September 21 stands as a significant date in history, marked by a variety of impactful events and notable figures. From literary milestones to groundbreaking achievements in aviation and poignant losses in the arts, this day encapsulates a broad spectrum of human endeavor. What specific moments shaped this date across centuries? Uncover the stories and legacies that define September 21, inviting a deeper exploration into its historical weight.
History
Major Historical Events
1866 – H.G. Wells is Born: On this day, the renowned English writer H.G. Wells, often referred to as the “father of science fiction,” was born in Bromley, Kent.
His groundbreaking works, including “The Time Machine” and “The War of the Worlds,” shaped the genre and inspired countless authors and filmmakers.
1937 – “The Hobbit” is Published: J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy novel “The Hobbit” was first published by George Allen & Unwin in the United Kingdom.
This book introduced readers to the world of Middle-earth and became a cornerstone of modern fantasy literature.
1942 – The Boeing B-29 Superfortress Takes Flight: The prototype of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, a pivotal aircraft in World War II, made its maiden flight on this day.
This bomber later played a significant role in the Pacific theater, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
1981 – Belize Gains Independence: Belize, a small Central American nation, achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on September 21.
This marked a significant step in its journey as a sovereign state while remaining a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
2001 – America: A Tribute to Heroes Airs: In the wake of the September 11 attacks, a star-studded telethon titled “America: A Tribute to Heroes” was broadcast live on this day across multiple networks.
The event raised over $200 million for the victims and families affected by the tragedy.
Famous Birthdays
1866 – H.G. Wells: As mentioned earlier, H.G. Wells, the visionary author whose science fiction works continue to captivate readers, was born on this day in Bromley, England.
His imagination and storytelling set the standard for speculative fiction.
1934 – Leonard Cohen: The iconic Canadian singer-songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen was born in Westmount, Quebec.
Known for his profound lyrics in songs like “Hallelujah,” Cohen’s work left an indelible mark on music and literature.
1950 – Bill Murray: American actor and comedian Bill Murray was born in Evanston, Illinois.
With a career spanning decades, Murray became a household name through films like “Ghostbusters,” “Groundhog Day,” and “Lost in Translation.”
1981 – Nicole Richie: Television personality, fashion designer, and author Nicole Richie was born in Berkeley, California.
She gained fame through reality TV and later established herself as a creative entrepreneur.
Notable Deaths
19 BC – Virgil: The ancient Roman poet Virgil, best known for his epic “Aeneid,” is believed to have died on this day in Brundisium (modern-day Brindisi, Italy).
His work remains a cornerstone of classical literature.
1327 – Edward II of England: King Edward II of England died under mysterious circumstances on this day, likely murdered at Berkeley Castle.
His reign was marked by conflict and political instability, leading to his forced abdication.
1860 – Arthur Schopenhauer: The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, whose pessimistic worldview influenced later thinkers like Nietzsche, passed away in Frankfurt on this day at the age of 72.
1974 – Walter Brennan: American actor Walter Brennan, a three-time Academy Award winner known for roles in Westerns like “The Westerner,” died on September 21 in Oxnard, California.
He left behind a legacy in classic Hollywood cinema.
Today in Music History
1934 – Leonard Cohen’s Birth: As noted earlier, Leonard Cohen, whose haunting melodies and poetic lyrics defined a generation, was born on this day.
His contributions to music include timeless classics that resonate with listeners worldwide.
1987 – Jaco Pastorius Dies: Jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius, a pioneering figure in electric bass playing, tragically passed away on this day after succumbing to injuries from an altercation in Florida.
His work with Weather Report remains legendary.
1996 – “Falling into You” by Celine Dion Released in the UK: Celine Dion’s album “Falling into You,” which became one of the best-selling albums of all time, saw its UK release on this day.
It featured hits like “Because You Loved Me.”
Today in Sports History
1972 – Philippine Martial Law Affects Sports: On this day, President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines, impacting various sectors, including sports.
Many athletic events were postponed or canceled during this turbulent period.
1981 – Steve Carlton Breaks Record: Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Steve Carlton struck out his 3,118th batter on this day, surpassing Bob Gibson to become the National League’s all-time strikeout leader at the time.
2001 – Randy Johnson’s Milestone: Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson recorded his 200th strikeout of the season on September 21.
This cemented his reputation as one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers.
Today in Military and Naval History
1797 – USS Constitution Launched: The USS Constitution, one of the first frigates of the United States Navy, was launched on this day in Boston, Massachusetts.
