September 27 Events in History

September 27 has witnessed numerous pivotal events that have significantly shaped history.

This article explores 20 notable occurrences on this day, ranging from the Norman Conquest of England to the founding of Google.

These events highlight major advancements in technology, transportation, and geopolitics, demonstrating the dynamic impact of historical milestones on our world.

September 27th – On this Day in History

1066 – William the Conqueror Begins the Norman Conquest of England

On September 27, 1066, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, embarked on one of the most significant military campaigns in English history.

Setting sail from the mouth of the Somme River, William’s fleet headed towards England, marking the beginning of the Norman Conquest. This campaign was a result of a disputed succession to the English throne after the death of Edward the Confessor.

William the Conqueror

William’s claim was contested by Harold Godwinson, who had been crowned king. The successful crossing and subsequent Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066, where Harold was defeated and killed, led to William becoming the first Norman King of England. This event significantly influenced the culture, language, and governance of England.

1290 – Earthquake in the Gulf of Chili, China

On September 27, 1290, a devastating earthquake struck the Gulf of Chili, China. The earthquake, one of the deadliest in recorded history, left an estimated 100,000 people dead. The event is a stark reminder of the natural disasters that have shaped human history.

Also Read: September 26 Events in History

The earthquake’s impact on the region was profound, causing widespread destruction to cities, towns, and infrastructure. Historical records from this period highlight the massive loss of life and the subsequent socio-economic challenges faced by the survivors. The 1290 earthquake remains a significant event in the history of natural disasters in China.

1331 – The Battle of Płowce

The Battle of Płowce, fought on September 27, 1331, was a significant conflict between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order. This battle was part of a series of wars between Poland and the Teutonic Knights, who sought to expand their territory and influence in the region.

The Polish forces, led by King Władysław I the Elbow-high, engaged the Teutonic Knights in a fierce battle. The engagement ended inconclusively, with both sides suffering heavy losses. However, it demonstrated the resilience and determination of the Polish forces against a formidable adversary. The battle is remembered as a symbol of Polish resistance and courage.

1422 – Charles VII Becomes King of France

On September 27, 1422, Charles VII ascended to the throne of France following the death of his father, Charles VI. His reign marked a pivotal period in French history, during the latter stages of the Hundred Years’ War against England.

Also Read: September 28th – On this Day in History

Charles VII’s early reign was fraught with challenges, including internal divisions and the threat of English conquest. However, his leadership, supported by key figures such as Joan of Arc, eventually led to significant military victories and the reconsolidation of French territories.

Charles VII’s reign restored stability and strength to the French monarchy, paving the way for the country’s future growth and consolidation.

1529 – The Siege of Vienna

The Siege of Vienna

The Siege of Vienna began on September 27, 1529, as the Ottoman Empire, led by Suleiman the Magnificent, launched an ambitious attempt to capture the city. Vienna was a strategic target, seen as the gateway to Western Europe.

The siege marked the peak of the Ottoman Empire’s expansion into Europe. Despite their formidable military prowess, the Ottomans faced stiff resistance from the Viennese defenders and their allies.

Harsh weather conditions and logistical challenges further hampered the Ottoman efforts. The siege ended in failure for Suleiman, with the Ottoman forces withdrawing in October 1529. This event was a turning point, halting the Ottoman advance into Europe and marking the beginning of their gradual decline in the region.

1540 – The Society of Jesus Receives its Charter

On September 27, 1540, Pope Paul III formally approved the establishment of the Society of Jesus, more commonly known as the Jesuits, through the papal bull “Regimini militantis ecclesiae.” Founded by Ignatius of Loyola, the Jesuits became one of the most influential religious orders within the Catholic Church.

Their mission was to counter the Protestant Reformation and to spread Catholicism through education, missionary work, and direct engagement with communities. The Jesuits played a critical role in the Counter-Reformation and were instrumental in the global expansion of the Church, particularly in Asia and the Americas.

Their emphasis on rigorous scholarship and education also led to the establishment of numerous schools, colleges, and universities worldwide.

