September 24 is a date marked by a variety of significant events in history, spanning multiple centuries and impacting diverse aspects of human civilization.
From religious migrations and political upheavals to groundbreaking scientific achievements and cultural milestones, this date has witnessed pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history.
This article provides a detailed look at 20 notable events that occurred on September 24, offering insights into their historical contexts and enduring legacies.
September 24th – On this Day in History
622 – Prophet Muhammad Completes His Hijra from Mecca to Medina
In 622, the Prophet Muhammad completed his Hijra (migration) from Mecca to Medina, an event that marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. This journey was undertaken to escape persecution from the Quraysh tribe of Mecca.
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Upon his arrival in Medina, Muhammad was welcomed and established a nascent Muslim community, which grew both in size and influence.
The Hijra is not only a physical journey but also symbolizes a pivotal moment in Islamic history, representing the transition from a period of oppression to the establishment of a strong, organized Muslim society.
787 – The Second Council of Nicaea is Convened by Empress Irene

The Second Council of Nicaea, convened by Empress Irene in 787, was a significant event in the history of the Christian Church. This ecumenical council addressed the issue of iconoclasm, the debate over the veneration of icons in the Byzantine Empire.
The council ultimately upheld the use of icons, affirming their role in Christian worship and condemning the iconoclasts.
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This decision had a profound impact on the practice and theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church and helped shape the religious landscape of medieval Europe.
Empress Irene’s support for the council was crucial, as it marked a return to traditional practices and reinforced her influence in both religious and political spheres.
1180 – Manuel I Komnenos, Byzantine Emperor, Dies
Manuel I Komnenos, the Byzantine Emperor, died on September 24, 1180. His death marked the end of an era of military expansion and relative stability for the Byzantine Empire.
Manuel’s reign was characterized by his ambitious campaigns in the Mediterranean and his efforts to restore the Byzantine influence in the Balkans and the Middle East. He was known for his diplomatic relations with Western Europe, including alliances with the Holy Roman Empire and the Papacy.
However, his death led to a period of internal strife and weakened the empire, making it more vulnerable to external threats. Manuel I’s legacy is remembered for his contributions to the military and political strength of the Byzantine state.
1493 – Christopher Columbus Embarks on His Second Voyage to the Americas
On September 24, 1493, Christopher Columbus set sail on his second voyage to the Americas. This expedition was significantly larger than his first, consisting of 17 ships and about 1,200 men.

The primary goals were to establish permanent colonies in the New World and to continue the search for precious metals and other resources.
Columbus’s second voyage led to the discovery of several Caribbean islands, including Dominica and Jamaica, and the establishment of the first Spanish settlements in the New World.
This journey marked the beginning of sustained European colonization in the Americas and had profound implications for the indigenous populations and the global economy.
1789 – The United States Congress Passes the Judiciary Act of 1789
The Judiciary Act of 1789, passed by the United States Congress on September 24, 1789, was a foundational statute that established the federal judiciary of the United States.
This act created the structure and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, the federal district courts, and the circuit courts. It also outlined the procedures for the appointment of judges and provided for the position of the Attorney General.
The Judiciary Act was instrumental in defining the balance of power between the federal and state governments and ensuring the implementation of the newly ratified U.S. Constitution. This legislation laid the groundwork for the American legal system and has had a lasting impact on the administration of justice in the United States.
1841 – The Sultan of Brunei Cedes Sarawak to the United Kingdom
In 1841, the Sultan of Brunei ceded Sarawak, a region on the island of Borneo, to the British adventurer James Brooke. This cession marked the beginning of Brooke’s rule as the “White Rajah” of Sarawak. Brooke had helped the Sultan quell a rebellion and, in gratitude, was granted governance of the territory.
Under Brooke’s administration, Sarawak underwent significant changes, including the establishment of a structured government, the suppression of piracy, and the initiation of trade relations with Western countries.
Brooke’s rule set the stage for the subsequent expansion of British influence in the region, which eventually led to Sarawak becoming a British protectorate.
