On This Day - September 6
Image source: The GrayVine
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…
1776: A Daring Submarine Attempt in New York Harbor
Overnight on September 6–7, the American one-man submersible Turtle made the first recorded submarine attack in history, attempting to affix an explosive to HMS Eagle off Manhattan—a bold but ultimately unsuccessful strike in the Revolutionary War.
1781: The Battle of Groton Heights
In Connecticut, British forces under Benedict Arnold burned New London and assaulted Fort Griswold across the Thames River, where outnumbered militia were overrun and many were killed in the aftermath—one of the war’s grimmest days for the local defenders.
1837: Oberlin Went Co-Ed—A First in the US
Oberlin Collegiate Institute (now Oberlin College) began the academic year with women and men studying together, making it the nation’s first coeducational college on an equal basis.
1861: Grant Secured Paducah, Kentucky
Reacting to a Confederate move into Kentucky, Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant occupied the river town of Paducah without a shot fired—locking down a strategic hub at the mouths of the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers.
1866: Frederick Douglass Took a Seat at a National Convention
Frederick Douglass served as a delegate at the National Loyalists’ Convention in Philadelphia—placing him among the first Black delegates to a US national political convention.
1901: President McKinley Was Shot in Buffalo
At the Pan-American Exposition, President William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz; he died eight days later, elevating Vice President Theodore Roosevelt to the presidency.
1916: Piggly Wiggly Changed Grocery Shopping
Clarence Saunders launched his self-service grocery concept in Memphis—Piggly Wiggly—on this date (with a large public opening a few days later), pioneering the modern supermarket experience.
1995: Cal Ripken Jr. Broke the Unbreakable Record
Baltimore’s “Iron Man” played in his 2,131st consecutive game, surpassing Lou Gehrig and cementing one of baseball’s most beloved streaks.
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!
