Discover what happened on September 17 in history as historic documents shaped a nation, new organizations transformed American culture, technological achievements pushed new boundaries, and unforgettable moments helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on September 17 in History?
On this day, the United States Constitution was signed, the Battle of Antietam became the bloodiest single day in American history, the organization that became the NFL was formed, and NASA unveiled Space Shuttle Enterprise.
SEPTEMBER 17 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1787 – The United States Constitution was signed at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, PA. Thirty-nine delegates are represented among the signatures on the document, establishing the framework for the new federal government.
1796 – President George Washington dated his Farewell Address, announcing his decision not to seek a third term and offering advice about the future of the young nation.
1862 – The Battle of Antietam was fought near Sharpsburg, MD, during the Civil War. About 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing in the bloodiest single day in American history. The Confederate withdrawal gave President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation five days later.
1908 – Orville Wright crashed while demonstrating a Wright airplane at Fort Myer, VA. His passenger, Army Lt. Thomas Selfridge, died from his injuries, becoming the first person killed in the crash of a powered airplane.
1911 – Calbraith Perry Rodgers departed New York aboard the Vin Fiz to attempt the first transcontinental airplane flight. After numerous stops, crashes and repairs, he reached Pasadena, CA, 49 days later. His actual time in the air totaled 82 hours and 4 minutes.
1920 – The American Professional Football Association was organized in Canton, OH. The league, headed initially by Jim Thorpe, changed its name to the National Football League in 1922.
1937 – Abraham Lincoln’s carved likeness on Mount Rushmore was formally dedicated.
1947 – James V. Forrestal was sworn in as the first United States Secretary of Defense.
1953 – Ernie Banks made his Major League debut, becoming the first Black player in Chicago Cubs history. Banks spent his entire 19-season career with the Cubs and became known as “Mr. Cub.”
1961 – The world’s first retractable-dome stadium, the Civic Arena, opened in Pittsburgh, PA.
1961 – The expansion Minnesota Vikings played their first regular-season NFL game, defeating the Chicago Bears 37–13.
1962 – NASA introduced its second group of astronauts, known as the “Next Nine.” The group included future first Moonwalker Neil Armstrong, along with several other astronauts who would play major roles in the Gemini and Apollo programs.
1963 – The television show The Fugitive premiered on ABC.
1964 – Bewitched, starring Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens, premiered on ABC.
1965 – The Smothers Brothers Show premiered on CBS.
1965 – Hogan’s Heroes premiered on CBS and began a six-season run.
1966 – Mission: Impossible premiered on CBS, introducing television audiences to the Impossible Missions Force.
1968 – Julia, starring Diahann Carroll as widowed nurse Julia Baker, premiered on NBC. Carroll became the first Black woman to star in a weekly American television series in a non-stereotypical role.
1972 – M*A*S*H premiered on CBS. The acclaimed comedy-drama set during the Korean War ran for 11 seasons.
1973 – Illinois enacted legislation establishing a state holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., becoming the first state to do so.
1976 – NASA unveiled its first Space Shuttle orbiter, Enterprise, in Palmdale, CA. Originally slated to be named Constitution, it was renamed after the Star Trek spacecraft following a fan letter-writing campaign. Members of the show’s cast attended the rollout ceremony.
1983 – Vanessa Williams became the first Black woman crowned Miss America when she won the Miss America 1984 title. She resigned the title in July 1984 after unauthorized nude photographs taken before the competition were scheduled for publication.
1983 – Johnny Bench, of the Cincinnati Reds, retired after 16 years as a catcher.
1984 – Reggie Jackson hit the 500th home run of his Major League career—exactly 17 years after hitting his first.
1988 – The cartoon Garfield & Friends premiered on television.
1991 – Home Improvement, starring Tim Allen, premiered on ABC. The sitcom was set in suburban Detroit and ran for eight seasons.
1994 – Heather Whitestone of Alabama became the first deaf woman crowned Miss America.
