Today in History graphic for September 6 featuring President William McKinley, the first Piggly Wiggly self-service grocery store, and Cal Ripken Jr.'s record-breaking baseball game.

September 6 in History: McKinley Is Shot, Piggly Wiggly Opens & Cal Ripken Makes History

Scott Winters September 6, 2026 1 Comment

Discover what happened on September 6 in history as historic journeys began, political events changed the nation, new ideas transformed everyday life, and remarkable achievements helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on September 6 in History?

On this day, the Mayflower departed England for the New World, President William McKinley was shot, the first Piggly Wiggly introduced self-service grocery shopping, and Cal Ripken Jr. broke baseball’s consecutive-games record.

SEPTEMBER 6 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1620 – The Mayflower departed Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers bound for the New World. The ship would reach Cape Cod more than two months later.

1819 – Thomas Blanchard received a patent for a pattern-following lathe that could reproduce irregularly shaped objects, an important development in automated manufacturing.

1835 – During the Toledo War, Michigan Governor Stevens T. Mason sent about 1,000 militia members into the disputed Toledo Strip. They found no Ohio troops to fight and eventually returned home. The boundary dispute between Michigan and Ohio continued into the following year.

1899 – The Pacific Coast Condensed Milk Company, which would later become the Carnation Company, began producing evaporated milk in Washington state.

1901 – President William McKinley was shot twice by anarchist Leon Czolgosz while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY. McKinley died from his wounds eight days later, and Vice President Theodore Roosevelt became president.

1909 – Explorer Robert Peary announced that he had reached the North Pole five months earlier. Peary was long credited with being the first person to reach the pole, although the accuracy of his claim has since been disputed.

1916 – Clarence Saunders opened the first Piggly Wiggly store in Memphis, TN, introducing the revolutionary concept of a self-service grocery store where customers selected their own merchandise.

1975 – Eighteen-year-old Czechoslovak tennis star Martina Navratilova requested political asylum in the United States while competing in the U.S. Open in New York.

1993 – Automakers Renault and Volvo announced plans to merge and create one of the world’s largest automobile companies. Volvo shareholders opposed the deal, and the merger was abandoned later that year.

1995 – Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. played in his 2,131st consecutive game, breaking Lou Gehrig’s Major League Baseball record that had stood for 56 years.

1997 – The funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, was held at Westminster Abbey in London. More than a million people lined the streets, while hundreds of millions watched the service on television around the world.

2002 – Members of Congress gathered at Federal Hall in New York City for a rare special session held in remembrance of the September 11 terrorist attacks and as a demonstration of national unity.

2010 – The King’s Speech, starring Colin Firth as Britain’s King George VI, premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. The film would later win four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

2018 – Amway co-founder, businessman and philanthropist Rich DeVos died at his home in Ada, MI, at the age of 92.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 6:

Jo Anne Worley – 89 years old (1937) – Actress, comedian, and singer

Joan Tower – 88 years old (1938) – Pianist, composer, and conductor

Donna Haraway – 82 years old (1944) – Author, academic, and activist

Swoosie Kurtz – 82 years old (1944) – Actress

Ron Boone – 80 years old (1946) – Basketball player and commentator

Shirley M. Malcom – 80 years old (1946) – Scientist, academic and educator

Jane Curtin – 79 years old (1947) – Actress and comedian

Buddy Miller – 74 years old (1952) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Carly Fiorina – 72 years old (1954) – Businesswoman and activist

Patrick O'Hearn – 72 years old (1954) – Bassist and composer

Raymond Benson – 71 years old (1955) – Author and playwright

Bill Ritter – 70 years old (1956) – Lawyer and politician, 41st Governor of Colorado

Jeff Foxworthy – 68 years old (1958) – Comedian, actor, producer, and screenwriter

Michael Winslow – 68 years old (1958) – Actor

Wendi Richter – 65 years old (1961) – Wrestler

Scott Travis – 65 years old (1961) – Rock drummer

Chris Christie – 64 years old (1962) – Lawyer and politician, 55th Governor of New Jersey

Elizabeth Vargas – 64 years old (1962) – Journalist

Kevin Willis – 64 years old (1962) – Basketball player and fashion designer

Mark Chesnutt – 63 years old (1963) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Betsy Russell – 63 years old (1963) – Actress

Alice Sebold – 63 years old (1963) – Author

Bryan Simonaire – 63 years old (1963) – Engineer and politician

Rosie Perez – 62 years old (1964) – Actress, dancer, and director

Van Tiffin – 61 years old (1965) – Football player

William DuVall – 59 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Macy Gray – 59 years old (1967) – Singer-songwriter, producer, and actress

Paul Rea – 58 years old (1968) – Journalist

Tony DiTerlizzi – 57 years old (1969) – Author and illustrator

Ben Finegold – 57 years old (1969) – Chess player and educator

Michellie Jones – 57 years old (1969) – Australian-American triathlete

CeCe Peniston – 57 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter, actress, and former beauty pageant winner

