September 14 in History: Pop-Tarts Debut, Denny McLain Wins 30 & MTV Launches the VMAs

Discover what happened on September 14 in history as historic achievements, everyday innovations, sports milestones, and unforgettable moments in entertainment helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on September 14 in History?

On this day, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the words that became the national anthem, Pop-Tarts debuted, Detroit’s Denny McLain won his 30th game, and MTV held its first Video Music Awards.

SEPTEMBER 14 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1814 – After witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key saw the American flag still flying over the fort on the morning of September 14 and was inspired to write “Defence of Fort M’Henry.” The poem later became the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was adopted as the U.S. national anthem in 1931.

1886 – George K. Anderson received a patent for an inking ribbon designed for typewriting machines.

1901 – President William McKinley died from complications of gunshot wounds suffered during an assassination attempt eight days earlier. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him as president.

1936 – Portuguese neurologist António Egas Moniz performed one of the first prefrontal leucotomy procedures, an early form of the operation later known as a lobotomy.

1940 – Congress approved legislation creating the first peacetime military draft in United States history.

1948 – A groundbreaking ceremony was held in New York City for construction of the future headquarters of the United Nations.

1960 – The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded in Baghdad, Iraq, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.

1963 – Mary Ann Fischer gave birth to four girls and one boy in Aberdeen, SD. The Fischer quintuplets became the first set of quintuplets born in the United States in which all five survived.

1964 – Kellogg’s began test-marketing Pop-Tarts in Cleveland, OH. The original flavors were strawberry, blueberry, brown sugar cinnamon and apple currant.

1965 – The sitcom My Mother the Car, starring Jerry Van Dyke as a man whose dead mother was reincarnated as an antique automobile, premiered on NBC.

1967 – Ironside, starring Raymond Burr as a wheelchair-using police consultant, premiered on NBC.

1968 – Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain earned his 30th victory of the season, becoming Major League Baseball’s first 30-game winner since Dizzy Dean in 1934. McLain finished the season with 31 victories.

1968 – The Archie Show, featuring the animated musical group The Archies, premiered on CBS.

1972 – The Waltons premiered on CBS, beginning a nine-season run.

1978 – Mork & Mindy, starring Robin Williams and Pam Dawber, premiered on ABC.

1984 – MTV held its first Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Madonna delivered her now-famous performance of “Like a Virgin,” while The Cars won Video of the Year for “You Might Think.”

1985 – The Care Bears animated television series debuted.

1994 – Acting Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced the cancellation of the remainder of the season, including the World Series, because of the ongoing players’ strike.

1998 – MCI Communications and WorldCom completed their multibillion-dollar merger, creating MCI WorldCom.

1999 – Walt Disney World closed as Hurricane Floyd approached Florida, one of the rare full closures in the resort’s history.

2000 – Microsoft released Windows Millennium Edition, better known as Windows ME.

2001 – Nintendo released the GameCube home video game console in Japan.

2001 – Three days after the September 11 terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush visited rescue workers at Ground Zero in New York City during a national day of prayer and remembrance. Congress also approved an authorization allowing military force against those responsible for the attacks.

2007 – O.J. Simpson was questioned by Las Vegas, NV police about his possible role in a burglary a day earlier at the Palace Station Casino. A memorabilia dealer claimed that Simpson led a team of armed men into his hotel room to steal items that once belonged to the former football star. Simpson claimed he was just retrieving things that were rightfully his.

2008 – Tina Fey debuted her impression of vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live.

2018 – Hurricane Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, NC, as a Category 1 hurricane. The slow-moving storm produced catastrophic flooding across portions of the Carolinas.

2022 – Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin was carried in procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where she began lying in state ahead of her funeral.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 14:

Joan Trumpauer Mulholland – 85 years old (1941) – Civil rights activist

Oliver Lake – 84 years old (1942) – Saxophonist, flute player, and composer

Mike Nifong – 76 years old (1950) – Lawyer and politician

Geraldine Brooks – 71 years old (1955) – Australian-American novelist and journalist

Edu Manzano – 71 years old (1955) – American-Filipino actor and politician

Tim Wallach – 69 years old (1957) – Baseball player and coach

Wendy Thomas – 65 years old (1961) – Businesswoman

Bonnie Jo Campbell – 64 years old (1962) – Novelist and short story writer

Craig Montoya – 56 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter and bass player

Jeff Loomis – 55 years old (1971) – Guitarist and songwriter

Christopher McCulloch – 55 years old (1971) – Voice actor, producer, and screenwriter

Notah Begay III – 54 years old (1972) – Golfer

David Bell – 54 years old (1972) – Baseball player and coach

Terrell Fletcher – 53 years old (1973) – Football player

Chad Bradford – 52 years old (1974) – Baseball player

Ron DeSantis – 48 years old (1978) – Politician, 46th Governor of Florida

Danielle Peck – 48 years old (1978) – Singer-songwriter

SoShy – 44 years old (1982) – French-American singer-songwriter

Josh Outman – 43 years old (1983) – Baseball player

Frostee Rucker – 43 years old (1983) – Football player

Paolo Gregoletto – 41 years old (1985) – Bass player and songwriter

Trevis Smith – 41 years old (1985) – Football player

Delmon Young – 41 years old (1985) – Baseball player

Jonathan Monaghan – 40 years old (1986) – Director, producer, and screenwriter

Reggie Williams – 40 years old (1986) – Basketball player

Michael Crabtree – 39 years old (1987) – Football player

Jimmy Butler – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player

Tony Finau – 37 years old (1989) – Golfer

Jesse James – 37 years old (1989) – Actor

Jonathon Simmons – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player

Dee Milliner – 35 years old (1991) – Football player

Shayne Topp – 35 years old (1991) – Actor and Smosh cast member

Connor Fields – 34 years old (1992) – Cyclist

Brandon Brown – 33 years old (1993) – Race car driver

Gary Harris – 32 years old (1994) – Basketball player

Jevon Carter – 31 years old (1995) – Basketball player

Deshaun Watson – 31 years old (1995) – Football player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 14:

• National Cream Filled Donut Day: Soft pastry delights with a surprise inside, a delightful blend of textures and sweetness that brings smiles and comfort.
• National Sober Day: National Sober Day shines as a beacon for those embracing a lifestyle free from alcohol. This special day champions sobriety, celebrating the strength and achievements of individuals who've chosen to live alcohol-free. It’s a time for community and connection, where support flows freely, making the journey of recovery a shared...
• National Inclusion Week: Embracing diversity in all its forms, and fostering environments where every individual feels valued and heard.
• National Eat A Hoagie Day: If you can’t make it to Philadelphia for the world’s best hoagies, pick up ingredients at the supermarket and make your own meat, cheese, and veggie sandwich.
• National Rosa Tequila Day: Crafted with a delicate blend, this tequila captivates with floral notes, offering a unique and exquisite tasting experience.
• Chef Appreciation Week: The culinary maestros who elevate dining experiences with their talent and dedication, adding sprinkles of joy to the gastronomic world.
• Frevo Day: Frevo Day honors Frevo's vibrant spirit, a lively dance and music style that fills the streets with energy. The day is all about celebrating the colorful culture of Pernambuco, where Frevo was born. This unique dance form, with its quick footwork and twirling umbrellas, brings joy to everyone involved. It's...
• National Jeans for Genes Day: National Jeans for Genes Day brings communities together for a common cause. People wear jeans to raise awareness about genetic disorders, and the day focuses on the struggles and stories of those affected. By simply wearing jeans, participants can show support and solidarity with the cause. This small gesture has...
• National Virginia Day: National Virginia Day is a special occasion that honors the state's rich heritage and contributions to the United States. Known as the "Old Dominion," Virginia played a crucial role as one of the original thirteen colonies and was the tenth state to ratify the Constitution. This day invites everyone to appreciate...
• Recycle Now Week: Recycle Now Week is a lively celebration focused on boosting recycling efforts across the UK. This special week brings together communities, businesses, and local authorities to emphasize the importance of recycling the right materials more often. Through engaging campaigns and fun activities, Recycle Now Week inspires everyone to participate and...
• National Live Creative Day: A blank page, a block of clay, a humming melody—creativity begins anywhere. National Live Creative Day shines a light on that spark inside each of us. It’s a time to explore what you can make with your hands, your voice, your mind. This day doesn’t ask for perfection. It simply...
• National Parents Day Off: National Parents Day Off is all about giving parents a real break. Not just a quick moment between errands or after bedtime stories—but a full chance to breathe. It shines a light on everything parents do, day in and day out. Packing lunches, wiping tears, fixing things, making memories. This...
• Housekeepers Week: Housekeeping is tough and often thankless work, so make sure to give a big thank-you and even a small gift to the housekeepers who keep hotels and the like clean.
• National Parent Teacher Home Visits Week: Building bridges through educator and family interactions, strengthening support networks to nurture student growth and achievement.
• Professional Care Workers’ Week: Dedicated to aiding, professional care workers uplift lives through compassion, ensuring well-being in every interaction.
• World Mitochondrial Disease Week: Mitochondrial diseases are a group of rare genetic disorders that impact the way the mitochondria in a person’s cells produce energy. While there is currently no cure for this range of conditions, the hope is that raising awareness and improving support will help provide care for those who need it...
• Gobstopper Day: Pop a gobstopper in your mouth, fire up a Willy Wonka or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie, and enjoy the pop culture treat brought to you by Roald Dahl.
• National Boss/Employee Exchange Day: Swap roles with your boss (or employees if you’re the boss!) and gain some perspective on how to make everyone’s life better through work/life balance.
• National Coloring Day: A fun and delightful pastime, coloring isn’t just for kids anymore! National Coloring Day was created to celebrate the fun and relaxation that coloring can bring. How to Celebrate National Coloring Day Try celebrating National Coloring Day with some of these fun ideas that you can do on your own...
• Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross celebrates one of the most powerful symbols in Christianity— the Cross. This day honors the Cross as more than just a reminder of suffering; it represents hope and salvation. It marks the moment when the Cross, once a tool of punishment...
• Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant and joyful Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles. Ganesha, with his elephant head, symbolizes wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. During this time, beautifully crafted idols of Ganesha are placed in homes and public spaces. Devotees gather...
• National Neonatal Nurses Week : Providing compassionate care to newborns and support for families, these healthcare heroes play a crucial role in healthcare.
• 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...
• 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 Assisted Living Week : When older folks who need a little help move into an assisted living facility, it can sometimes feel isolating. National Assisted Living Week is here to bring attention to the ways that communities can live in a more multi-generational manner, and honor those in all phases of life while promoting...
• Biscuits and Gravy Week: National Biscuits and Gravy Week offers a perfect opportunity for lovers of this delicious dish to pay it some well-deserved respect, or for some of the more inexperienced to learn more and discover some new flavors! History of National Day A decidedly American dish, biscuits and gravy are believed to have...
• Healthcare Environmental Services Week: Healthcare Environmental Services Week honors the crucial role of EVS professionals in keeping healthcare spaces clean and safe. These skilled workers use careful cleaning and disinfection to stop harmful pathogens. Their efforts help prevent infections that could harm patients, families, and staff. This week highlights their daily dedication, commitment, and...

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