1590 – Pope Urban VII Dies After the Shortest Papacy in History

Pope Urban VII, born Giovanni Battista Castagna, holds the record for the shortest papacy in history, lasting only 13 days. Elected on September 15th, 1590, he died on September 27, 1590, before his coronation could take place. Urban VII succumbed to malaria, a common and deadly disease in Rome at the time.

Despite his brief tenure, he is remembered for his plans to reform the Church and his charitable nature. One notable aspect of his papacy was his decree against the use of tobacco, which he threatened to excommunicate anyone who used in churches. His untimely death led to another conclave, eventually resulting in the election of Gregory XIV.

1605 – Battle of Kircholm

Battle of Kircholm

The Battle of Kircholm, fought on September 27, 1605, was a significant clash during the Polish-Swedish War. The battle took place near present-day Salaspils, Latvia, and saw the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, under the command of Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, decisively defeat the Swedish forces led by Charles IX.

Despite being outnumbered, the Polish-Lithuanian cavalry, particularly the Winged Hussars, played a crucial role in the victory.

The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s military tactics and the skill of its commanders. The defeat significantly weakened Swedish influence in the region and underscored the military prowess of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during this period.

1777 – Lancaster, Pennsylvania Becomes the Capital of the United States for One Day

On September 27, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, served as the capital of the United States for a single day.

This unusual occurrence happened because British forces had captured Philadelphia, the then-capital, prompting the Continental Congress to flee. The Congress reconvened in Lancaster to continue their deliberations and ensure the continuity of governance.

However, due to Lancaster’s proximity to British-occupied territories, the Congress decided to move further west to York, Pennsylvania, the following day. This brief moment in Lancaster’s history highlights the challenges and uncertainties faced by the fledgling United States during its fight for independence.

1821 – The Mexican Empire is Declared

On September 27, 1821, the Mexican Empire was officially declared, marking the culmination of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. The declaration followed the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba on August 24, 1821, which recognized Mexican independence.

Agustín de Iturbide, a former Spanish army officer who had joined the independence movement, became the first Emperor of Mexico under the title Agustín I.

The establishment of the Mexican Empire marked the end of 11 years of conflict and the beginning of a new era for the nation. However, the empire was short-lived, facing internal opposition and economic difficulties, leading to Iturbide’s abdication in 1823 and the establishment of the Mexican Republic.

1825 – Opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway

On September 27, 1825, the Stockton and Darlington Railway officially opened in England, marking a pivotal moment in transportation history. This railway was the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives, a technological innovation that revolutionized travel and commerce. The inaugural journey saw George Stephenson’s locomotive, the “Locomotion No. 1,” hauling a train of wagons loaded with coal and passengers from Shildon to Stockton.

The railway’s success demonstrated the viability of steam-powered rail transport, leading to the rapid expansion of railway networks across Britain and eventually the world. The Stockton and Darlington Railway’s opening is often celebrated as the beginning of the railway age, which significantly contributed to the Industrial Revolution by enabling faster, more efficient movement of goods and people.

1908 – First Production of the Ford Model T

Model T

On September 27, 1908, the first production model of the Ford Model T was completed at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan. The Model T, also known as the “Tin Lizzie,” was designed by Henry Ford to be an affordable, reliable car for the average American.

It featured innovative assembly line production techniques that drastically reduced manufacturing costs and time. Priced at $850 initially, the Model T became increasingly affordable over the years, eventually selling for as low as $300.

Its production revolutionized the automobile industry, making car ownership accessible to a broad segment of the population and contributing to the rise of suburban living and the modern automotive landscape.

1928 – The Republic of China Recognized by the United States

On September 27, 1928, the United States formally recognized the Republic of China, solidifying international support for the government led by the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) under Chiang Kai-shek.

This recognition came after the Northern Expedition, a military campaign aimed at reunifying China and ending the rule of various warlords. The U.S. recognition was significant as it provided the Nationalist government with increased legitimacy and support on the global stage.

This diplomatic milestone marked an important step in China’s efforts to establish itself as a unified, sovereign nation following years of internal strife and foreign intervention.

