Discover what happened on September 15 in history as communication changed everyday life, television favorites made their debuts, technological milestones reshaped the future, and remarkable events helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on September 15 in History?
On this day, Michigan’s first telephone directory was published, Michigan Tech held its first classes, Lost in Space and Green Acres premiered on television, and the google.com domain was registered.
SEPTEMBER 15 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1776 – British forces occupied New York City during the American Revolution after George Washington’s Continental Army withdrew from Manhattan.
1789 – Congress changed the name of the U.S. Department of Foreign Affairs to the Department of State and expanded its responsibilities.
1853 – Antoinette Brown Blackwell was ordained by a Congregational church in South Butler, NY, becoming a pioneering woman in American ministry and one of the first women ordained by a major Protestant tradition.
1856 – Simeon Baldwin shot a bear near Monroe and Fulton streets in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.
1858 – The first eastbound Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach departed San Francisco, beginning regular overland mail service between California and the eastern United States. The nearly 2,800-mile journey typically took about 24 to 25 days.
1878 – Michigan’s first telephone directory was published in Detroit. Titled List of Subscribers, it contained the names of 124 telephone customers.
1886 – The Michigan Mining School held its first classes in Houghton, MI, with 23 students. The school later became Michigan Technological University.
1909 – A federal judge ruled that Ford Motor Company had infringed George Selden’s automobile patent. Ford appealed and ultimately won the case in 1911.
1909 – Charles F. Kettering filed a patent application for an improved automotive ignition system. His Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company — DELCO — later became part of General Motors.
1928 – Alexander Fleming observed that mold contaminating one of his bacterial cultures was killing nearby bacteria, leading to the discovery of penicillin.
1949 – The Lone Ranger premiered on ABC television, starring Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels as Tonto.
1953 – The National Boxing Association adopted the 10-point scoring system for all of its matches.
1956 – Grand Rapids, MI, recorded its earliest measurable trace of snow on record for the season.
1965 – The science-fiction series Lost in Space premiered on CBS, following the Robinson family after their spacecraft became stranded far from Earth.
1965 – Green Acres, starring Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor, premiered on CBS.
1971 – Twelve activists sailed from Vancouver toward Amchitka Island, Alaska, to protest a U.S. nuclear weapons test. The voyage helped launch the environmental organization Greenpeace.
1978 – Muhammad Ali defeated Leon Spinks in a rematch at the Louisiana Superdome, becoming the first boxer to win the world heavyweight championship three times.
1981 – The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved Sandra Day O’Connor’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. She would become the first woman to serve as a Supreme Court justice.
1982 – The first issue of USA Today was published by Gannett.
1997 – The domain name google.com was registered, a year before Google was incorporated as a company.
2001 – President George W. Bush identified Osama bin Laden as the leading suspect in the September 11 attacks and said the United States should prepare for a prolonged campaign against terrorism.
2002 – The fourth-season premiere of The Sopranos drew 13.4 million viewers, setting an HBO ratings record at the time.
2004 – NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced a lockout of the league’s players, beginning a labor dispute that ultimately caused the entire 2004–05 NHL season to be canceled.
2008 – Lehman Brothers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the largest bankruptcy filing in U.S. history at the time and a major event in the global financial crisis.
2016 – Samsung and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled about one million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones because their batteries could overheat and catch fire. Replacement devices later developed similar problems, and Samsung discontinued the model the following month.
