1793: George Washington Lays the Foundation of the U.S. Capitol
On September 18, 1793, President George Washington ceremoniously laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol, marking the beginning of the construction of one of America’s most iconic symbols of democracy. This event underscored Washington’s central role in shaping the young nation’s future, as the Capitol would become the legislative heart of the United States.
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1850: The Fugitive Slave Act Passed by Congress
In 1850, Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act, a deeply consequential law that bolstered federal authority by empowering commissioners to return escaped slaves to their owners. The act intensified tensions between the North and South, bringing the nation closer to the brink of civil war. It also fueled abolitionist resistance, sparking moral outrage and acts of defiance across the Northern states.
1851: The New York Times Publishes Its First Edition
On this day in 1851, the first edition of The New York Times was published, setting the stage for a journalistic institution that would influence news reporting for centuries. Known for its commitment to accuracy and in-depth analysis, the newspaper would rise to become one of the most respected and widely read publications in the world.
1947: The National Security Act Takes Effect
The National Security Act went into effect on September 18, 1947, fundamentally reshaping the U.S. defense and intelligence apparatus. The creation of the National Military Establishment, alongside the position of Secretary of Defense, was pivotal in the post-World War II era, laying the groundwork for modern national security operations and the establishment of the CIA and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
1961: UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold Dies in a Plane Crash
On this date in 1961, United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold was tragically killed in a plane crash in Northern Rhodesia (modern-day Zambia). Hammarskjold, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was en route to negotiate peace in the Congo, and his death remains a profound loss to global diplomacy. His commitment to peacekeeping set a high standard for future UN leaders.
1970: Rock Icon Jimi Hendrix Dies in London
The world lost one of its greatest musical talents on September 18, 1970, when rock legend Jimi Hendrix died in London at the age of 27. Hendrix, a revolutionary guitarist and songwriter, had a profound influence on rock music, blending innovative techniques with deep emotion. His untimely death marked the end of a brief but extraordinarily impactful career.
1975: Patricia Hearst Captured by the FBI
In 1975, Patricia Hearst, the newspaper heiress who had been kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army, was captured by the FBI in San Francisco. Her abduction and subsequent involvement with the radical group stunned the nation, as Hearst claimed she had been brainwashed into assisting with criminal activities. Her case became one of the most sensational legal sagas of the 1970s.
2014: Scotland Votes to Stay in the United Kingdom
In a referendum held on September 18, 2014, voters in Scotland chose to remain part of the United Kingdom, rejecting a bid for independence. This decision, reached by a narrow margin, held deep political significance, as it maintained the 307-year union between Scotland and the rest of the UK, and shaped ongoing debates over national identity and autonomy.
2020: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Passes Away
On September 18, 2020, the United States lost a legal titan with the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A trailblazer for women’s rights and gender equality, Ginsburg’s legal career left an indelible mark on American law. Her death, at the age of 87, sparked national mourning and heightened the political battle over the future composition of the Supreme Court.
Today in History: December 20
A Look Back At Today, December 20
The Louisiana Purchase was completed.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater.
The United States launched Operation Just Cause.
The United States Space Force was established.
Today in History: December 19
Today in History: December 19
In 1777, General George Washington led an army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge.
In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, concluding the Apollo program.
In 2011, North Korean announced the death of Kim Jong Il and proclaimed Kim Jong Un as the leader.
In 2022, the House Jan. 6 Committee urged the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against the previous president
Today in History: December 18
Today in History: December 18
In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was proclaimed in effect.
In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.
In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)
In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nearly nine-year war.
Today in History: December 17
Today in History: December 17
In 1903 The Wright brothers’ flight redefined the possibilities of travel and opened the skies to human exploration.
In 1933 The first NFL championship laid the foundation for professional football’s evolution into a national pastime.
In 1989 “The Simpsons” redefined animated television, blending humor with social commentary to leave an indelible mark on entertainment.
In 1992 NAFTA reshaped North American trade, fostering economic ties while sparking debates on globalization.
In 2014 The U.S.-Cuba rapprochement signaled a pivotal moment in the post-Cold War world, rekindling hopes for reconciliation.
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