Discover what happened on September 22 in history as historic decisions changed the nation, new publications reached readers, television favorites made their debuts, and remarkable events helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on September 22 in History?
On this day, Abraham Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, the first issue of National Geographic was published, Willie Mays hit his 600th home run, and Friends premiered on television.
SEPTEMBER 22 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1789 – Congress established the United States Post Office under the new federal government and provided for the appointment of a Postmaster General.
1862 – President Abraham Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, announcing that enslaved people in states or parts of states still in rebellion against the United States on January 1, 1863, would be declared free.
1867 – The Grand River flooded in Grand Rapids, MI, causing extensive property damage and sweeping away newly constructed guard gates on the west-side canal.
1888 – The first issue of National Geographic was published. The 98-page magazine cost 50 cents and contained no photographs; its now-famous yellow border wouldn’t appear until 1910.
1903 – Italo Marchiony filed a patent application for a mold designed to manufacture edible ice-cream cups. His invention helped advance the development of edible containers for serving ice cream.
1926 – The St. Clair Inn opened in St. Clair, MI. The hotel became noted for its innovative air-conditioning system and is frequently credited as one of America’s earliest air-conditioned hotels.
1961 – President John F. Kennedy signed legislation formally establishing the Peace Corps after creating the program by executive order earlier that year.
1964 – The Man from U.N.C.L.E., starring Robert Vaughn and David McCallum, premiered on NBC.
1966 – NASA’s Surveyor 2 crashed into the Moon after a thruster failure sent the spacecraft tumbling out of control, preventing its planned soft landing.
1969 – Willie Mays hit the 600th home run of his Major League career, becoming only the second player after Babe Ruth to reach the milestone.
1975 – Sara Jane Moore attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford outside the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. She fired one shot but missed after bystander Oliver Sipple grabbed her arm.
1976 – Charlie’s Angels began its regular ABC series run, starring Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith, with John Forsythe providing the voice of the mysterious Charlie.
1982 – Family Ties premiered on NBC, starring Meredith Baxter, Michael Gross and Michael J. Fox. The sitcom ran for seven seasons.
1985 – The first Farm Aid concert was held in Champaign, IL, organized by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young to raise money and awareness for American family farmers.
1987 – Full House, starring Bob Saget, John Stamos and Dave Coulier, premiered on ABC.
1989 – Baywatch, starring David Hasselhoff, premiered on NBC. After its initial network cancellation, the series returned in syndication and became an international television phenomenon.
1989 – Leslie Pluhar, a 31-year-old Royal Oak woman, died when her 1987 Yugo went over the railing of the Mackinac Bridge. Although the tragedy is often described as the car being “blown off” the bridge, the Mackinac Bridge Authority says the police report estimated the vehicle was traveling more than 60 mph and that wind may have been a contributing factor, but did not simply blow the car from the bridge.
1991 – The Huntington Library announced that it would make its photographic archive of the Dead Sea Scrolls available to scholars, breaking decades of tightly restricted access to the ancient manuscripts.
1993 – A towboat pushing barges struck and displaced a railroad bridge near Mobile, AL. Minutes later, Amtrak’s Sunset Limited struck the damaged bridge and derailed, killing 47 people in the deadliest accident in Amtrak history.
1994 – Friends, starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, premiered on NBC. The series ran for ten seasons.
1995 – Time Warner reached a $7.5 billion deal to buy Turner Broadcasting System.
1997 – Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind 1997,” rewritten as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, was released in the United States. The recording became one of the best-selling singles in music history.
1999 – The West Wing premiered on NBC, beginning a seven-season run.
2004 – The FCC imposed a $550,000 fine on CBS-owned stations over Janet Jackson’s televised Super Bowl halftime “wardrobe malfunction.” The fine was later overturned in federal court.
2004 – Lost premiered on ABC, beginning a six-season run.
