Discover what happened on September 7 in history as new inventions changed everyday life, remarkable achievements pushed the limits, and groundbreaking moments in television and sports helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on September 7 in History?
On this day, “Uncle Sam” appeared as a symbol of the United States, Philo Farnsworth demonstrated electronic television, Michigan’s Iven Kincheloe soared to a record altitude, and ESPN made its cable television debut.
SEPTEMBER 7 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1813 – The nickname “Uncle Sam” was used as a symbolic reference to the United States in an editorial published by the Troy Post in Troy, NY. It is considered the earliest known newspaper use of the term in this way.
1880 – George Ligowsky received a patent for a device designed to launch clay targets into the air for trapshooting.
1888 – Edith Eleanor McLean became one of the first premature babies in the United States to be successfully cared for in an infant incubator.
1896 – A.H. Whiting won an early automobile race at the Narragansett Trotting Park in Cranston, RI, one of the first automobile races held on a traditional racetrack in the United States.
1915 – Cartoonist and illustrator Johnny Gruelle received a design patent for his Raggedy Ann doll. The character later became the star of a popular series of children’s books.
1921 – Sixteen-year-old Margaret Gorman of Washington, DC, won the Atlantic City beauty pageant and was later recognized as the first Miss America.
1927 – Inventor Philo Farnsworth successfully transmitted the first image using his completely electronic television system. The simple image was a straight line.
1930 – The comic strip Blondie, created by Chic Young, made its newspaper debut.
1956 – U.S. Air Force Capt. Iven Kincheloe of Cassopolis, MI, piloted the Bell X-2 to a record altitude of 126,200 feet. The achievement earned him the nickname “America’s No. 1 Spaceman” and helped pave the way for later high-altitude spaceflight.
1963 – The Pro Football Hall of Fame was formally dedicated in Canton, OH, with a charter class of 17 members.
1968 – The Banana Splits Adventure Hour, featuring Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper and Snorky, premiered on NBC.
1977 – President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos signed treaties providing for the eventual transfer of control of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama.
1977 – Watergate conspirator G. Gordon Liddy was released from prison after serving more than four years.
1979 – Facing severe financial problems, Chrysler Corporation sought federal assistance to avoid bankruptcy. Congress later approved $1.5 billion in government-backed loan guarantees.
1979 – ESPN, the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, made its cable television debut. The network’s first program was SportsCenter.
1984 – American Express introduced its Platinum Card, initially offered by invitation to select customers.
1989 – The U.S. Senate approved legislation prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations and other areas. A revised version became the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
1998 – St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire hit his 61st home run of the season, tying Roger Maris’ Major League record set in 1961.
1999 – Viacom announced plans to acquire CBS in a deal valued at more than $35 billion, creating one of the world’s largest media companies.
2004 – Former President Bill Clinton underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery in New York.
2005 – Apple introduced the iPod nano, a dramatically smaller music player that could hold up to 1,000 songs and was thinner than a standard pencil.
2008 – The U.S. government placed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into federal conservatorship as the financial crisis deepened.
2016 – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performed for four hours and four minutes at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, setting a record for Springsteen’s longest concert in the United States.
2017 – Equifax announced a massive data breach that exposed sensitive personal information belonging to nearly 148 million Americans.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON SEPTEMBER 7:
Jonathan H. Turner – 84 years old (1942) – Sociologist
Gloria Gaynor – 83 years old (1943) – Singer-songwriter
Curtis Price – 81 years old (1945) – Musicologist and academic
Joe Klein – 80 years old (1946) – Journalist and author
Suzyn Waldman – 80 years old (1946) – Sportscaster
Susan Blakely – 78 years old (1948) – Actress
Barry Siegel – 77 years old (1949) – Journalist and academic
Julie Kavner – 76 years old (1950) – Actress
Peggy Noonan – 76 years old (1950) – Author, journalist, speechwriter, and pundit
Chrissie Hynde – 75 years old (1951) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Mark Isham – 75 years old (1951) – Trumpet player and composer
Mark McCumber – 75 years old (1951) – Golfer
Benmont Tench – 73 years old (1953) – Keyboardist and songwriter
Corbin Bernsen – 72 years old (1954) – Actor
Michael Emerson – 72 years old (1954) – Actor
Kerrie Holley – 72 years old (1954) – Software architect and academic
Michael Feinstein – 70 years old (1956) – Singer and pianist
Diane Warren – 70 years old (1956) – Songwriter
Jennifer Egan – 64 years old (1962) – Novelist and short story writer
George South – 64 years old (1962) – Wrestler
W. Earl Brown – 63 years old (1963) – Actor
Leslie Jones – 59 years old (1967) – Comedian and actress
Angie Everhart – 57 years old (1969) – Actress and model
Diane Farr – 57 years old (1969) – Actress
Rudy Galindo – 57 years old (1969) – Figure skater
Monique Gabriela Curnen – 56 years old (1970) – Actress
Tom Everett Scott – 56 years old (1970) – Actor
Gene Pritsker – 55 years old (1971) – Composer
Shane Mosley – 55 years old (1971) – Boxer and trainer
Jason Isringhausen – 54 years old (1972) – Baseball player and coach
Shannon Elizabeth – 53 years old (1973) – Model and actress
Alex Kurtzman – 53 years old (1973) – Director, producer, and screenwriter
Antonio McDyess – 52 years old (1974) – Basketball player
Oliver Hudson – 50 years old (1976) – Actor
Mateen Cleaves – 49 years old (1977) – Basketball player
Molly Holly – 49 years old (1977) – Wrestler and trainer
Paul Mara – 47 years old (1979) – Ice hockey player
Brian Stokes – 47 years old (1979) – Baseball player
J. D. Pardo – 46 years old (1980) – Actor
Mark Prior – 46 years old (1980) – Baseball player
Andre Dirrell – 44 years old (1982) – Boxer
Pops Mensah-Bonsu – 43 years old (1983) – English-American basketball player
Wade Davis – 41 years old (1985) – Baseball player
Alyssa Diaz – 41 years old (1985) – Actress
Colin Delaney – 40 years old (1986) – Wrestler
Patrick Robinson – 39 years old (1987) – Football player
Evan Rachel Wood – 39 years old (1987) – Actress and singer
Kevin Love – 38 years old (1988) – Basketball player
Jonathan Majors – 37 years old (1989) – Actor
Donovan Mitchell – 30 years old (1996) – Basketball player
Gracie Abrams – 27 years old (1999) – Singer-songwriter
Ian Chen – 20 years old (2006) – Actor
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER 7:
- National Salami Day: Savory, spiced, and sliced thin, this protein-packed snack is perfect for picnics, parties, and snacking on-the-go.
