Today in History: September 21

Proclamation of the abolition of the monarchy, high-relief bronze by Léopold Morice
Proclamation of the abolition of the monarchy, high-relief bronze by Léopold Morice

On September 21, 1792, the National Convention of France made a monumental declaration by abolishing the French monarchy, signaling the start of a new era in the nation’s history and a dramatic shift toward republicanism.

Also on this date:

– In 1898, the New York Sun responded to a letter from eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon with a now-famous editorial, including the timeless line, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” This heartwarming message remains one of the most quoted pieces of journalism in history, offering hope and wonder to generations of readers.

– In 1915, Cecil Chubb purchased Stonehenge for £6,600, becoming the last private owner of the ancient site. Three years later, in a selfless gesture of national pride, Chubb gifted Stonehenge to the British people, preserving its legacy for the public.

– In 1922, President Warren G. Harding signed the Lodge-Fish Resolution, marking a pivotal moment in international politics by endorsing the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, a precursor to the creation of the State of Israel decades later.

– On this day in 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien’s *The Hobbit* was published by George Allen & Unwin in London. The book, which introduced readers to Middle-earth, would become one of the most influential works of fantasy literature, setting the stage for Tolkien’s epic *The Lord of the Rings*.

 100-mile-an-hour hurricane winds strike the Strandway in South Boston
100-mile-an-hour hurricane winds strike the Strandway in South Boston

– In 1938, a devastating hurricane struck New York and New England, causing widespread destruction and claiming nearly 700 lives. Known as the Great New England Hurricane, it remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in the region’s history.

– In 1939, Romanian Prime Minister Armand Călinescu was assassinated by the fascist Iron Guard, a brutal act that sent shockwaves through Europe at the height of political tension in the lead-up to World War II.

– On September 21, 1955, boxer Rocky Marciano ended his professional career undefeated, knocking out Archie Moore in the ninth round at Yankee Stadium. Marciano’s record remains legendary in the world of sports.

– In 1970, the iconic American sports show *Monday Night Football* debuted on ABC. In its first game, the Cleveland Browns triumphed over the New York Jets, 31-21, marking the beginning of a new era in televised sports entertainment.

Sandra Day O’Connor becomes first female Justice of the Supreme Court.
Sandra Day O’Connor becomes first female Justice of the Supreme Court.

– In 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor made history when she was unanimously confirmed by the Senate as the first female justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Her appointment was a watershed moment in the ongoing fight for gender equality in America’s legal system.

– On this day in 1989, Hurricane Hugo slammed into South Carolina after wreaking havoc in the Caribbean, ultimately claiming 85 lives. The storm’s ferocity caused extensive damage, with wind speeds reaching up to 140 mph.

– In 2013, a brutal attack by armed militants at the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya left 67 people dead and hundreds more injured. The incident remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Kenya’s history.

– And in 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the mobilization of reservists for the first time since World War II, intensifying Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This marked a critical escalation in the war, with global repercussions.

Better Yourself, Lead Others
Personal Development Life Coach Certification
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Previous Post
A Haitian woman voter dips the little finger of her right hand in indelible ink before casting her ballot
Today In History

Today in History: September 22

Next Post
Strong winds brought on by Hurricane Maria bend a palm tree and send debris flying, in Juncos, Puerto Rico
Today In History

Today in History: September 20