2008 – The U.S. Mint unveiled four new reverse designs for the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial penny, marking the first redesign of the Lincoln cent in 50 years. Lincoln’s familiar portrait remained on the front.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 22:
Leonardo Balada – 93 years old (1933) – Spanish-American composer and educator
T. Cullen Davis – 93 years old (1933) – Businessman
Jack McGregor – 92 years old (1934) – Captain, lawyer, and politician
Gene Mingo – 88 years old (1938) – Football player
Jeremiah Wright – 85 years old (1941) – Pastor and theologian
Toni Basil – 83 years old (1943) – Singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress
Paul Hoffert – 83 years old (1943) – Keyboard player, composer, and academic
Paul Le Mat – 81 years old (1945) – Actor
Larry Dierker – 80 years old (1946) – Baseball player and manager
Robert Morace – 79 years old (1947) – Author and academic
Harold Carmichael – 77 years old (1949) – Football player
James Cartwright – 77 years old (1949) – General
Bob Goodlatte – 74 years old (1952) – Lawyer and politician
Jeffrey Leonard – 71 years old (1955) – Baseball player and coach
Debby Boone – 70 years old (1956) – Singer, actress, and author
Doug Wimbish – 70 years old (1956) – Singer-songwriter and bass player
Mark Johnson – 69 years old (1957) – Ice hockey player and coach
Johnette Napolitano – 69 years old (1957) – Singer-songwriter and bass player
Beth Catlin – 68 years old (1958) – Autistic savant
Neil Cavuto – 68 years old (1958) – Journalist and author
Joan Jett – 68 years old (1958) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, and actress
Tai Babilonia – 67 years old (1959) – Figure skater and talk show host
Wally Backman – 67 years old (1959) – Baseball player
Saul Perlmutter – 67 years old (1959) – Astrophysicist, astronomer, and academic, Nobel Prize Laureate
Scott Baio – 66 years old (1960) – Actor
Vince Coleman – 65 years old (1961) – Baseball player
Bonnie Hunt – 65 years old (1961) – Actress, producer, and talk show host
Catherine Oxenberg – 65 years old (1961) – Actress
Michael Torke – 65 years old (1961) – Composer
Ken Vandermark – 62 years old (1964) – Saxophonist and composer
Dan Bucatinsky – 61 years old (1965) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
Mark Guthrie – 61 years old (1965) – Baseball player
Robert Satcher – 61 years old (1965) – Physician, engineer, and astronaut
Mike Richter – 60 years old (1966) – Ice hockey player
Michael Shank – 60 years old (1966) – Racing team owner
Matt Besser – 59 years old (1967) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
Brian Keene – 59 years old (1967) – Novelist
Matt Sharp – 57 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter and bass player
Mike Matheny – 56 years old (1970) – Baseball player and manager
Mystikal – 56 years old (1970) – Rapper and actor
Elizabeth Bear – 55 years old (1971) – Author and poet
Luther Reigns – 55 years old (1971) – Actor and wrestler
Bob Sapp – 53 years old (1973) – Wrestler, kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and actor
Jenn Colella – 52 years old (1974) – Actress and singer
Mireille Enos – 51 years old (1975) – Actress
David Berkeley – 50 years old (1976) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Daniella Alonso – 48 years old (1978) – Actress and model
Emilie Autumn – 47 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter, violinist, and poet
Swin Cash – 47 years old (1979) – Basketball player and executive
Michael Graziadei – 47 years old (1979) – Actor
Ashley Eckstein – 45 years old (1981) – Actress
Katie Lowes – 44 years old (1982) – Actress
Jerma985 – 41 years old (1985) – Internet personality
Teyonah Parris – 39 years old (1987) – Actress
Jon Bass – 37 years old (1989) – Actor
Denard Robinson – 36 years old (1990) – Football player
Carlos Correa – 32 years old (1994) – Puerto Rican-American baseball player
Haason Reddick – 32 years old (1994) – Football player
Curry Barker – 27 years old (1999) – Filmmaker and actor
Jessie Murph – 22 years old (2004) – Singer and songwriter
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 22:
- National White Chocolate Day: Creamy and sweet, this delightful treat is like a dreamy dessert canvas, ready to be sprinkled with colorful toppings and savored with joy.
