Today in History graphic for September 19 featuring William Austin Burt’s iron-ore discovery in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Melville Bissell’s early carpet sweeper, and the original :-) emoticon.

September 19 in History: Michigan Finds Iron, Bissell Cleans Up & :-) Is Born

Scott Winters September 19, 2026

Discover what happened on September 19 in history as remarkable discoveries transformed industry, everyday inventions changed home life, new forms of communication emerged, and historic events helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on September 19 in History?

On this day, William Austin Burt’s survey crew discovered iron ore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Melville Bissell patented his carpet sweeper, Scott Fahlman introduced the 🙂 emoticon, and Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral was held in London.

SEPTEMBER 19 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1796 – President George Washington’s Farewell Address was published in Philadelphia’s American Daily Advertiser. In it, Washington announced that he would not seek a third term and offered advice about the nation’s future.

1844 – While surveying near present-day Negaunee in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, William Austin Burt and his crew noticed their magnetic compass behaving erratically. Searching for the cause, they discovered rich iron-ore deposits that helped launch the Upper Peninsula’s iron-mining industry.

1876 – Grand Rapids inventor Melville R. Bissell received a patent for improvements to the carpet sweeper. The company that grew from his invention became BISSELL, still headquartered in the Grand Rapids area

1881 – President James A. Garfield died from complications of gunshot wounds suffered during an assassination attempt on July 2. Vice President Chester A. Arthur succeeded him as president.

1942 – A four-page advertisement in Publishers Weekly announced the upcoming launch of Little Golden Books, the inexpensive children’s book series that would become a publishing institution.

1970 – The Mary Tyler Moore Show premiered on CBS, starring Mary Tyler Moore as Minneapolis television producer Mary Richards.

1982 – Carnegie Mellon computer scientist Scott Fahlman proposed using 🙂 and 🙁 in online messages to distinguish jokes from serious comments, creating what are generally regarded as the first digital emoticons.

1983 – The nighttime syndicated version of Wheel of Fortune debuted, with Pat Sajak hosting and Vanna White turning the letters.

1985 – The U.S. Senate held a hearing on proposed warning labels for music recordings. Frank Zappa, Dee Snider and John Denver were among the musicians who testified during the debate over explicit lyrics.

1986 – Federal health officials announced that the experimental drug AZT would be made available to some AIDS patients before formal FDA approval.

1989 – Doogie Howser, M.D., starring Neil Patrick Harris as a teenage physician, premiered on ABC.

1994 – The medical drama ER premiered on NBC. The series would run for 15 seasons and become one of television’s most successful medical dramas.

1995 – The New York Times and The Washington Post published the Unabomber’s manifesto after he threatened further violence unless it was printed. The publication helped lead investigators to Theodore Kaczynski.

2005 – How I Met Your Mother premiered on CBS, beginning a nine-season run.

2007 – The U.S. version of Kitchen Nightmares, starring Gordon Ramsay, premiered on Fox.

2010 – The damaged Macondo oil well from the Deepwater Horizon disaster was declared permanently sealed, ending the months-long effort to stop the leak in the Gulf of Mexico.

2010 – HBO’s Prohibition-era drama Boardwalk Empire premiered.

2011 – The TV show 2 Broke Girls premiered on CBS. It ran for 6 years.

2014 – Apple’s iPhone 6 and larger iPhone 6 Plus went on sale, introducing Apple’s first significantly larger-screen iPhones.

2022 – The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was held at Westminster Abbey in London, followed by ceremonies at Windsor Castle before her burial at St. George’s Chapel.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 19:

Jim Ard – 78 years old (1948) – Basketball player

Barry Scheck – 77 years old (1949) – Lawyer, co-founded the Innocence Project

Sidney Wicks – 77 years old (1949) – Basketball player

Rhys Chatham – 74 years old (1952) – Trumpet player, guitarist, and composer

Henry Kaiser – 74 years old (1952) – Guitarist and composer

Sarana VerLin – 73 years old (1953) – Singer-songwriter and violinist

Dan Hampton – 69 years old (1957) – Football player

Chris Roupas – 69 years old (1957) – Basketball player

Yolanda Saldívar – 66 years old (1960) – Convicted murderer

Randy Myers – 64 years old (1962) – Baseball player

Ken Rosenthal – 64 years old (1962) – Sportscaster

Jim Abbott – 59 years old (1967) – Baseball player

Marcus Dunstan – 51 years old (1975) – Director and screenwriter

Raja Bell – 50 years old (1976) – Basketball player

Ryan Dusick – 49 years old (1977) – Musician and record producer

Mike Smith – 49 years old (1977) – Baseball player

Nick Johnson – 48 years old (1978) – Baseball player

Brett Keisel – 48 years old (1978) – Football player

J. R. Bremer – 46 years old (1980) – American-Bosnian basketball player

Carl Landry – 43 years old (1983) – Basketball player

Eva Marie – 42 years old (1984) – Wrestler

Renee Paquette – 41 years old (1985) – Canadian-American television personality

George Springer – 37 years old (1989) – Baseball player

Stephon Gilmore – 36 years old (1990) – Football player

CJ McCollum – 35 years old (1991) – Basketball player

Palmer Luckey – 34 years old (1992) – Entrepreneur

Pi'erre Bourne – 33 years old (1993) – Record producer and rapper

Brent Faiyaz – 31 years old (1995) – Singer

Rachel Sennott – 31 years old (1995) – Actress

Dejounte Murray – 30 years old (1996) – Basketball player

Trae Young – 28 years old (1998) – Basketball player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 19:

National Dance Day: Losing oneself in the rhythm, letting the music guide, expressing feelings without words, and sharing the joy of movement.
Batman Day: Break out your Batman DVDs, invite friends or family, and start a marathon honoring Gotham’s defender and one of the most beloved superheroes of all time.
International Coastal Cleanup Day: With a heart for the environment, individuals join forces to restore shores, demonstrating love and commitment to preserving our oceans' beauty.
International Talk Like a Pirate Day: Brush up your sea-farin’ vocab and talk like a pirate for a day. Ahoy, yo-ho-ho, and avast ye matey! To port! To starboard! Bring a spring up on ‘er! Whatever that means.
Love and Friendship Day: Love and Friendship Day is a special occasion to celebrate the bonds that bring people closer. It’s a time dedicated to honoring the love shared between friends, partners, and family members. On this day, people express appreciation for the connections that enrich their lives, focusing on the simple joys of...
National Gymnastics Day: Get involved with gymnastics and finally learn how to do a cartwheel, handstand, and more; or watch some of the greats at past Olympic competitions.
International Red Panda Day: Visit a zoo or wildlife reserve to see one of the Earth’s cutest creatures, the Red Panda. Neither a panda nor even a bear, this unique animal is just too cute.
Beach Cleanup Day in Thailand: Beach Cleanup Day in Thailand draws together locals, tourists, and environmental groups, all committed to restoring the country’s beautiful shores. Volunteers gather along stretches of sandy coastline to collect plastic waste, fishing nets, and other debris washed up by the tide. It’s more than just an act of cleaning—participants are...
National Butterscotch Pudding Day: All it takes to make a sweet, satisfying butterscotch pudding is brown sugar, butter, sugar, milk and molasses. Try it at home yourself, or get a box of instant.
Festival of the Sea: The Festival of the Sea is an exciting celebration that brings coastal communities together to honor their connection with the ocean. On this day, people gather near the shore to immerse themselves in a world of maritime traditions. The festival features colorful parades, with boats dressed in bright flags floating...
National Sew a Jelly Roll Day: National Sew a Jelly Roll Day is a fun event for quilting enthusiasts. It offers a chance to dive into those Jelly Roll fabric bundles you've been saving. These rolls, made up of pre-cut strips, are perfect for quick and creative projects. The day encourages quilters to gather, sew, and...
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...
Puppy Mill Awareness Day: Puppy Mill Awareness Day is an important occasion that highlights the suffering of dogs in commercial breeding facilities, known as puppy mills. These mills prioritize profits over animal well-being, often keeping dogs in cramped, unsanitary conditions. Many puppies from these places suffer from health problems and are sold to pet...
National Meow Like a Pirate Day: Imagine a world where cats and pirates team up for a day of playful mischief. That’s the spirit behind National Meow Like a Pirate Day! It’s a fun-filled mix of feline flair and swashbuckling swagger. Think whiskers with eyepatches, tails twitching like sails in the wind, and bold meows echoing...
National Cat DNA Day: National Cat DNA Day invites cat lovers to explore the hidden stories within their feline companions. This special occasion shines a light on the remarkable field of feline genetics, offering insights into each cat's unique makeup. Through DNA testing, owners can uncover their pet's breed mix, potential health risks, and...
Big Whopper Liar Day: Telling lies is the whole point of Big Whopper Liar Day—but not the mean kind. This day is all about spinning silly, unbelievable stories for fun. Folks let their imaginations run wild, making up tales about giant fish, alien pets, or winning marathons backwards. The taller the tale, the better. It’s...
International Eat An Apple Day: Keep those pesky doctors at bay—at least for a day. Try a new apple-based recipe, slice one up to eat with peanut butter or honey, or just bite into a crisp apple.
Locate An Old Friend Day: Ever wondered what happened to your best friend from 3rd grade? Hop online, dig up your address book, or simply give that number a call to reconnect.
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 Cleanup Day: Trash piles up faster than most people realize. Wrappers on sidewalks, bottles near trails, cans left in parks—each one adds up. National Cleanup Day tackles this problem head-on. It brings people together with a simple goal: clean up outdoor spaces. Friends, families, and neighbors pitch in, bag by bag, turning messy...
National POW/MIA Recognition Day: National POW/MIA Recognition Day honors U.S. service members who were prisoners of war or remain missing. It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by these individuals and their families. The day underscores the nation's commitment to accounting for those who have not returned from battle. Ceremonies across...
National Woman Road Warrior Day: National Woman Road Warrior Day honors women who hit the road for work, chasing deadlines, clients, and connections. These are the tireless professionals who juggle meetings, airports, and hotel lobbies while keeping careers on track. They pack light, move fast, and carry confidence in their step. Every suitcase tells a...
Aortic Dissection Awareness Day: Aortic dissection is a serious condition where a tear forms in the inner layer of the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart. This tear allows blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, forcing them apart. Symptoms can appear suddenly and may include sharp chest...
Software Freedom Day: Software Freedom Day is all about giving people the keys to their own digital world. It celebrates software that anyone can use, share, or change—no locked doors, no hidden rules. On this day, folks from all walks of life come together to talk about how tech can stay fair 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.
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 Boys and Girls Club Day for Kids: Engaging spaces where young minds explore, create, and connect through activities fostering growth, curiosity, and camaraderie.
The Abergavenny Food Festival: The Abergavenny Food Festival is a vibrant event that lights up the Welsh town of Abergavenny every September. It's not just any festival. It's a significant highlight on the UK's culinary calendar, attracting food lovers from far and wide. Why do people flock to this festival? For starters, it's a paradise...
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...
World Wellness Weekend: World Wellness Weekend (WWW) is not only an event but it is also an international non-profit organization of the same name! This global event is organized to mobilize wellness professionals around the world, encouraging them to offer free wellness activities in their local communities to celebrate the topic of all-around...