2001 – U.S. stock markets reopened for the first time since the September 11 terrorist attacks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 684.81 points, then its largest one-day point decline.
2010 – As the World Turns aired its final episode after a 54-year run on television.
2011 – The Occupy Wall Street protest movement began in New York City’s financial district, with demonstrators gathering around Zuccotti Park.
2013 – Grand Theft Auto V was released and generated more than $800 million in worldwide sales during its first 24 hours, setting a record for the video-game industry at the time.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 17:
Chuck Grassley – 93 years old (1933) – Lawyer and politician
Bobby Wine – 88 years old (1938) – Baseball player and coach
Carl Dennis – 87 years old (1939) – Poet and educator
Shelby Flint – 87 years old (1939) – Singer-songwriter and voice actress
Robert Graysmith – 84 years old (1942) – Author and illustrator
Jean Taylor – 82 years old (1944) – Mathematician and academic
Phil Jackson – 81 years old (1945) – Basketball player and coach
Gail Carson Levine – 79 years old (1947) – Author
Fee Waybill – 76 years old (1950) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Cassandra Peterson – 75 years old (1951) – Actress, television host, and producer
Kermit Washington – 75 years old (1951) – Basketball player
Harold Solomon – 74 years old (1952) – Tennis player and coach
Rita Rudner – 73 years old (1953) – Actress, comedian, and screenwriter
Bill Irwin – 72 years old (1954) – Wrestler
Scott Simpson – 71 years old (1955) – Golfer
Charles Martinet – 71 years old (1955) – Actor
Mike Parson – 71 years old (1955) – Politician, 57th Governor of Missouri
Thad Bosley – 70 years old (1956) – Baseball player and coach
Kevin Clash – 66 years old (1960) – Puppeteer
John Franco – 66 years old (1960) – Baseball player
Jim Cornette – 65 years old (1961) – Wrestling manager and sportscaster
Ty Tabor – 65 years old (1961) – Rock singer-songwriter and guitarist
Paul Feig – 64 years old (1962) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Dustin Nguyen – 64 years old (1962) – Vietnamese-American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
BeBe Winans – 64 years old (1962) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Masahiro Chono – 63 years old (1963) – American-Japanese wrestler and manager
James Urbaniak – 63 years old (1963) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter
Kyle Chandler – 61 years old (1965) – Actor
Guy Picciotto – 61 years old (1965) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
Bryan Singer – 61 years old (1965) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Doug E. Fresh – 60 years old (1966) – Rapper and producer
Michael Carbajal – 59 years old (1967) – Boxer
Malik Yoba – 59 years old (1967) – Actor
Anastacia – 58 years old (1968) – Singer-songwriter
Cheryl Strayed – 58 years old (1968) – Author
Matthew Settle – 57 years old (1969) – Actor
Paul Varelans – 57 years old (1969) – MMA fighter and wrestler
Nate Berkus – 55 years old (1971) – Interior designer and television host
Bobby Lee – 55 years old (1971) – Actor and comedian
Nona Gaye – 52 years old (1974) – Singer, model, and actress
Rasheed Wallace – 52 years old (1974) – Basketball player and coach
Jimmie Johnson – 51 years old (1975) – Race car driver
Sam Esmail – 49 years old (1977) – Screenwriter
Mary DeScenza – 42 years old (1984) – Swimmer
Danielle Brooks – 37 years old (1989) – Actress
Kate Deines – 37 years old (1989) – Soccer player
Marcus Semien – 36 years old (1990) – Baseball player
Alfonzo McKinnie – 34 years old (1992) – Basketball player
Danny Ramirez – 34 years old (1992) – Actor
Denyse Tontz – 32 years old (1994) – Salvadoran-American actress and singer
Patrick Mahomes – 31 years old (1995) – Football player
Slayyyter – 30 years old (1996) – Singer and songwriter
Auston Matthews – 29 years old (1997) – Ice hockey player
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 17:
- International Country Music Day: Kick up your heels and get ready to sing along to the sounds of the heartland. Catchy lyrics and twangy guitars await!
