Scandinavian crime drama "The Bridge" created by Hans Rosenfeldt, starring Sofia Helin and Kim Bodnia premieres

    The Bridge is a Nordic noir crime television series created and written by Hans Rosenfeldt.

  112. Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, wins a leadership ballot

    Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, wins a leadership ballot

  113. people are killed in a series of attacks across Iraq

    Estimates of the casualties from the Iraq War (beginning with the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the ensuing occupation and insurgency and civil war) have come in several forms, and those estimates of...

  114. Andre Ward, unified light heavyweight champion and world’s top pound-for-pound boxer, announces his retirement

    Andre Michael Ward is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2017.

  115. "Queer Eye" star Jonathan Van Ness reveals he is living with HIV and is a sexual abuse survivor, ahead of the publicatio

    "Queer Eye" star Jonathan Van Ness reveals he is living with HIV and is a sexual abuse survivor, ahead of the publication of his autobiography

  116. Canadian province of Quebec expands restrictions, declaring it is in a second COVID-19 wave as cases across the country

    Canadian province of Quebec expands restrictions, declaring it is in a second COVID-19 wave as cases across the country average 1,000 a day

  117. McDonald's announces plans to drastically reduce plastic in its Happy Meals by 2025; these meals make it one of the larg

    McDonald's announces plans to drastically reduce plastic in its Happy Meals by 2025; these meals make it one of the largest toy distributors in the world [1]

  118. An explosion at a coal mine in Tabas, eastern Iran, kills at least 50 people and leaves others trapped underground [1]

    An explosion at a coal mine in Tabas, eastern Iran, kills at least 50 people and leaves others trapped underground [1]

  119. Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal announce support of statehood for Palestine [1]

    As of September 2025, the State of Palestine is recognized as a sovereign state by 157 of the 193 member states of the United Nations (UN), or just over 80% of all UN members.

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