September 1
The Boston Tremont Street Subway - This Day in History
Boston’s Tremont Street Subway, opened in 1897, was the first subway in the U.S., marking a milestone in urban transit and shaping Boston’s rapid transit system.
Read more This Day in History America’s story, day by day
Today in History
Every date on the calendar carries a piece of the American story — battles won, documents signed, inventions unveiled, and lives that changed the course of a nation. Stop by each day for the moments that made this date matter.
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Pick a month to walk through its anniversaries, day by day.
September 2
The U.S. Treasury Was Established - This Day in History
On September 2, 1789, Congress created the U.S. Department of the Treasury—establishing a structured system for national financial governance under Alexander Hamilton.
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September 3
Treaty of Paris Was Signed - This Day in History
The Treaty of Paris, signed on September 3, 1783, officially ended the American Revolutionary War and marked a major turning point in world history.
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September 4
Spanish Settlers Founded Los Angeles - This Day in History
On September 4, 1781, 44 settlers founded Los Angeles as a Spanish pueblo along the LA River, marking the city’s multicultural beginnings.
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September 5
The First Labor Day Parade - This Day in History
The first Labor Day parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882, uniting thousands of workers in a historic show of labor solidarity.
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September 8
President Ford Pardons Nixon - This Day in History
On September 8, 1974, President Gerald Ford controversially pardoned Richard Nixon for any crimes related to the Watergate scandal, sparking national debate.
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September 9
Congress Renames the Nation - This Day in History
On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress officially adopted “United States of America” as the nation's new name, replacing “United Colonies.”
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September 10
John Smith Was Elected President of Jamestown - This Day in History
On September 10, 1608, John Smith became president of the Jamestown colony, leading it from near collapse to stability through bold leadership and reforms.
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September 11
2001 — September 11th, 2001 - This Day in History
A powerful remembrance of the September 11 attacks, honoring the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the lasting global impact of that day.
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September 12
JFK Delivered "We Choose to Go to the Moon" Speech - This Day in History
On September 12, 1962, John F. Kennedy inspired a nation with his “We choose to go to the Moon” speech at Rice University, defining the Space Race era.
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September 15
The Battle of Inchon - This Day in History
The Inchon Landing of September 15, 1950, changed the Korean War’s course as U.S. Marines executed a bold amphibious assault to recapture Seoul.
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September 16
The Mayflower Departs England - This Day in History
The Mayflower's 1620 voyage to the New World marked a pivotal chapter in American history, setting the stage for Plymouth Colony and early self-governance.
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September 17
The U.S. Constitution Was Signed - This Day in History
On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed, shaping the legal and political framework of the United States that still endures today.
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September 18
First Cornerstone in U.S. History - This Day in History
On September 18, 1793, George Washington laid the Capitol’s cornerstone, marking the start of a lasting symbol of American democracy.
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September 19
The Battle of Freeman's Farm - This Day in History
The Battle of Freeman’s Farm on September 19, 1777, marked the bloody start of the Saratoga campaign and proved the resilience of American forces.
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September 22
The Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation - This Day in History
On September 22, 1862, Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, redefining the Civil War as a battle for freedom as well as union.
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September 23
The End of the Lewis & Clark Expedition - This Day in History
On September 23, 1806, Lewis and Clark returned to St. Louis, completing their epic expedition across North America and forever shaping U.S. history.
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September 24
Black Friday Financial Panic - This Day in History
On Black Friday 1869, Jay Gould and James Fisk's gold scheme rocked Wall Street and exposed corruption at the highest levels of U.S. government.
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September 25
Sequoia National Park Established - This Day in History
Established in 1890, Sequoia National Park protects the world's largest trees and showcases over a century of U.S. conservation history.
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September 26
First-Ever Televised Presidential Debate - This Day in History
The 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate marked a turning point in U.S. politics, launching the era of televised presidential debates and media-driven campaigns.
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September 29
Congress Establishes the U.S. Army - This Day in History
On September 29, 1789, Congress formally created the U.S. Army under the Constitution, shaping military power within civilian control.
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September 30
The USS Nautilus Was Commissioned - This Day in History
On September 30, 1954, the U.S. Navy commissioned USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine—redefining naval warfare forever.
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August 21, 1793 · Added Aug 21, 2026
Yellow Fever Breaks Out in Philadelphia
By fall 1793, about 5,000 people had died in the nation's temporary capital, and President Washington and other federal officials fled the city as deaths hit 100 a day.
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August 20, 1945 · Added Aug 20, 2026
Tommy Brown Becomes Youngest to Hit MLB Home Run
At 17 years and 257 days old in 1945, Brown homered off Preacher Roe in an 11-1 Dodgers loss, setting a record that still stands more than 80 years later.
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August 19, 1909 · Added Aug 19, 2026
First Race Is Held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
On August 19, 1909, Louis Schwitzer won a five-mile race at 57.4 mph, but the crushed-rock track broke apart and killed drivers, mechanics, and spectators.
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August 18, 1590 · Added Aug 18, 2026
Roanoke Colony Found Deserted
When John White reached Roanoke in 1590, all 100 colonists—including his granddaughter Virginia Dare—were gone, with only the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post.
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August 17, 1978 · Added Aug 17, 2026
Hot Air Balloon Crosses the Atlantic
For 119 years, 17 attempts failed and at least seven balloonists died before three Americans crossed in six days on hot dogs and canned sardines in 1978.
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August 14, 1935 · Added Aug 14, 2026
FDR Signs Social Security Act
On August 14, 1935, FDR signed the law creating old-age benefits funded by payroll taxes, born from a Depression that had wiped out the savings of older Americans.
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