1930 – Bobby Jones Wins the Grand Slam of Golf

On September 27, 1930, Bobby Jones completed the unprecedented feat of winning the Grand Slam of golf. Jones, an amateur golfer, secured victories in the four major championships of his time: the British Amateur, the British Open, the U.S. Open, and the U.S. Amateur.

His triumph in the U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, on this date cemented his place in golfing history. Jones’s Grand Slam was a remarkable achievement, showcasing his skill, dedication, and sportsmanship.

He remains the only golfer to have won the Grand Slam in the same calendar year, a record that stands as a testament to his extraordinary talent and legacy in the sport.

1937 – The Balinese Tiger Declared Extinct

On September 27, 1937, the Balinese tiger was declared extinct. This subspecies of tiger, native to the Indonesian island of Bali, faced significant pressures from habitat loss and hunting. The Balinese tiger was one of the smallest tiger subspecies, with a distinctively patterned coat.

By the early 20th century, their numbers had dwindled due to increased human population and agricultural expansion on the island. The last confirmed sighting of a Balinese tiger was in 1937, leading to its official declaration of extinction.

The loss of the Balinese tiger highlights the broader issues of biodiversity loss and the impact of human activities on wildlife, serving as an early indicator of the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species.

1940 – The Tripartite Pact is Signed in Berlin

On September 27, 1940, the Tripartite Pact was signed in Berlin by representatives of Germany, Japan, and Italy. This agreement formalized the alliance of these three Axis powers during World War II. The pact stipulated that the signatories would assist each other with political, economic, and military support if any of them were attacked by a country not already involved in the war.

The Tripartite Pact aimed to deter the United States from entering the war, although it eventually had the opposite effect, galvanizing Allied opposition against the Axis powers. The pact’s signing marked a significant step in the coordination and expansion of Axis military operations across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

1954 – The “Tonight Show” Debuts on NBC

On September 27, 1954, the “Tonight Show” made its debut on NBC, hosted by Steve Allen. This late-night talk show became a pioneering program in American television, blending interviews, comedy sketches, and musical performances.

Steve Allen’s innovative and engaging style set the standard for future hosts and transformed the “Tonight Show” into a beloved staple of American entertainment. Over the decades, the show has been hosted by numerous iconic figures, including Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, and Jimmy Fallon.

The “Tonight Show” remains one of the longest-running and most influential programs in television history, shaping the format of late-night talk shows globally.

1962 – Publication of “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson

On September 27, 1962, Rachel Carson’s seminal book “Silent Spring” was published. This groundbreaking work raised public awareness about the environmental impacts of pesticides, particularly DDT, and their detrimental effects on wildlife and human health.

Carson’s meticulous research and compelling narrative challenged the practices of agricultural scientists and the government, leading to a nationwide reevaluation of pesticide use and environmental policies.

“Silent Spring” is credited with launching the modern environmental movement, inspiring widespread public concern and leading to significant legislative changes, including the eventual ban on DDT in the United States. Rachel Carson’s work remains a cornerstone in the field of environmental science and advocacy.

1983 – Richard Stallman Announces the GNU Project

On September 27, 1983, Richard Stallman announced the launch of the GNU Project, an ambitious initiative to develop a free Unix-like operating system. The GNU Project aimed to create software that could be freely used, modified, and distributed by anyone, promoting the principles of software freedom and collaboration.

Stallman’s announcement marked the beginning of the free software movement, which sought to challenge proprietary software models and advocate for users’ rights to control their own computing.

The GNU Project led to the development of critical components, including the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) and the GNU General Public License (GPL). The project laid the foundation for the creation of the Linux operating system, which combined the GNU tools with the Linux kernel, becoming a cornerstone of the open-source software ecosystem.

1998 – Google is Founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin

On September 27, 1998, Google was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two Ph.D. students at Stanford University. Initially operating out of a garage in Menlo Park, California, Google was created as a search engine to organize and make the world’s information universally accessible and useful.

Its innovative algorithm, PageRank, set it apart from other search engines by prioritizing results based on relevance and importance. Over the years, Google expanded its services beyond search, including products like Gmail, Google Maps, and Android, becoming one of the most influential technology companies globally.

The founding of Google revolutionized the internet, shaping how people access and interact with information and fundamentally transforming the digital landscape.