Rhett Miller – 56 years old (1970) – Alternative country singer-songwriter and guitarist

DJ Spooky – 56 years old (1970) – Electronic and experimental hip hop musician

Dylan Bruno – 54 years old (1972) – Actor and model

Justina Machado – 54 years old (1972) – Actress

Anika Noni Rose – 54 years old (1972) – Actress and singer

Justin Whalin – 52 years old (1974) – Actor

Derrek Lee – 51 years old (1975) – Baseball player and coach

Tom Pappas – 50 years old (1976) – Decathlete and coach

Cisco Adler – 48 years old (1978) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Foxy Brown – 48 years old (1978) – Rapper

Low Ki – 47 years old (1979) – Wrestler

Jillian Hall – 46 years old (1980) – Wrestler and singer

Mark Teahen – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player

Temeka Johnson – 44 years old (1982) – Basketball player

Jerry Blevins – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player

Braun Strowman – 43 years old (1983) – Wrestler and strongman

Lauren Lapkus – 41 years old (1985) – Actress and comedian

Mitch Moreland – 41 years old (1985) – Baseball player

John Wall – 36 years old (1990) – Basketball player

Brian Dumoulin – 35 years old (1991) – Ice hockey player

Joe Harris – 35 years old (1991) – Basketball player

Ryan Shazier – 34 years old (1992) – Football player

Famous Dex – 33 years old (1993) – Rapper

Alex Poythress – 33 years old (1993) – Basketball player

Mark Andrews – 31 years old (1995) – Football player

Lil Xan – 30 years old (1996) – Rapper

Mallory Comerford – 29 years old (1997) – Swimmer

David Kushner – 26 years old (2000) – Singer-songwriter

Asher Angel – 24 years old (2002) – Actor

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 6:

National Read a Book Day: Once upon a time, a reader's journey began with a book in hand, and adventures unfolded within its pages. Let your imagination soar with every page turn!
National Color Blind Awareness Day: Embracing a unique perspective, this condition enriches the world with diverse viewpoints, highlighting the beauty of human individuality and resilience.
Fight Procrastination Day: Set your alarm for earlier, make your to-do list in advance, and prepare to actually tackle some of those pesky things you’ve been procrastinating for so long.
National Pet Rock Day: Everyone needs a friend. Find a suitable rock, pick up some craft supplies, and get to work making your own Pet Rock with googly eyes, paint, whatever you like.
National Coffee Ice Cream Day: Go get yourself some coffee flavored ice cream, make it at home, or try a delicious affogato: a dollop of ice cream “drowned” in some rich espresso.
Great Egg Toss Day: Great Egg Toss Day is all about fun and excitement. People team up to toss raw eggs back and forth without breaking them. The challenge increases as the distance between the throwers grows. Players rely on quick reflexes, gentle hands, and luck to keep the egg intact. This seemingly simple...
Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day: Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day brings together volunteers and federal agencies to clean national parks, forests, rivers, and lakes. People of all ages grab trash bags and gloves. They walk trails and shorelines, picking up litter. Smiles and shared effort take center stage. Everyone feels proud to care for...
National Grandparents Day: Let's hear it for the wise and experienced elders who dote on their grandchildren, sharing stories of the past and imparting valuable life lessons.
Belarusian Written Language Day: Belarusian Written Language Day celebrates the nation's deep connection to its native tongue and literary heritage. This special day highlights the role of language in preserving Belarusian identity and culture. Writers, poets, and thinkers come together, drawing on centuries of tradition to honor the power of the written word. The event fosters...
National Pastor’s Spouses Day: Not every hero stands in the spotlight. National Pastor's Spouses Day celebrates those who often work quietly behind the scenes. They comfort, encourage, listen, and lead in their own way. While pastors speak from the pulpit, their partners often carry the unspoken weight of shared responsibility. These spouses keep things...
Unification Day in Bulgaria: Unification Day in Bulgaria commemorates a defining moment in the country’s history when the nation came together, merging the Principality of Bulgaria with Eastern Rumelia. It symbolizes the strength and determination of the Bulgarian people to unite despite opposition from powerful international forces. This significant act not only consolidated the country...
Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
National Child Protection Week: National Child Protection Week is a fantastic opportunity to come together and focus on keeping our kids safe. It's all about raising awareness, having fun, and learning important safety tips. This week serves as a powerful reminder that everyone plays a role in protecting children. The theme underscores the importance...
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...
National Childhood Injury Prevention Week: Kids run, jump, explore, and push limits every day. That curiosity brings joy, but also risk. National Childhood Injury Prevention Week speaks to that very balance. It’s a reminder that while we can’t stop every scraped knee, we can prevent many serious injuries. It’s about everyday choices—like buckling a car seat...
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...
National Waffle Week: National Waffle Week is a delightful celebration of one of the most beloved breakfast foods. It shines a spotlight on waffles and encourages people to enjoy this crispy, golden treat in all its forms. Throughout this week, waffle lovers are invited to explore different recipes and toppings, transforming their morning...
Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...