September 14 holds a unique place in American history, marked by notable events ranging from technological milestones and legal rulings to political shifts and cultural transformations. From the establishment of the first American lighthouse to significant moments during the Civil War, these events have shaped the trajectory of the United States. Here, we explore several key moments in American history that occurred on this date.
What Happened on September 14 in American History?
1st Lighthouse in American Colonies Lit at Boston Harbor (1716)
On September 14, 1716, the first lighthouse in the American colonies was lit at Boston Harbor. Known as Boston Light, this lighthouse was built to guide ships safely into the harbor, making it a crucial element of maritime navigation in colonial America. The construction of the lighthouse was funded by a tax on incoming ships, demonstrating the importance of sea trade to the colonies.
Boston Light still stands today, though it has been rebuilt and modernized several times over the centuries. Its initial lighting on September 14 marked the beginning of a series of lighthouses that would eventually dot the American coastline, enhancing maritime safety and trade.
See Also: What Happened on September 14 in History?
Gregory Conquers Julius Caesar (1752)
On September 14, 1752, the American colonies, still under British rule, experienced a rare phenomenon when they skipped eleven days in the calendar. This was due to the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar, which corrected the inaccuracies of the older Julian Calendar, named after Julius Caesar. The transition occurred across Britain and its empire, including the American colonies.
Before the change, the calendar in use was out of sync with the solar year by about 11 minutes annually. By September 14, 1752, the American colonies had officially aligned with much of Europe by switching to the Gregorian Calendar. This change was met with some confusion, but it ultimately synchronized trade and communications with other parts of the world.
Aaron Burr Acquitted (1807)
On September 14, 1807, Aaron Burr, the former Vice President of the United States, was acquitted of misdemeanor charges in one of the most sensational trials in American history. Burr had been accused of treason after allegedly attempting to create an independent nation in the western part of North America and parts of Mexico.
Although the case against him was highly publicized, Burr was acquitted due to a lack of concrete evidence. His acquittal on September 14 marked the end of one of the most infamous trials in early American history, though Burr’s political career never recovered from the scandal.
Battle of San Jacinto (1856)
On September 14, 1856, Nicaraguan forces defeated American filibusters at the Battle of San Jacinto during the Nicaraguan Civil War. Led by William Walker, an American adventurer who sought to expand U.S. influence by establishing English-speaking colonies in Central America, the filibusters were eventually forced to retreat.
The battle was a significant victory for Nicaraguan forces, and it marked the decline of Walker’s influence in the region. The events of September 14 were celebrated in Nicaragua as a triumph over American interventionism, while in the United States, the defeat led to diminished support for filibustering expeditions in Latin America.
Federal Troops Escape from Harpers Ferry (1862)
On September 14, 1862, during the American Civil War, federal troops made a daring escape from the beleaguered town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Confederate forces, under General Stonewall Jackson, had surrounded the town, and the Union garrison faced certain defeat.
In a stroke of luck, a portion of the federal troops managed to escape the impending Confederate assault. However, the bulk of the garrison would surrender shortly afterward. The escape on September 14 became a notable incident in the broader context of the Maryland Campaign, illustrating the intense and chaotic nature of Civil War battles.
Skirmish at Fox’s Gap (1862)
Also on September 14, 1862, the Battle of South Mountain, specifically the skirmish at Fox’s Gap, took place as part of the Maryland Campaign during the Civil War. Union and Confederate forces clashed on the mountainous terrain of Maryland, with both sides suffering significant casualties. The skirmish was part of General Robert E. Lee’s attempt to invade the North.
Although the Union forces eventually gained control of the gap, the fighting on September 14 delayed their advance, giving Lee enough time to consolidate his forces. This battle was a precursor to the larger Battle of Antietam, which would occur just days later.
Britain Pays $15.5 Million for Civil War Damages (1872)
On September 14, 1872, Britain paid the United States $15.5 million in damages for their involvement in supporting the Confederate States during the American Civil War. The settlement was part of the Geneva Arbitration, which resolved the “Alabama Claims”—a series of demands made by the U.S. against Britain for their role in allowing Confederate warships, such as the CSS Alabama, to be built in British shipyards.
The payment on September 14 marked the conclusion of one of the first major international arbitrations, establishing a precedent for the peaceful resolution of disputes between nations. It also helped to ease tensions between Britain and the United States in the post-war period.
George K. Anderson Patents Typewriter Ribbon (1886)
On September 14, 1886, George K. Anderson of Memphis, Tennessee, was awarded a patent for the typewriter ribbon, an invention that would revolutionize office work and communication in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The typewriter ribbon allowed for smoother and more efficient printing of documents, reducing the need for hand-written correspondence.
