September 13 stands as a significant date in history, marked by pivotal events across centuries. From decisive battles that shaped empires to groundbreaking achievements in science and culture, this day has witnessed moments that altered the course of human progress. Key figures have risen and fallen, leaving lasting legacies. What specific events define this date? Uncover the stories that have etched September 13 into the annals of time.
History
2007 – UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Adopted: The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on September 13.
It is a landmark document affirming the rights of indigenous communities worldwide to their culture, land, and self-determination.
Famous Birthdays
1851 – Walter Reed: American physician and bacteriologist Walter Reed was born on this day in Belroi, Virginia. He is best known for leading the team that confirmed the theory that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes, a discovery that saved countless lives.
1916 – Roald Dahl: Celebrated British author Roald Dahl was born in Llandaff, Wales, on September 13. Known for his whimsical and often darkly humorous children’s books like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Matilda,” Dahl remains a beloved figure in literature.
1969 – Shane Warne: Australian cricketer Shane Warne, widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the sport, was born on this day in Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria. His mastery of spin bowling revolutionized the game.
1981 – Angelina Love: Professional wrestler Angelina Love, born Lauren Williams in Toronto, Canada, came into the world on September 13. She gained fame in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) as a multi-time Knockouts Champion.
Notable Deaths
1598 – Philip II of Spain: King Philip II of Spain, a powerful monarch who ruled during the height of the Spanish Empire and oversaw the Spanish Armada’s failed invasion of England, passed away on this day at the age of 71 in El Escorial.
1949 – August Krogh: Danish physiologist August Krogh, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1920 for his research on capillaries and oxygen supply in muscles, died on September 13 in Copenhagen at the age of 74.
1996 – Tupac Shakur: American rapper and actor Tupac Shakur succumbed to injuries on this day in Las Vegas, six days after being shot in a drive-by shooting. His death at the age of 25 marked a tragic loss to the music world and fueled ongoing discussions about violence in hip-hop culture.
Today in Music History
1960 – First Broadcast of “The Fugitive”: While not strictly music, the premiere of the television series “The Fugitive” on this day featured a memorable score by composer Pete Rugolo.
It set a dramatic tone that influenced TV music standards for years.
1965 – The Beatles Release “Yesterday”: On September 13, The Beatles released the single “Yesterday” in the United States.
It is a melancholic ballad written by Paul McCartney that became one of the most covered songs in music history, showcasing a softer side of the band.
1985 – Sting Begins Solo Career with “The Dream of the Blue Turtles”: Sting, former frontman of The Police, launched his solo career with a performance tied to the release of his debut album “The Dream of the Blue Turtles” around this date.
It marked a successful shift to jazz-influenced pop.
1993 – Nirvana’s “In Utero” Released: Nirvana’s third and final studio album, “In Utero,” hit the shelves on September 13 in the UK (and shortly after in the US).
It delivered a raw, emotional sound that cemented their legacy in grunge music.
Today in Sports History
1920 – First U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship: The inaugural U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship began on this day.
Though records sometimes vary on the exact start, it is tied to mid-September events where women golfers started gaining formal recognition in competitive sports.
1971 – State of Emergency at Attica Prison Ends: While not a direct sports event, the tragic end of the Attica Prison riot on this day in New York had cultural ripple effects.
It later influenced sports figures and activists who spoke out on prison reform and social justice.
1999 – Serena Williams Wins First Grand Slam: At just 17 years old, Serena Williams claimed her first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open on or around this date (finals often span early September).
She defeated Martina Hingis and marked the start of a legendary tennis career.
Today in Military and Naval History
1759 – Battle of the Plains of Abraham: During the Seven Years’ War, British forces under General James Wolfe defeated the French under General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm on September 13 near Quebec City.
It was a pivotal victory that led to British control of Canada, though both commanders died in the battle.
1812 – Battle of Fort Harrison: In the War of 1812, American forces at Fort Harrison in present-day Indiana repelled an attack by Native American warriors allied with the British on this day.
It was one of the first U.S. land victories in the conflict.
1942 – Battle of Stalingrad Intensifies: On September 13, German forces launched a major assault on the city of Stalingrad in the Soviet Union.