1869 – Black Friday: The Gold Market Collapses

On September 24, 1869, known as Black Friday, the U.S. gold market collapsed after financiers Jay Gould and James Fisk attempted to corner the market. Their scheme led to a dramatic rise in the price of gold, creating panic and economic turmoil.
The federal government, under President Ulysses S. Grant, intervened by releasing gold into the market, causing prices to plummet. This intervention caused widespread financial losses and ruined many investors.
The event exposed the vulnerabilities of the financial system and led to calls for greater regulation of the stock market and banking practices. It remains a significant example of the impact of market manipulation.
1890 – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Officially Renounces Polygamy
In 1890, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) officially renounced polygamy. This declaration, known as the “1890 Manifesto,” was issued by Church President Wilford Woodruff.
The renunciation was a response to increasing pressure from the U.S. government, which had enacted laws to combat polygamy and was seizing LDS Church assets and imprisoning leaders who practiced it.
The Manifesto marked a significant shift in the church’s practices and paved the way for Utah’s admission to the Union as a state in 1896. The renunciation of polygamy helped to normalize relations between the LDS Church and the broader American society.
1906 – U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt Proclaims Devils Tower as the First National Monument
On September 24, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower in Wyoming as the first National Monument in the United States. This proclamation was made under the authority of the Antiquities Act of 1906, which gave the President the power to protect significant natural, cultural, and scientific features on federal lands.
Devils Tower, a striking geological formation, was deemed worthy of protection due to its unique structure and cultural significance to Native American tribes.
This designation marked the beginning of a conservation movement that led to the protection of numerous other landmarks and natural areas across the country, reflecting Roosevelt’s commitment to preserving America’s natural heritage.
1946 – Cathay Pacific Airways is Founded in Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific Airways was founded on September 24, 1946, in Hong Kong by American Roy C. Farrell and Australian Sydney H. de Kantzow. The airline started with a single aircraft, a Douglas DC-3, and initially operated flights between Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, and Shanghai.
Over the decades, Cathay Pacific expanded its fleet and route network, becoming one of the world’s leading airlines known for its high standards of service and safety. The founding of Cathay Pacific was a significant milestone in the development of aviation in the Asia-Pacific region and contributed to Hong Kong’s emergence as a major international aviation hub.
1948 – The Honda Motor Company is Founded in Japan
On September 24, 1948, Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa founded the Honda Motor Company in Hamamatsu, Japan. Initially focused on manufacturing motorized bicycles, Honda quickly expanded its operations to produce motorcycles, with its first major success being the Honda Dream D-Type in 1949.
The company’s innovative designs and engineering prowess soon made it a leader in the motorcycle industry. In the 1960s, Honda ventured into automobile manufacturing, introducing models like the T360 mini truck and the S500 sports car.
Over the years, Honda has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most successful automotive manufacturers, known for its reliable cars, motorcycles, and contributions to motorsports and green technologies.
1957 – Camp Nou, the Largest Stadium in Europe, is Opened in Barcelona
On September 24, 1957, Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Europe, officially opened in Barcelona, Spain. Designed by architects Francesc Mitjans, Josep Soteras, and Lorenzo García-Barbón, Camp Nou became the home of FC Barcelona, one of the most storied football clubs in the world.
The stadium initially had a capacity of around 99,000 spectators, which has been adjusted over the years to accommodate modern amenities and safety standards.
Camp Nou has hosted numerous historic football matches, including European Cup finals and World Cup games. It is not only a symbol of Catalan pride but also a landmark in the world of sports, representing the rich history and culture of FC Barcelona and its fans.
1960 – The USS Enterprise, the World’s First Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier, is Launched

On September 24, 1960, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was launched by Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. This pioneering vessel was the eighth U.S. naval ship to bear the name Enterprise. Powered by eight nuclear reactors, the carrier had an unprecedented range and endurance, allowing it to operate without refueling for over 20 years.
The USS Enterprise played a crucial role in various military operations, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and numerous other conflicts and humanitarian missions.
Its introduction marked a significant advancement in naval engineering and strategy, demonstrating the potential of nuclear power in naval vessels and solidifying the United States’ naval supremacy during the Cold War era.