2021 – Inspiration4 launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, becoming the first all-civilian human spaceflight mission to orbit Earth.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 15:
Ron Shelton – 81 years old (1945) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Tommy Lee Jones – 80 years old (1946) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
Oliver Stone – 80 years old (1946) – Director, screenwriter, and producer
Russel L. Honoré – 79 years old (1947) – General
Diane E. Levin – 79 years old (1947) – Educator and author
Theodore Long – 79 years old (1947) – Wrestling referee and manager
Joe Barton – 77 years old (1949) – Lawyer and politician
Fred Seibert – 75 years old (1951) – Television producer, co-founder of MTV
Kelly Keagy – 74 years old (1952) – Singer and drummer
Barry Shabaka Henley – 72 years old (1954) – Actor
Bruce Reitherman – 71 years old (1955) – Voice actor, singer, cinematographer, and producer
Rick Garcia (activist) – 70 years old (1956) – LGBTQ rights activist
Ned Rothenberg – 70 years old (1956) – Saxophonist, clarinet player, and composer
Mark Kirk – 67 years old (1959) – Commander, lawyer, and politician
Ed Solomon – 66 years old (1960) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Dan Marino – 65 years old (1961) – Football player and sportscaster
Pete Myers – 63 years old (1963) – Basketball player and coach
Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein – 62 years old (1964) – Guitarist and songwriter
Sherman Douglas – 60 years old (1966) – Basketball player
Paul Abbott – 59 years old (1967) – Baseball player and coach
Danny Nucci – 58 years old (1968) – Actor
Corby Davidson – 57 years old (1969) – Radio personality
Josh Charles – 55 years old (1971) – Actor and director
Tom Dolan – 51 years old (1975) – Swimmer
Marisa Ramirez – 49 years old (1977) – Actress
Jason Terry – 49 years old (1977) – Basketball player
Zach Filkins – 48 years old (1978) – Guitarist
Dave Annable – 47 years old (1979) – Actor
Amy Davidson – 47 years old (1979) – Actress
David Diehl – 46 years old (1980) – Football player and sportscaster
Mike Dunleavy Jr. – 46 years old (1980) – Basketball player
Ben Schwartz – 45 years old (1981) – Actor, comedian and writer
Marshal Yanda – 42 years old (1984) – Football player
Jenna Marbles – 40 years old (1986) – YouTuber and comedian
Heidi Montag – 40 years old (1986) – Reality television personality and singer
Chelsea Kane – 38 years old (1988) – Actress and singer
Matt Shively – 36 years old (1990) – Actor
Megan Stalter – 36 years old (1990) – Actress and comedian
Josh Richardson – 33 years old (1993) – Basketball player
Terry McLaurin – 31 years old (1995) – Football player
Quin Houff – 29 years old (1997) – Racing driver
Jaren Jackson Jr. – 27 years old (1999) – Basketball player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 15:
- World Afro Day: Stop damaging your hair for outdated beauty standards, and celebrate the afro. Get involved in Afro Day in schools, or attend a World Afro Day event around the world.
- National Double Cheeseburger Day: Juicy, grilled patties layered with melted cheese and savory toppings, creating a satisfying blend of flavors that's a favorite among many.
- National Cheese Toast Day: Not to be confused with grilled cheese, Cheese Toast is an equally delicious and easy-to-make treat for your breakfast, lunch, or even dinnertime enjoyment.
- Greenpeace Day: Make everyday changes in your life to help preserve the planet, or volunteer with or donate to Greenpeace to further their cause of planet salvation.
- International Dot Day: Based on Peter H. Reynold’s book “The Dot”, Dot Day is all about getting creative and letting your inspiration guide you to craft and create new things.
- National Online Learning Day: Unlocking a world of knowledge from your device - it's like having a library, classroom, and mentor right in your pocket.
- National Felt Hat Day: Don a felt hat to boost your fashion and put yourself in the shoes of previous generations who wore hats far more regularly than most do today.
- National Linguine Day: Linguine is a versatile pasta, often paired with seafood and/or vegetables, that will be surprisingly easy to make at home with plenty of options for your taste.
- Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Day: After it was invented in the 2015 pixelated video game Undertale, fans set out to create the Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie in real life. Try it, it’s worth it.
- Make a Hat Day: Felting, knitting, crocheting, or sewing: whatever your preferred method, give it a go and make a hat for yourself, as a gift, or to donate to those in need.
- National Custom Framing Day: National Custom Framing Day is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the art of custom framing. Custom frames add beauty and protection to cherished artworks and photographs. They come in various styles, shapes, and colors, enhancing any space where they are displayed. This day emphasizes the creativity and craftsmanship of...
- National Jeans for Genes Day: National Jeans for Genes Day brings communities together for a common cause. People wear jeans to raise awareness about genetic disorders, and the day focuses on the struggles and stories of those affected. By simply wearing jeans, participants can show support and solidarity with the cause. This small gesture has...
- Get Ready Day: Join together with your community, family, or simply yourself to figure out what to do in an emergency of any kind and Be Ready for whatever comes.