- Hobbit Day: Embracing a whimsical world where small-footed folk gather, relishing hearty feasts, merry songs, and tales of their adventurous journeys.
- World Rhino Day: Visit a wildlife preservation, “adopt” a rhino, or donate to any of the many organizations caring for this fascinating but tragically endangered species.
- World Car Free Day: Car-free Sunday is a breath of fresh air in our busy lives. It is celebrated globally on this day each year. This day invites everyone to leave their cars at home and enjoy the streets free of traffic and pollution. People bike, walk, or use public transportation, seeing their cities in...
- National Ice Cream Cone Day: Go out and get an ice cream cone, or make one at home to properly enjoy Ice Cream Cone Day, a day all about sticky, sweet, delicious ice cream on a cone.
- Falls Prevention Awareness Day: Falls Prevention Awareness Day is a special day we mark every year on September 22. This day is about learning and spreading the word on preventing falls, especially among older adults. It's a key time because falls are a major concern. They can lead to serious injuries or even worse...
- National Elephant Appreciation Day: Take a trip to the zoo or a wildlife conservatory or fire up Disney’s Dumbo and appreciate one of Earth’s largest, most interesting creatures: the elephant.
- International Week of Deaf People: Promoting understanding and inclusion enhances communication, fosters empathy, and empowers those with hearing loss in our communities.
- National Girls’ Night In Day: National Girls' Night In Day brings a wave of excitement every year on September 22. It's a day dedicated to celebrating friendships and taking a much-needed break from the daily grind. Women across the country look forward to this day as a chance to unwind, relax, and spend quality time...
- American Business Women’s Day: American Business Women’s Day celebrates the bold energy of women shaping the business world across the United States. It’s a moment to recognize their impact—running companies, launching ideas, leading teams, and making powerful moves in every industry. Whether in corporate offices or small businesses, women continue to break barriers, solve...
- National Centenarian’s Day: National Centenarian’s Day shines a light on people who’ve lived for a whole century—and are still going strong. These are folks who’ve seen it all: silent films, black-and-white TV, landline phones, and now smartphones in every pocket. They’ve laughed through good times, carried on through hard ones, and picked up...
- National States and Capitals Day: National States and Capitals Day is all about geography made fun. It gives people a chance to test what they know and learn something new. From little kids with flashcards to adults brushing up on maps, everyone can join in. Each state has its own capital, full of local flavor...
- International Day of Radiant Peace: A gentle calm spreads when people stop to notice peace in simple, quiet ways. The International Day of Radiant Peace invites reflection on that inner stillness that many often overlook. It draws attention to kindness shared in a smile, a pause, or a soft word. This day isn’t loud or...
- National Legwear Day: National Legwear Day celebrates the fun and flair of everything worn on our legs—tights, socks, leggings, and more. It’s a nod to those colorful, cozy, or sleek pieces that often complete an outfit. Whether it’s bold patterns or subtle sheers, legwear adds personality and polish. This day invites everyone to...
- National Flaunt Your Favorite Beach Towel Day: National Flaunt Your Favorite Beach Towel Day is a cheerful moment when people proudly display their beach towels. It celebrates personal style and bright designs. The day invites everyone to share a splash of color by laying out favorite towels at the shore or across a backyard lounge. Organizer Kinyatta...
- Dear Diary Day: Read the diary of a historical figure, or start your own diary to log your thoughts and experiences, think through your life, and focus your mind.
- Fairtrade Fortnight: Supporting Fairtrade, means contributing to a more sustainable and equitable global market. Plus, you get to enjoy some delicious products!
