September 15 stands as a significant date in history, marked by a diverse array of events that shaped the world. From groundbreaking explorations to pivotal wartime moments, this day has witnessed both triumphs and tragedies. Notable figures were born, and critical policies emerged, leaving lasting impacts. What specific events defined this date, and how did they influence the course of time? Uncover the stories that await.
History
Major Historical Events
1254 – Marco Polo’s Birth: The famous Venetian explorer Marco Polo, known for his travels through Asia along the Silk Road and his accounts of the court of Kublai Khan, is traditionally believed to have been born on this date in Venice, though the exact year and date are debated by historians.
His book, “The Travels of Marco Polo,” inspired countless explorers and remains a significant historical document.
1835 – HMS Beagle Arrives at the Galápagos Islands: Charles Darwin, aboard the HMS Beagle, reached the Galápagos Islands on this day during his voyage of scientific discovery.
His observations of unique species, particularly the finches, played a pivotal role in the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection.
1935 – Nuremberg Laws Enacted in Nazi Germany: On this date, the Nazi regime in Germany passed the Nuremberg Laws, stripping Jewish citizens of their rights and laying the groundwork for further persecution.
These laws marked a dark turning point in history, institutionalizing racial discrimination and contributing to the horrors of the Holocaust.
2008 – Lehman Brothers Files for Bankruptcy: The global financial crisis reached a critical moment on this day when Lehman Brothers, one of the largest investment banks in the United States, filed for bankruptcy.
This event triggered widespread economic turmoil and became a symbol of the 2008 recession.
Famous Birthdays
1789 – James Fenimore Cooper: The American novelist, best known for his historical romances like “The Last of the Mohicans,” was born on this day in Burlington, New Jersey.
His works often explored themes of frontier life and Native American culture, shaping early American literature.
1857 – William Howard Taft: The 27th President of the United States and later the 10th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William Howard Taft, was born on this day in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He remains the only person to have held both offices, known for his trust-busting policies and judicial reforms.
1890 – Agatha Christie: The iconic British mystery writer Agatha Christie was born on this day in Torquay, Devon, England.
Renowned for creating characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, she became one of the best-selling authors of all time with classics like “Murder on the Orient Express.”
1946 – Tommy Lee Jones: The acclaimed American actor and director Tommy Lee Jones was born on this day in San Saba, Texas.
Known for roles in films like “The Fugitive” and “No Country for Old Men,” he has earned numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
1984 – Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex: Prince Harry, a member of the British royal family and the younger son of King Charles III and Princess Diana, was born on this day in London, England.
He is known for his military service, charitable work, and his decision to step back from royal duties in 2020.
Notable Deaths
1859 – Isambard Kingdom Brunel: The brilliant British engineer, known for designing iconic structures like the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Great Western Railway, passed away on this day in London, England.
His innovative contributions revolutionized transportation and engineering during the Industrial Revolution.
1926 – Rudolf Christoph Eucken: The German philosopher and Nobel Prize laureate for Literature in 1908 died on this day in Jena, Germany.
Eucken was celebrated for his work in ethical philosophy and his efforts to bridge spiritual and intellectual thought.
2006 – Oriana Fallaci: The Italian journalist, author, and political interviewer Oriana Fallaci passed away on this day in Florence, Italy.
Known for her fearless interviews with world leaders and her controversial writings on Islam and immigration, she left a lasting impact on journalism.
Today in Music History
1963 – The Beatles Perform in Southport, England: On this day, The Beatles played at the Floral Hall in Southport as part of their early touring days in the UK.
This performance came during their rapid rise to fame, just months before Beatlemania swept the world.
1979 – ABBA’s “Voulez-Vous” Hits the Charts: The Swedish pop group ABBA saw their album “Voulez-Vous” reach high rankings in charts across Europe on this day.
The album, featuring hits like “Does Your Mother Know,” showcased their signature disco-pop sound.
1986 – Lionel Richie’s “Dancing on the Ceiling” Peaks: Lionel Richie’s hit single “Dancing on the Ceiling” reached its peak position on international charts on this day.
The song, with its upbeat energy and iconic music video, became one of his most memorable tracks from the 1980s.
Today in Sports History
1917 – First Women’s Golf Championship in the U.S.: On this day, the United States Women’s Amateur Golf Championship was first held, marking a significant milestone for women in sports.
The event, organized by the United States Golf Association, paved the way for greater recognition of female athletes.