- Recycle Now Week: Recycle Now Week is a lively celebration focused on boosting recycling efforts across the UK. This special week brings together communities, businesses, and local authorities to emphasize the importance of recycling the right materials more often. Through engaging campaigns and fun activities, Recycle Now Week inspires everyone to participate and...
- National IT Professionals Day: In today's fast-paced digital world, Information Technology (IT) professionals are the unsung heroes ensuring our devices, networks, and systems function seamlessly. National IT Professionals Day shines a light on these experts who keep our digital lives running smoothly. From fixing computer glitches to safeguarding sensitive data, their work touches every...
- National Tackle Kids Cancer Day: National Tackle Kids Cancer Day is all about coming together to help kids who are fighting something no child ever should—cancer. It’s a day filled with heart, action, and purpose. People across the country join forces to raise money and awareness, giving real support to brave young warriors and researchers...
- Housekeepers Week: Housekeeping is tough and often thankless work, so make sure to give a big thank-you and even a small gift to the housekeepers who keep hotels and the like clean.
- National Parent Teacher Home Visits Week: Building bridges through educator and family interactions, strengthening support networks to nurture student growth and achievement.
- Professional Care Workers’ Week: Dedicated to aiding, professional care workers uplift lives through compassion, ensuring well-being in every interaction.
- National Neonatal Nurses Day: In the quiet corners of hospitals, neonatal nurses work tirelessly, providing specialized care to newborns facing critical health challenges. These dedicated professionals are the backbone of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), offering not only medical expertise but also emotional support to families during some of their most difficult times. Their role...
- International Day of Democracy: The International Day of Democracy celebrates the idea that everyone should have a say. It’s about speaking up, taking part, and knowing your voice counts. This day brings attention to how people help shape the world around them. It highlights fairness, freedom, and the value of shared decisions in everyday...
- World Mitochondrial Disease Week: Mitochondrial diseases are a group of rare genetic disorders that impact the way the mitochondria in a person’s cells produce energy. While there is currently no cure for this range of conditions, the hope is that raising awareness and improving support will help provide care for those who need it...
- National Crème de Menthe Day: The time to enjoy this refreshing, flavorful, emerald-green beverage is National Crème de Menthe Day! How to Celebrate National Crème de Menthe Day In celebration of National Crème de Menthe Day, try out some of these ideas for enjoying the day: Buy a Bottle of Crème de Menthe Many people...
- National Africa Civility Day: National Africa Civility Day, celebrated every September 15th, is a vibrant occasion marked across many African nations. It focuses on fostering respect and understanding among people, aiming to enhance community relations and promote unity. This special day highlights the importance of civility, respect, and the strength that comes from diversity...
- National Google.com Day: National Google.com Day might only come around once a year. But to be honest, millions use their products every single day. National Google.com Day appreciates the monumental impact Google has had on the digital world. Google's journey is remarkable. From a project kicked off in a garage, Google.com grew from...
- National Neonatal Nurses Week : Providing compassionate care to newborns and support for families, these healthcare heroes play a crucial role in healthcare.
- Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
- Fiesta de San Pacho: Fiesta de San Pacho is a vibrant celebration that fills the streets of Quibdó with music, dance, and color. The festival honors Saint Francis of Assisi, blending Catholic traditions with Afro-Colombian culture uniquely and joyfully. As the day unfolds, the city becomes a stage where people showcase their rich heritage...
- Hispanic Heritage Month: Join an event, forum, or exhibition for Hispanic Heritage Month, and appreciate the art, history, and cultural offerings of this rich and expansive heritage.
- National Assisted Living Week : When older folks who need a little help move into an assisted living facility, it can sometimes feel isolating. National Assisted Living Week is here to bring attention to the ways that communities can live in a more multi-generational manner, and honor those in all phases of life while promoting...
- Biscuits and Gravy Week: National Biscuits and Gravy Week offers a perfect opportunity for lovers of this delicious dish to pay it some well-deserved respect, or for some of the more inexperienced to learn more and discover some new flavors! History of National Day A decidedly American dish, biscuits and gravy are believed to have...
- Healthcare Environmental Services Week: Healthcare Environmental Services Week honors the crucial role of EVS professionals in keeping healthcare spaces clean and safe. These skilled workers use careful cleaning and disinfection to stop harmful pathogens. Their efforts help prevent infections that could harm patients, families, and staff. This week highlights their daily dedication, commitment, and...
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