It marked a brutal phase of one of World War II’s most decisive and devastating battles, which ultimately turned the tide against the Axis powers.
Today in Tech and Science History
1922 – Record High Temperature in Libya: On this day, the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth at the time, 136.4°F (58°C), was reported in Al Aziziyah, Libya.
Though later studies questioned its accuracy, it remains a notable benchmark in meteorological history.
1956 – IBM Introduces First Hard Disk Drive: IBM introduced the RAMAC 305 on September 13, the first computer with a hard disk drive.
It revolutionized data storage with its ability to hold 5 megabytes of data on 50 large disks, a precursor to modern computing.
1993 – Oslo Accords Signed (Tech Implications): While primarily a political event, the signing of the Oslo Accords on this day between Israel and the PLO had indirect tech implications.
It spurred innovations in security and communication technologies in the region over subsequent years.
2008 – Large Hadron Collider First Test: The Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest particle accelerator, conducted its first test operations on this day (though officially activated on September 10).
It marked a milestone in particle physics research at CERN.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1501 – Michelangelo’s David Commissioned: As noted earlier, Michelangelo began work on his statue of David on September 13.
It is a cultural touchstone that epitomized Renaissance ideals of humanism and artistic perfection, still admired in Florence today.
1969 – Scooby-Doo Premieres on Television: The animated series “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” debuted on CBS on this day.
It introduced the mystery-solving Great Dane and his friends to audiences, becoming a cultural icon across generations.
1985 – Super Mario Bros. Released: Nintendo released the groundbreaking video game “Super Mario Bros.” for the NES on September 13 in Japan.
It shaped the future of gaming culture with its innovative design and beloved characters.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1899 – First Recorded Automobile Fatality in the U.S.: On this day, Henry Hale Bliss became the first person killed in an automobile accident in the United States when he was struck by an electric taxi in New York City.
It was an ironic start to the era of motor vehicle safety concerns.
1948 – Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate: While not inherently funny, it’s quirky to note that on September 13, Margaret Chase Smith became the first woman elected to both the U.S. House and Senate.
She broke barriers with a tenacity that surprised many in a male-dominated political sphere.
2006 – Pluto Demoted Controversy Peaks: Around this time, though tied to earlier August decisions, public debates and memes surged by September 13 over Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet.
It sparked humorous outcries and “Pluto is a planet” campaigns among space enthusiasts.
Today in History for Kids
1814 – The Star-Spangled Banner Inspiration: On this day, a man named Francis Scott Key saw a big American flag flying after a battle in Baltimore and wrote a poem.
That poem later became the song we sing as our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” showing how proud he was of his country.
1916 – Roald Dahl’s Birthday: A super fun writer named Roald Dahl was born on September 13.
He wrote amazing stories like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” full of candy, adventure, and funny characters that kids still love to read today.
1969 – Scooby-Doo’s First Show: A goofy dog named Scooby-Doo and his friends started solving mysteries on TV on this day.
They make kids laugh with their spooky adventures and silly clues—perfect for a fun family watch night.
1985 – Super Mario Bros. Game Launch: A cool game called “Super Mario Bros.” came out on September 13 in Japan.
In it, you could play as Mario, jump on enemies, and save a princess, starting a huge trend of video games for kids everywhere.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1759 – Double Tragedy of Generals: At the Battle of the Plains of Abraham on this day, both the British General James Wolfe and the French General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm died during the fight.
It was a rare and dramatic moment where opposing leaders fell in the same battle.
1922 – Hottest Day (Maybe?): The supposed record-breaking temperature of 136.4°F in Libya on September 13 was long considered the highest ever.
Scientists later doubted the reading due to possible errors, making it a curious piece of weather trivia.
1965 – Beatles’ Emotional Hit: When “Yesterday” by The Beatles was released on this day in the U.S., it was one of the first pop songs to use a string quartet.
It gave it a unique, sad sound that made listeners feel deep emotions.
1996 – Tupac’s Lasting Impact: Tupac Shakur’s death on September 13 left a huge mark on music.
His albums continued to sell millions even years later, showing how his words about struggle and hope still connect with fans today.
2007 – Indigenous Rights Milestone: The UN’s adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on this day was a big deal.
It took over 20 years of talks to agree on protecting the traditions and lands of native communities around the world.