- World Manta Day: World Manta Day, celebrated annually on September 17th, is a special occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation status of manta and devil rays. These beautiful, mysterious ocean giants captivate us with their grace and size, but they face significant threats that require our attention and action. How to Celebrate...
- World Patient Safety Day: Patient harm is often caused by adverse events and it stands as one of the leading causes of patient mortality and morbidity all over the world. Many of these deaths due to adverse events are preventable with improved education and care. With the purpose of increasing local and global awareness...
- Responsible Dog Ownership Day: Responsible Dog Ownership Day is a celebration that highlights the importance of proper dog care. This day encourages dog owners to reflect on their responsibilities towards their pets and ensure that their dogs live healthy, happy lives. Whether it’s keeping up with regular vet visits, feeding a balanced diet, or...
- National Professional House Cleaners Day: National Professional House Cleaners Day lights up our calendars on September 17th. This day honors the hard-working individuals who keep our homes sparkling clean. From mopping floors to dusting shelves, their work goes far beyond simple tasks. Each home presents its unique challenges, requiring specific knowledge and skills to ensure...
- National AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day: Having a dog is a rewarding experience that brings joy and companionship. National AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day is a special occasion that celebrates this bond while highlighting the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. This event encourages dog owners to learn about the best practices in pet care, ensuring...
- Smithsonian Day: On Smithsonian Day, also known as Museum Day, museums across the United States offer free admission to visitors with a special ticket. Hundreds of institutions take part, including science centers, history museums, art galleries, and zoos. Each guest can visit one participating location of their choice at no cost. This...
- Australian Citizenship Day: Australian Citizenship Day is a special time to celebrate what it means to be an Aussie. This day shines a spotlight on the values that unite the nation. It’s a day full of pride and community spirit. People mark this day to honor those who have become new citizens. It's a...
- National Table Shuffleboard Day: Find a local bar or rec center with a shuffleboard table and watch a tournament or learn to play the English game that dates back to the 15th century.
- National Pet Bird Day: Bird lovers and pet lovers can find plenty of reasons to celebrate and enjoy National Pet Bird Day! History of National Pet Bird Day Birds make wonderful pets! They are easily integrated into families and they are typically fairly easy to care for and don’t require a great deal of...
- Time’s Up Day: Time's Up Day, celebrated on September 17th, encourages us to rise above our differences and mend fences. It's a reminder that life is too short to hold onto grievances and that making amends can lead to a happier life. On this day, reach out to those they've disagreed with to...
- National Monte Cristo Day: A classic Club sandwich dipped in French Toast batter and crisped to perfection, try a Monte Cristo Sandwich at home, or visit a fancy restaurant.
- 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...
- 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 Pawpaw Day: National Pawpaw Day celebrates a fruit many people have never heard of but won’t forget once they’ve tasted it. The pawpaw hides in quiet groves and along riverbanks, often mistaken for something tropical. Its smooth, green skin covers a soft, golden inside that tastes like banana, mango, and vanilla rolled...
- National Arielle K. Sterrett Day: National Arielle K. Sterrett Day celebrates a girl who showed how much kindness can change a life. Arielle supported others, gave generously, and never hesitated to lend a hand. Her compassion sparked something greater, something lasting. This day carries that spark forward. It pushes people to pause, look around, and...
- 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...
- National Apple Dumpling Day: Getting tired of apple pie? Try apple dumplings instead, a delicious apple-filled treat containing cinnamon, nutmeg, and perhaps cloves or lemon zest.
- Constitution Day: Learn about the true origins and content of the United States Constitution to both honor the history of the nation and consider the values it was founded on.
- 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...
- Hispanic Heritage Month: Join an event, forum, or exhibition for Hispanic Heritage Month, and appreciate the art, history, and cultural offerings of this rich and expansive 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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