- Chainmail Day: Find a pattern online, grab your soldering iron (or get one…) and learn to make the defensive mainstay of fantasy and historical battle: chain mail.
- Small Pet Rodent Awareness Week : Embracing a tiny companion, discover joy in caring for a pocket-sized friend, adding warmth to daily life.
- National Voter Registration Day: National Voter Registration Day is a special day on the fourth Tuesday of September that encourages everyone to register to vote. This year, it's set for September 24. The day is all about making sure as many people as possible are ready to vote. Events and efforts online and in...
- Independence Day in Bulgaria: Independence Day in Bulgaria marks a significant moment of freedom and pride. It celebrates the day when Bulgaria declared its full independence from the Ottoman Empire, elevating itself from a principality to a kingdom. The proclamation took place in the historic town of Veliko Tarnovo, a location deeply tied to...
- National Online Recovery Day: Recovery doesn’t always begin in a room full of people—it can start with a screen and a single click. National Online Recovery Day shines a light on how powerful digital support can be. People facing substance use struggles often feel alone, but online resources offer a lifeline. With just a...
- Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week: Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week helps us imagine a new world. Picture a space where every car trip is a safe adventure - even for the tiniest tots. This is the vision that brought Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week to life. The week-long pivotal campaign raises a sad reality. We...
- National Eye Health Week: National Eye Health Week is a special event held annually to spotlight the significance of looking after our eyes. This week encourages everyone to focus on their eye health and understand the importance of regular eye checks. This observance aims to educate people about eye health and promote actions to safeguard...
- Sea Otter Awareness Week: Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. It is so significant that a whole week, Sea Otter Awareness Week, is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about them. The week is packed with activities, from educational events and live streams to adoption drives and donation...
- 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 Older Workers Employment Week: National Older Workers Employment Week shines a spotlight on the contributions of Americans aged 55 and up who continue to make a difference in the workplace. Held annually during the last full week of September, this event calls attention to the unique skills and strengths these experienced employees bring. Many older...
- 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 Indoor Plant Week : Plants have the power to bring green from the outside in, livening up almost any space and supporting a better connection between humans and nature. Enjoy and appreciate the beauty and wide variety of houseplants that can be found during National Indoor Plant Week and throughout the year! History of National...
- National Coding Week: National Coding Week is a time to celebrate and explore the world of coding. It brings people of all ages together to discover the creative and problem-solving power of programming. The week focuses on the skills needed in today’s digital world. It's an opportunity to unlock potential and encourage everyone...
- National Surgical Technologists Week: National Surgical Technologists Week spotlights a vital but often overlooked part of the medical team: surgical technologists, who work behind the scenes to ensure every procedure runs smoothly. Their tasks range from preparing the operating room to sterilizing instruments and even assisting during surgery. The week celebrates their essential role...
- Thinking of You Week: Surprising a loved one with heartfelt words in the mail can uplift spirits and remind them they're cherished beyond measure.
- World Reflexology Week: Highlighting the benefits of this holistic therapy promotes understanding of its role in enhancing well-being and relaxation.
- Farm Animal Awareness Week: Farm Animal Awareness Week highlights the importance of recognizing the lives of animals that provide food for us. This week aims to educate the public about the conditions these animals face and to promote better treatment. Many animals are kept in cramped, unsanitary spaces, which can lead to health problems...
- National Construction Appreciation Week : While construction workers have sometimes gotten a bad rap for being a bit rough around the edges, this is the industry that builds the nation's cities and towns from the ground up. With a whopping 8 million employees in the construction industry throughout the United States, this is a sector...
- Deaf Dog Awareness Week : Some estimates show that approximately 35,000 deaf dogs are living in the United States who were born deaf in both ears and more than 100,000 are deaf in just one ear. Many more will have become deaf throughout their lifetimes because of various circumstances. Deaf Dog Awareness Week is an...
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