Nicknamed “Old Ironsides,” it remains a symbol of American naval history.
1942 – B-29 Superfortress Maiden Flight: As mentioned earlier, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress took its first flight on this day.
It became a critical asset in World War II military operations, especially in the Pacific.
1964 – Malta Gains Independence: Malta achieved independence from the United Kingdom on September 21.
This was a significant military and naval milestone as the island had long served as a strategic Mediterranean base for British forces.
Today in Tech and Science History
1942 – First Flight of the B-29 Superfortress: As previously noted, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress prototype flew for the first time on this day.
This marked a leap forward in aviation technology during World War II.
2003 – Galileo Spacecraft Mission Ends: NASA’s Galileo spacecraft, which had been studying Jupiter and its moons since 1995, was deliberately crashed into the planet’s atmosphere on this day.
This was done to avoid contaminating any of Jupiter’s potentially habitable moons.
2015 – Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Breaks: On September 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of violation to Volkswagen for using software to cheat emissions tests.
This sparked a major scandal in the automotive industry.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1937 – Publication of “The Hobbit”: J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” hit shelves on this day, enchanting readers with the adventures of Bilbo Baggins.
It laid the foundation for the epic “Lord of the Rings” series.
1956 – Playwright Arthur Miller Testifies: On this day, American playwright Arthur Miller refused to name suspected communists during a House Un-American Activities Committee hearing.
This was a bold stand during the McCarthy era.
1983 – “Press Your Luck” Game Show Incident: The infamous “Press Your Luck” game show episode aired on this day.
Contestant Michael Larson exploited a flaw in the game board to win over $110,000, a record at the time.
2001 – “America: A Tribute to Heroes”: As mentioned, this telethon aired on September 21, uniting artists and celebrities in a cultural moment of solidarity and remembrance after the 9/11 attacks.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1938 – The Great New England Hurricane Without a Name: On this day, a powerful hurricane struck the northeastern United States without an official name.
Naming storms wasn’t yet standard.
It caused massive destruction, yet its anonymity adds a quirky footnote to weather history.
1983 – Michael Larson’s Game Show Heist: As noted earlier, Michael Larson’s bizarre and brilliant exploitation of “Press Your Luck” on this day turned a game show into an unforgettable oddity.
He baffled producers with his uncanny winning streak.
2004 – “Lost” Premieres with a Twist: The hit TV series “Lost” premiered on ABC on September 21 (though technically the 22nd in some records, it’s often tied to this date).
It launched with a mysterious plane crash that hooked viewers with its weird, unpredictable plot twists.
Today in History for Kids
1937 – “The Hobbit” Comes to Life: Kids, imagine a world of dragons and hobbits!
On this day, J.R.R. Tolkien published “The Hobbit,” a magical story about Bilbo Baggins going on a big adventure.
It’s a book that’s still loved by readers of all ages.
1950 – Bill Murray is Born: Funny man Bill Murray was born on this day!
He’s the guy who made us laugh in movies like “Ghostbusters,” where he hunts ghosts with a goofy team.
Have you seen any of his funny films?
1981 – Belize Becomes Free: A small country called Belize in Central America became independent on this day.
It’s a place with jungles, beaches, and ancient ruins—perfect for an explorer like you to learn about!
2001 – Stars Help After 9/11: After a sad event in America, famous singers and actors came together on TV on this day to raise money to help people.
It showed how everyone can work together to make things better.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1866 – H.G. Wells’ Futuristic Mind: Did you know that H.G. Wells, born on this day, predicted things like time travel and alien invasions long before they became popular in movies?
His ideas were way ahead of his time!
1937 – “The Hobbit’s” Modest Start: When “The Hobbit” was first published on this day, only 1,500 copies were printed.
Who would’ve guessed it would become one of the most famous stories ever?
1942 – B-29’s Secret Power: The B-29 Superfortress, which first flew on September 21, was so advanced that its development was a top-secret project during World War II.
It could fly higher and carry more bombs than any other plane at the time.
1983 – Game Show Genius: Michael Larson’s win on “Press Your Luck” on this day wasn’t just luck—he spent months studying the game board’s patterns by pausing VHS tapes of the show.
Talk about dedication!
2003 – Galileo’s Fiery Farewell: The Galileo spacecraft’s mission ended on this day with a dramatic plunge into Jupiter’s atmosphere.
It burned up to protect the planet’s moons from any Earth germs.
How cool is that?