On This Day - September 13
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let’s look back at some of the most significant events in American history that happened on this day, starting with…
1814: The Star-Spangled Banner Was Born
During the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that became America’s national anthem after witnessing the US flag still flying over Fort McHenry.
1759: The Battle of the Plains of Abraham
British forces under General Wolfe defeated the French outside Quebec City, changing the course of North American history. Both Wolfe and French General Montcalm died from battle wounds.
1789: The US Government Got Its First Loan
The Bank of New York issued the first loan to the US government—$200,000 to cover salaries of President George Washington and members of Congress.
1847: The Battle of Chapultepec
US forces captured Chapultepec Castle during the Mexican-American War, paving the way for General Winfield Scott’s march into Mexico City.
1861: First Naval Battle of the Civil War
Off Pensacola, Florida, the Union frigate Colorado sank the Confederate privateer Judah, marking the war’s first naval clash.
1881: Electric Lamp Patent Improvement
Lewis Latimer, an African American inventor, co-patented a longer-lasting carbon filament for lightbulbs, advancing Thomas Edison’s design and making electric light practical.
1944: Great Atlantic Hurricane Hits US Coast
The storm reached peak intensity and went on to kill 300–400 people along the East Coast, one of the deadliest hurricanes of the 20th century.
1990: Law & Order Premiered
The long-running crime drama created by Dick Wolf debuted on NBC, beginning a television franchise that still runs today.
Do you remember any of these events? Or do you have more events (historical or not!) you'd like to share with the community? Post them below and let's reminisce together!
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