- Superhuman Day: Learn more about the Superhumans of the Paralympic Games and beyond through the documentary “We’re the Superhumans”, and support the Paralympics.
- National Beer Lovers Day: Beer lovers, it’s your day! Try a new beer, visit a brewery or taphouse, or gather friends together to try a wide selection of beers, from lagers to IPAs and more.
- Texas Energy Savings Day: Texas Energy Savings Day is an initiative that encourages Texans to examine their energy use and explore practical ways to save on their electricity bills. It helps people discover more efficient energy plans and take steps to reduce their household consumption. This day raises awareness of the importance of choosing...
- World Duchenne Awareness Day: Get involved with the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by spreading awareness online, learning about and understanding the symptoms, and donating.
- National Acorn Squash Day: When acorn squash is ripe, it’s time to start on those wholesome, flavorful recipes like squash soup, sauteed veggies with acorn squash, and many more.
- Grandma Moses Day: Grandma Moses Day shines brightly on September 7 every year, lighting up the world with the legacy of a remarkable artist, Anna Mary Robertson Moses, also known as Grandma Moses. This day is a vibrant celebration of creativity, perseverance, and the joy of art. People across the globe remember Grandma...
- National 401(k) Day: Did you know there's a day dedicated to your future self? National 401(k) Day shines a spotlight on retirement savings. It's a moment to pause and think about the life you want after work. Many employers offer 401(k) plans, yet not everyone takes full advantage. This day encourages people to...
- International Day of Police Cooperation: International Day of Police Cooperation is all about connection. It’s when police officers from many countries come together—not in one room, but through shared goals. They swap ideas, compare notes, and help each other fight crime that doesn’t stay in one place. From internet scams to smuggling rings, crime moves...
- National New Hampshire Day: National New Hampshire Day celebrates the state's unique character and rich heritage. Nestled in New England, New Hampshire is known as the Granite State, a nod to its rugged landscape and enduring spirit. Its motto, "Live Free or Die," reflects the fierce independence of its people. From the majestic White...
- Brazil’s Independence Day: Brazil's Independence Day marks the nation's emergence as a sovereign country, free from colonial rule. This day symbolizes the birth of a unified nation, embracing a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. It's a time when citizens reflect on their collective identity, celebrating the diverse heritage that shapes their country...
- National First Day of Peel Season: This day marks the moment when skin-care pros recommend starting chemical peels. It kicks off peel season—the time when outdoor sun fades and deeper exfoliation becomes safe. Estheticians love this moment. They see it as the first chance to sweep away the dry summer layers. Clients often leave with skin...
- International Pool Pro Day: International Pool Pro Day honors the people who build, maintain, and service pools across the globe. It’s a day dedicated to lifting those who work long hours under the sun, guiding pool owners with advice, safety, and technical skill. The focus stays on the professionals themselves—those who manage equipment, balance water...
- National Feel the Love Day: National Feel The Love Day marks the day when cupids are busier slinging their arrows than they’ve been…well…since Saint Valentine’s Day. While those cupids are fluttering around you, you’ll start to believe that love truly is in the air. It's a day to celebrate love in all its forms. The...
- International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies: The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies highlights the importance of fresh air for everyone's well-being. It brings attention to the fact that polluted air affects nearly every person on Earth. This global event encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take steps toward reducing air pollution. By focusing...
- National Buy a Book Day: Whether you have three shelves of books TBR or haven’t cracked a spine in years, go ahead and buy a book to improve your mind. Consider donating old books for others.
- Mouthguard Day: From sports to nighttime teeth grinding, get yourself an updated mouth guard and protect those pearly whites from damage due to impact, grinding, and more.
- Neither Snow Nor Rain Day: With unwavering dedication, postal workers brave all elements, ensuring vital connections between people. Rain or shine, their commitment shines brightly.
- National Grateful Patient Day: Expressing appreciation for healthcare providers fosters gratitude, strengthens relationships, and enhances the healing process for everyone.
- Labor Day: The world is powered by hard-working individuals who bring creativity and innovation to their jobs every day, making the impossible possible.
- The West Indian Day Parade: The West Indian Day Parade is a vibrant event that fills the streets of Brooklyn, New York, every Labor Day, celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of the Caribbean. This grand event typically occurs on the first Monday of September, drawing in crowds of over one million people who come...
- 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...
- Zero Waste Week: The hope is that raising awareness during Zero Waste Week will draw attention to climate change, helping to create new environmentally conscious habits that will overflow into the other 51 weeks of the year! History of Zero Waste Week For more than 15 years, folks have been celebrating Zero Waste Week as...
Powered by Days Of The Year
For additional information check out websites like: www.on-this-day.com, www.born-today.com, www.famousbirthdays.com, www.daysoftheyear.com, and www.nationaldaycalendar.com.

