The Stono Rebellion, Largest Slave Uprising in Colonial America
On September 9, 1739, the Stono Rebellion broke out near Charleston, the largest slave uprising in Britain's mainland American colonies.
Britain Adopts the Gregorian Calendar and Skips Eleven Days
On September 2, 1752, Britain skipped eleven days to adopt the Gregorian calendar, and September 3 to 13 of that year never happened.
The Royal Proclamation Closes the West to Colonial Settlement
On October 7, 1763, the Royal Proclamation closed land west of the Appalachians to settlement and reserved it for Native Americans.
The Continental Congress Names the Country the United States
On September 9, 1776, Congress resolved that the new nation be called the United States rather than the United Colonies.
Delegates Sign the United States Constitution in Philadelphia
On September 17, 1787, delegates in Philadelphia signed the United States Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation.
The Metropolitan Police Begins Patrolling London
On September 29, 1829, the Metropolitan Police began patrolling London, the first professional police force of its kind.
Elias Howe Patents the Lockstitch Sewing Machine
On September 10, 1846, Elias Howe patented the lockstitch sewing machine, the design that made machine sewing practical.
Yosemite National Park Is Established
On October 1, 1890, Yosemite National Park was created in California, the second American national park.
New Zealand Grants Women the Vote
On September 19, 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country to give all women the right to vote.
Nazi Germany Enacts the Nuremberg Laws
On September 15, 1935, Nazi Germany enacted the Nuremberg Laws, stripping Jews of citizenship and banning mixed marriages.
Roosevelt Signs the First Peacetime Draft in American History
On September 16, 1940, Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act, the first peacetime military draft in United States history.
The National Security Act Creates the CIA
On September 18, 1947, the National Security Act created the CIA, the National Security Council and an independent Air Force.
The Government Administration Council Is Set Up
On October 21, 1949, the Government Administration Council of the Central People's Government was formed, with Zhou Enlai as premier.
The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Is Established
On October 25, 1958, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was established in north west China, with Yinchuan as its capital.
Sweden Switches to Driving on the Right
On September 3, 1967, Sweden switched to right-hand traffic in one morning, moving 360,000 road signs in what is still called Dagen H.
Reagan Signs the Law Creating Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On November 2, 1983, Reagan signed the law creating the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday.