On September 19 throughout history, a multitude of significant events have unfolded, each leaving an indelible mark on the course of human affairs.
From pivotal battles and groundbreaking political milestones to notable discoveries and cultural shifts, this date has witnessed moments that have shaped the world we live in today.
This article delves into 20 notable events that occurred on September 19, arranged in chronological order, offering a glimpse into the diverse and impactful occurrences that define this day in history.
September 19th – On this Day in History
634 – Siege of Damascus: Rashidun Arabs Capture Damascus
In 634, the Rashidun Caliphate, under the leadership of Khalid ibn al-Walid, successfully captured Damascus from the Byzantine Empire. This event marked a significant victory for the Muslim forces during the early Islamic conquests.
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Khalid ibn al-Walid, a brilliant military strategist, led his troops through a series of maneuvers that outflanked and outsmarted the Byzantine defenses.
The capture of Damascus was not only a major strategic win but also a symbolic one, as Damascus was a prominent and fortified city in the Byzantine Empire. This victory paved the way for further Islamic expansions into the Levant and beyond.
1356 – Battle of Poitiers: English Victory in the Hundred Years’ War

On September 19, 1356, during the Hundred Years’ War, English forces led by Edward, the Black Prince, achieved a significant victory over the French army at the Battle of Poitiers.
This battle was part of the larger conflict between England and France over territorial and dynastic disputes. The English forces, although outnumbered, utilized superior tactics and the effective use of longbowmen to decimate the French knights.
The capture of King John II of France during the battle was a substantial blow to the French and provided the English with a considerable advantage in subsequent negotiations and warfare.
The battle demonstrated the changing nature of medieval warfare and the decline of heavily armored knights in the face of new military technologies and strategies.
1676 – Bacon’s Rebellion: Colonial Rebels Burn Jamestown
In 1676, Bacon’s Rebellion, one of the earliest and most significant uprisings in colonial America, reached a climax when rebels led by Nathaniel Bacon burned the town of Jamestown, Virginia.
The rebellion was driven by discontent among frontier settlers over issues such as high taxes, low tobacco prices, and the perceived lack of protection against Native American raids.
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Bacon, initially a member of the colonial elite, rallied settlers and indentured servants to his cause, leading an armed insurrection against Governor William Berkeley’s administration.
The burning of Jamestown symbolized the deep divisions within the colony and highlighted the tensions between the ruling class and the lower classes, as well as between settlers and Native Americans.
The rebellion was eventually suppressed, but it had lasting impacts on colonial policies and the future of labor in America, particularly the shift from indentured servitude to African slavery.
1692 – Salem Witch Trials: Giles Corey Pressed to Death
On September 19, 1692, Giles Corey, an elderly farmer, was pressed to death during the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. Corey had refused to enter a plea when accused of witchcraft, a tactic he hoped would prevent the seizure of his estate by the authorities.
As a result, he was subjected to “pressing,” a form of torture where heavy stones were placed on his chest in an attempt to force a plea. Corey withstood the ordeal without confessing, famously uttering “More weight” as his last words.
His death became one of the most notorious episodes of the Salem witch trials, highlighting the brutal and often arbitrary nature of the proceedings. The witch trials resulted in the executions of 20 individuals and the imprisonment of many others, reflecting the mass hysteria and deep-seated fear of witchcraft that gripped the Puritan community.
1777 – American Revolutionary War: First Battle of Saratoga Begins

The first Battle of Saratoga, also known as the Battle of Freeman’s Farm, began on September 19, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War.
British General John Burgoyne, leading a large force, aimed to divide the American colonies by advancing southward from Canada to join forces with other British troops moving north from New York City.
However, American forces under the command of General Horatio Gates and General Benedict Arnold opposed Burgoyne’s advance. The battle was characterized by fierce fighting and strategic maneuvers, with both sides suffering significant casualties.
Although the battle was tactically inconclusive, it halted Burgoyne’s advance and set the stage for the decisive American victory in the second Battle of Saratoga in October. This victory was pivotal in securing French support for the American cause, which proved crucial to the ultimate success of the American Revolution.
1796 – George Washington’s Farewell Address
On September 19, 1796, George Washington’s Farewell Address was published, marking his decision not to seek a third term as President of the United States. In this address, Washington outlined his thoughts on the young nation’s future and provided guidance for its governance.
He warned against the dangers of political factions and partisanship, urging Americans to value unity and avoid entangling alliances with foreign nations. Washington’s address, co-written with Alexander Hamilton, emphasized the importance of national unity, the rule of law, and the Constitution.
His farewell message has since become a foundational document in American political history, often cited for its wisdom and foresight regarding the nation’s political and international challenges.
1846 – Marian Apparition at La Salette, France
On September 19, 1846, two French shepherd children, Mélanie Calvat and Maximin Giraud, reported seeing an apparition of the Virgin Mary at La Salette, a small village in the French Alps.
According to their account, Mary appeared to them weeping and delivered a message of repentance, calling for the faithful to return to God and observe the Sabbath. The apparition at La Salette gained significant attention and led to the establishment of a sanctuary at the site, which became a major pilgrimage destination.
The Catholic Church officially approved the apparition in 1851, recognizing it as a supernatural event worthy of belief. The message of La Salette continues to inspire devotion and reflection among Catholics worldwide.
1852 – Discovery of the Asteroid Massalia
On September 19, 1852, Annibale de Gasparis, an Italian astronomer, discovered the asteroid Massalia from the north dome of the Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte in Naples, Italy. Massalia, also known as 20 Massalia, was the twentieth asteroid to be identified and is one of the largest in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
De Gasparis’ discovery contributed to the growing understanding of the composition and dynamics of the solar system. The asteroid was named after the ancient Greek name for the city of Marseille, France.
Massalia’s discovery highlighted the importance of astronomical observatories and the advancements in telescope technology during the 19th century, which allowed for greater exploration and mapping of celestial bodies.
1862 – American Civil War: Battle of Iuka
The Battle of Iuka, a significant engagement during the American Civil War, occurred on September 19, 1862, in Iuka, Mississippi. Union forces under Major General William Rosecrans clashed with Confederate troops led by Major General Sterling Price.
The battle was part of a larger Union campaign to secure control of key transportation routes and disrupt Confederate supply lines in the Western Theater. Despite being outnumbered, Rosecrans’ troops managed to repel Price’s forces, inflicting substantial casualties.
The Battle of Iuka demonstrated the strategic importance of controlling railroads and riverways in the Civil War and underscored the fierce determination of both sides in the conflict. Although the battle did not result in a decisive victory for either side, it set the stage for further Union advances in the region.
1870 – Franco-Prussian War: Siege of Paris Begins

On September 19, 1870, the Siege of Paris began during the Franco-Prussian War. Prussian and German forces encircled the French capital, initiating a blockade that would last until January 28, 1871.
The siege aimed to force France to capitulate after a series of defeats in the war. The residents of Paris endured severe hardships during the siege, including food shortages and bombardment. Despite attempts to break the siege, the French forces were unable to lift the blockade.
The fall of Paris eventually led to the collapse of the French Second Empire and the proclamation of the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. The siege and subsequent peace settlement significantly altered the political landscape of Europe, marking the rise of Germany as a major continental power.
1893 – New Zealand Grants Women’s Suffrage
On September 19, 1893, New Zealand became the first country in the world to grant all women the right to vote in parliamentary elections. This landmark decision was the result of years of persistent advocacy and campaigning by suffragists, most notably led by Kate Sheppard.
Sheppard and her colleagues organized petitions, wrote articles, and lobbied parliamentarians, successfully raising public awareness about the importance of women’s suffrage.
The passage of the Electoral Bill by the New Zealand Parliament marked a significant step towards gender equality and set a precedent for other nations to follow. New Zealand’s achievement was celebrated worldwide and inspired suffrage movements in other countries, contributing to the global advancement of women’s rights.
1934 – Bruno Hauptmann Arrested for Lindbergh Kidnapping
On September 19, 1934, Bruno Hauptmann was arrested for the kidnap and murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr., the infant son of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh. The Lindbergh kidnapping, which took place in March 1932, had captivated the nation and was dubbed the “Crime of the Century.”
The investigation led authorities to Hauptmann, a German immigrant, after they traced the ransom money to him. The case against Hauptmann was built on circumstantial evidence, including ransom notes, handwriting analysis, and the discovery of part of the ransom money in his possession.
Hauptmann’s trial in 1935 drew massive media attention, and he was ultimately convicted and sentenced to death. He maintained his innocence until his execution in 1936. The case highlighted issues of media influence on public opinion and the justice system and led to reforms in how kidnapping cases were handled in the United States.
1940 – Witold Pilecki Voluntarily Captured and Sent to Auschwitz
On September 19, 1940, Polish resistance fighter Witold Pilecki voluntarily allowed himself to be captured by the Nazis and sent to Auschwitz concentration camp.
Pilecki’s mission was to gather intelligence on the camp’s operations and organize a resistance movement from within. His bravery and sacrifice provided the Allies with some of the first eyewitness accounts of the atrocities being committed in Auschwitz.
He spent nearly three years in the camp, enduring horrific conditions while secretly documenting the crimes and helping fellow prisoners. He eventually escaped in 1943, returning to Warsaw to share his detailed reports with the Polish resistance and Allied forces.
Pilecki’s reports were among the earliest and most comprehensive accounts of the Holocaust, providing invaluable evidence for post-war trials and historical documentation of Nazi war crimes.
1952 – United States Bars Charlie Chaplin from Re-entering the Country
On September 19, 1952, the United States government barred the British actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin from re-entering the country after a trip to England. Chaplin, known for his iconic role as the Tramp in silent films, had lived in the United States for decades but never became a U.S. citizen.