1962 – The University of Mississippi Admits James Meredith, Its First African-American Student
On September 24, 1962, the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, admitted James Meredith, making him the first African-American student to enroll at the institution. This historic event was a significant milestone in the Civil Rights Movement.
Meredith’s enrollment was met with fierce opposition, leading to violent riots on the campus, which required the intervention of federal marshals and the National Guard to ensure his safety and uphold the federal court order that mandated his admission.
Despite the hostility and challenges, Meredith persisted and graduated with a degree in political science in 1963. His courage and determination helped pave the way for desegregation in higher education across the United States.
1968 – 60 Minutes, the Influential American News Magazine Television Program, Debuts on CBS
On September 24, 1968, the American news magazine television program 60 Minutes debuted on CBS. Created by Don Hewitt, 60 Minutes revolutionized television journalism with its investigative reporting and in-depth news coverage.
The show’s format, featuring multiple segments within an hour, allowed for comprehensive exploration of various topics, from political scandals to social issues and human interest stories. Over the years, 60 Minutes has earned numerous awards for its journalism, including multiple Peabody and Emmy Awards.
Its impact on public discourse and its role in uncovering significant stories have made it a cornerstone of American broadcast journalism, influencing generations of journalists and setting high standards for news programming.
1973 – Guinea-Bissau Declares Its Independence from Portugal
On September 24, 1973, Guinea-Bissau unilaterally declared its independence from Portugal. This declaration came after a prolonged and brutal war for independence that began in 1963, led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC).
The struggle was characterized by guerrilla warfare and significant civilian suffering. The declaration was initially recognized by many countries and the United Nations, although Portugal only officially recognized Guinea-Bissau’s independence the following year, after the Carnation Revolution in Portugal, which led to the end of the Portuguese Colonial War.
The independence of Guinea-Bissau marked a significant moment in the decolonization of Africa and inspired other liberation movements across the continent.
1990 – The Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union Suspends All Activities of the Soviet Communist Party
On September 24, 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union passed a resolution suspending all activities of the Soviet Communist Party. This action was a dramatic development in the process of the Soviet Union’s dissolution, reflecting the weakening grip of the Communist Party on the country’s political life.
The suspension came in the wake of the failed August Coup attempt by hard-line Communists who opposed the reforms of Mikhail Gorbachev, the then-General Secretary of the Communist Party.
The suspension signaled the end of an era and paved the way for the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991. It marked a critical step towards the establishment of democratic governance and market economies in the former Soviet republics.
1996 – The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is Signed in New York City
On September 24, 1996, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was signed in New York City. The treaty was a major milestone in global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and promote disarmament. It prohibits all nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments.
The CTBT was opened for signature at the United Nations and has since been signed by 185 countries and ratified by 170, but it has not yet entered into force because several key nuclear-capable states, including the United States, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel, have not ratified it.
The treaty represents a critical component of the international arms control framework and reflects the global consensus against nuclear testing.
2005 – Hurricane Rita Makes Landfall in the United States
On September 24, 2005, Hurricane Rita made landfall on the southwestern coast of Louisiana as a Category 3 storm. Rita was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, reaching Category 5 intensity in the Gulf of Mexico with peak winds of 180 mph (285 km/h).
The hurricane caused extensive damage in coastal Louisiana and Texas, exacerbating the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina just a few weeks earlier. Rita led to widespread flooding, power outages, and the displacement of thousands of residents.
The response to Rita highlighted the ongoing challenges in disaster preparedness and response, and the event underscored the vulnerability of the Gulf Coast region to powerful hurricanes.
2007 – The Big Bang Theory, an American Television Sitcom, Premieres on CBS
On September 24, 2007, “The Big Bang Theory,” an American television sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, premiered on CBS. The show centered around a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with each other and the world around them, blending humor with themes of friendship and intellectual pursuits.
Starring Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, and Kunal Nayyar, the sitcom quickly gained popularity for its witty writing, strong ensemble cast, and cultural references to science and geek culture. “The Big Bang Theory” enjoyed a successful run of 12 seasons, becoming one of the most beloved and highest-rated sitcoms in television history, and leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.