The patent on September 14 was part of a broader wave of innovations that modernized the American workplace. The typewriter became an essential tool in business, government, and journalism, shaping the way people communicated for decades to come.
Inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt (1901)
On September 14, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in as the youngest president in U.S. history following the assassination of President William McKinley. Roosevelt, at just 42 years old, assumed the presidency in Buffalo, New York, after McKinley succumbed to gunshot wounds inflicted by an anarchist.
Roosevelt’s ascension to the presidency on September 14 marked the beginning of a transformative era in American politics. Known for his progressive policies, Roosevelt would go on to implement significant reforms, including trust-busting, labor rights protections, and environmental conservation.
Christy Mathewson Pitches & Wins Final Game (1916)
On September 14, 1916, legendary baseball pitcher Christy Mathewson pitched and won his final Major League Baseball game. Mathewson, one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the sport, played for the Cincinnati Reds at the time, though he had spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants.
His final game on September 14 was a fitting end to an illustrious career, during which he became known for his control, intelligence, and sportsmanship on the mound. Mathewson’s contributions to baseball have made him an enduring figure in the sport’s history.
Neutrality Act of 1937 (1937)
On September 14, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Neutrality Act of 1937 into law. This act was aimed at preventing the United States from becoming entangled in the growing conflicts in Europe and Asia, particularly the Sino-Japanese War.
The Neutrality Act of September 14 sought to maintain U.S. neutrality by restricting the sale of arms to warring nations. However, it also reflected the isolationist sentiment that was prevalent in the United States at the time. Despite these efforts, the U.S. would eventually become involved in World War II just a few years later.
1st Practical Helicopter Takes Flight (1939)
On September 14, 1939, the world’s first practical helicopter, the VS-300, designed by Igor Sikorsky, took its first tethered flight in Stratford, Connecticut. This milestone marked the beginning of modern helicopter aviation, revolutionizing transportation and warfare in the 20th century.
The success of the VS-300 on September 14 paved the way for the widespread use of helicopters in various fields, including search and rescue, medical evacuation, and military operations. Sikorsky’s invention remains one of the most significant developments in aviation history.
1st Medal of Honor of WWII (1942)
On September 14, 1942, U.S. Navy Admiral Chester Nimitz awarded the first Medal of Honor of World War II to sailor John William Finn. Finn was recognized for his extraordinary bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor, where he manned an exposed machine gun and returned fire despite being wounded multiple times.
The Medal of Honor ceremony on September 14 took place aboard the USS Enterprise in Pearl Harbor. Finn’s courage became emblematic of the valor displayed by American service members throughout the war, inspiring future generations.
Gerald Ford’s Upset (1948)
On September 14, 1948, future President Gerald Ford achieved a major political victory by defeating incumbent Representative Bartel J. Jonkman in Michigan’s 5th District Republican primary. Ford’s upset win marked the beginning of his political ascent, which would eventually lead to his becoming the 38th President of the United States.
Ford’s victory on September 14 reflected a shift in the political landscape of post-war America. His moderate, pragmatic approach to governance would become a hallmark of his political career, culminating in his presidency during one of the most turbulent periods in modern American history.
Presidential Medal of Freedom (1964)
On September 14, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to prominent journalist Walter Lippmann. Lippmann, one of the most influential public intellectuals of the 20th century, was recognized for his contributions to journalism and his role in shaping public opinion on major political and social issues.
The award ceremony on September 14 highlighted Lippmann’s impact on American thought and his ability to engage with the public on complex matters of foreign policy, democracy, and governance. His writings continue to influence political discourse in the United States.
Home-Made Clock Assumed a Bomb (2015)
On September 14, 2015, a 14-year-old high school student named Ahmed Mohamed was arrested in Irving, Texas, after bringing a homemade clock to school, which was mistaken for a bomb. The incident sparked widespread controversy and accusations of racial profiling, as Mohamed is of Sudanese descent.
The events of September 14 gained national and international attention, with prominent figures such as President Barack Obama and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg expressing support for Mohamed. The case highlighted the tensions surrounding race, technology, and education in modern American society.
Conclusion
The events of September 14 reflect a diverse and complex tapestry of American history. From technological innovations and political upheavals to acts of bravery and moments of controversy, this date encapsulates a wide range of significant moments that have shaped the nation’s development. Each of these events contributes to the rich historical narrative of the United States, illustrating the many ways in which a single day can leave a lasting impact.