During the early 1950s, the political climate in the U.S. was marked by intense anti-communist sentiment, and Chaplin’s outspoken political views and alleged communist sympathies made him a target of suspicion.
The U.S. Attorney General’s office revoked Chaplin’s re-entry permit while he was traveling to London for the premiere of his film “Limelight.” Faced with the prospect of being denied entry, Chaplin chose to settle in Switzerland with his family. This episode exemplified the era’s political paranoia and the impact of McCarthyism on the arts and entertainment industry.
1957 – First American Underground Nuclear Bomb Test

On September 19, 1957, the United States conducted its first underground nuclear bomb test, codenamed “Rainier,” at the Nevada Test Site. This test was part of Operation Plumbbob, a series of nuclear tests aimed at developing new weapons and studying the effects of nuclear explosions.
The Rainier test involved detonating a 1.7-kiloton nuclear device in a horizontal tunnel 900 feet beneath the surface. The successful test demonstrated the feasibility of underground nuclear testing, which helped contain radioactive fallout and reduced the environmental impact compared to atmospheric tests.
The transition to underground testing marked a significant development in nuclear weapons technology and safety protocols. It also highlighted the ongoing arms race during the Cold War and the continuous efforts to improve and expand the nuclear capabilities of the United States.
1982 – The Emoticon 🙂 is First Used by Scott Fahlman
On September 19, 1982, Scott Fahlman, a computer scientist at Carnegie Mellon University, proposed the use of emoticons to convey tone and emotion in digital communications. Fahlman suggested using 🙂 to indicate a joke or light-hearted comment and 🙁 to signify something serious.
This simple innovation addressed the challenge of interpreting the emotional context of text-based messages, which can often be ambiguous. Fahlman’s idea quickly spread within the university and then to other academic institutions and early internet communities.
The adoption of emoticons revolutionized online communication, providing a way to express emotions succinctly and enhancing the clarity of digital interactions. Emoticons eventually evolved into more complex emoji, now ubiquitous in messaging and social media.
1985 – Mexico City Earthquake
On September 19, 1985, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 struck Mexico City, causing widespread devastation and significant loss of life. The quake’s epicenter was located off the Pacific coast of Mexico, but the capital city, situated on an ancient lakebed, experienced severe shaking due to the unique geological conditions.
Buildings collapsed, infrastructure was destroyed, and thousands of people were trapped under the rubble. The disaster prompted an overwhelming response from rescue workers, volunteers, and international aid. The earthquake ultimately resulted in approximately 10,000 deaths and left many more injured and homeless.
The tragedy exposed vulnerabilities in Mexico City’s urban planning and building regulations, leading to substantial changes in construction practices and disaster preparedness policies. The anniversary of the earthquake is now observed as a national day of remembrance and readiness in Mexico.
1991 – Ötzi the Iceman Discovered
On September 19, 1991, hikers Erika and Helmut Simon discovered the remarkably well-preserved remains of a prehistoric man in the Ötztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy. The mummified body, later named Ötzi the Iceman, was estimated to be over 5,000 years old, dating back to around 3300 BCE.
Ötzi’s discovery provided an unprecedented glimpse into Copper Age life in Europe. His clothing, tools, and even his last meal were preserved, offering valuable insights into the diet, health, and technology of his time.
Subsequent studies revealed that Ötzi had suffered a violent death, likely due to an arrow wound. The Iceman’s remains continue to be a subject of extensive research, significantly contributing to our understanding of early human history and prehistoric cultures.
1995 – Publication of the Unabomber’s Manifesto
On September 19, 1995, The Washington Post and The New York Times published the manifesto of the Unabomber, a domestic terrorist responsible for a series of mail bomb attacks over nearly two decades.
The publication was part of a deal with the Unabomber, whose real name is Ted Kaczynski, in an effort to prevent further violence. The 35,000-word manifesto, titled “Industrial Society and Its Future,” detailed Kaczynski’s anti-technology and anti-industrialization beliefs.
The manifesto’s publication led to a breakthrough in the investigation when Kaczynski’s brother, David, recognized the writing style and alerted authorities.
This crucial tip ultimately led to Kaczynski’s arrest in 1996. The case highlighted the complex interplay between technology, media, and law enforcement in modern criminal investigations and sparked widespread public debate about the ethics of yielding to terrorist demands.
2011 – Mariano Rivera Becomes MLB’s All-Time Saves Leader
On September 19, 2011, Mariano Rivera, the legendary closer for the New York Yankees, surpassed Trevor Hoffman to become Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in saves with 602. Rivera achieved this milestone during a game against the Minnesota Twins, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest relief pitchers in baseball history.
Known for his exceptional control, calm demeanor, and devastating cut fastball, Rivera’s career was marked by consistent excellence and numerous records. Over his 19-season career, all with the Yankees, he earned 13 All-Star selections, five World Series championships, and numerous postseason records.
Rivera’s achievement on this day was celebrated by fans and players alike, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the sport. His career further solidified with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019, where he became the first player to be unanimously elected.