1963 – Willie Mays Hits 100th Home Run: Baseball legend Willie Mays hit his 100th career home run on this day while playing for the San Francisco Giants.
Mays, one of the greatest all-around players in baseball history, continued to build his Hall of Fame legacy with this milestone.
2004 – NHL Lockout Begins: On this day, the National Hockey League announced a lockout due to a labor dispute between players and owners, canceling the entire 2004-2005 season.
This marked the first time a major North American sports league lost a full season to a labor conflict.
Today in Military and Naval History
1916 – First Use of Tanks in Battle: During World War I, the British Army deployed tanks for the first time in history on this day during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the larger Somme Offensive.
Though initially unreliable, tanks revolutionized modern warfare.
1940 – Battle of Britain Reaches Climax: On this day, known as “Battle of Britain Day,” the Royal Air Force successfully repelled a massive Luftwaffe attack during World War II.
This pivotal moment marked a turning point, preventing a German invasion of Britain.
1950 – U.S. Marines Land at Inchon: During the Korean War, U.S. Marines executed a daring amphibious landing at Inchon, South Korea, on this day under the command of General Douglas MacArthur.
The successful operation turned the tide of the war in favor of UN forces.
Today in Tech and Science History
1966 – Gemini 11 Achieves Highest Earth Orbit: On this day, NASA’s Gemini 11 mission, crewed by astronauts Charles Conrad and Richard Gordon, achieved the highest Earth orbit ever recorded at that time.
This mission tested critical techniques for future Apollo moon landings.
2007 – Google Presents Android Operating System Concept: Google publicly discussed its vision for the Android operating system on this day, setting the stage for a mobile revolution.
Android would go on to become one of the most widely used operating systems in the world.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1928 – Alexander Fleming Discovers Penicillin: On this day, Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming noticed a mold inhibiting bacterial growth in his lab, leading to the discovery of penicillin.
Though not fully developed until later, this breakthrough changed medicine forever.
1971 – Greenpeace Founded: The environmental activist organization Greenpeace was officially established on this day in Vancouver, Canada.
Starting with a small group protesting nuclear testing, it grew into a global force for conservation and climate advocacy.
1981 – “The Smurfs” Animated Series Debuts: The beloved animated series “The Smurfs,” based on the comic characters created by Peyo, premiered on American television on this day.
The show became a cultural phenomenon, delighting children worldwide with its blue characters.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1830 – First Passenger Train Fatality: On this day, during the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in England, William Huskisson, a British politician, became the first person killed by a train after stepping onto the tracks and being struck.
This tragic accident highlighted early railway dangers.
1961 – Hurricane Carla’s Odd Aftermath: After Hurricane Carla struck Texas earlier in the week, on this day, cleanup efforts revealed bizarre finds, including a live alligator discovered in a suburban backyard far from its natural habitat.
Nature’s unpredictability often surprises even in disaster.
Today in History for Kids
1835 – Darwin’s Galápagos Adventure Begins: On this day, a scientist named Charles Darwin visited some amazing islands called the Galápagos.
He saw animals like giant tortoises and birds that helped him figure out how living things change over time, which is called evolution.
1916 – Tanks Roll Out for the First Time: Imagine a giant metal box on wheels that can roll over rough ground!
On this day, during a big war, soldiers used tanks for the first time in a battle in France.
They were slow and clunky but changed how wars were fought.
1981 – Smurfs Come to TV: A fun cartoon about tiny blue creatures called Smurfs started on TV on this day.
They live in a village, have funny names like Papa Smurf, and go on adventures while avoiding a mean wizard named Gargamel.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1896 – First “Crash” at Crush: On this day in Texas, a publicity stunt involving two trains crashing head-on drew 40,000 spectators.
Known as the “Crash at Crush,” the event unexpectedly caused injuries when boilers exploded, reminding everyone that stunts can be dangerous.
1978 – Muhammad Ali Wins Heavyweight Title for Third Time: On this day, boxing legend Muhammad Ali defeated Leon Spinks to reclaim the heavyweight title, becoming the first boxer to win the championship three times.
His perseverance and charisma made him a global icon.
1982 – First Issue of USA Today Published: The national newspaper USA Today released its first issue on this day, introducing a fresh, colorful design and concise news format.
It quickly became a staple for readers across the United States seeking accessible information.
2001 – President Bush Declares “War on Terror”: In the wake of the tragic 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush addressed the nation on this day, outlining a global “War on Terror.”
This speech shaped international policy and military actions for decades to come.