September 16 in American History: The Mayflower's Voyage and Oklahoma's Historic Land Run
One of my most popular posts is about January 29th, so let's do a "day in history" post.
I'm not sure why so many people on Google seem to be finding my blog through the January 29th post in the "this day in history" category- maybe by checking it out here, you can get an idea. At any rate, I woke up this morning with the thought to find out what marks September 16th in American history, adding to the list of dates in the category!
4:30am on a cool September morning in the Tidewater region of Virginia, coffee made, and I'm ready to dive into history. Are you?
Disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.
Fort fencing at Historic Jamestowne
Historical summary of September 16th.
- 1620- The famous Mayflower departs England for Virginia but ultimately lands in current-day Massachusetts. Click here to dive deeper into the story of how these religious separatists ended up on board and traveling here to create the first permanent English settlement in New England (which was previously scouted out- and mapped- by John Smith of Jamestown fame). I have a fantastic book recommendation on Jamestown by the way! And you can visit Historic Jamestowne and the Jamestown Settlement to really dive into early English settlements.
- 1875- James Cash Penney was born in Hamilton, Missouri! You guessed it: he founded the famous department store- J.C. Penney. Sharing his birthday: Candid Camera host Allen Funt in 1914 (I LOVED that show as a kid!), Lauren Bacall, the iconic actress and wife of Humphrey Bogart in 1924 and magician David Copperfield in 1956.
- 1893- Oklahoma experienced the largest land run in history with the Cherokee Outlet Opening. The disturbing history of tribal land in early America is exemplified with this story. Click here to dive deeper on a topic that both fascinates me and, in my opinion, cannot get enough attention.
- 1908- General Motors (GM) is born! As I do once in a bit, I have to drop a nod to my Michigan life- and GM is it today. During my days with former State Senator Jon Cisky, I was a loyal GM girl, going from one Grand Am to the next in my 20's. Thanks to William Durant, that was possible. Read the story about how GM came to be (in New Jersey actually). Introducing variety (unlike the Model T approach of Ford), changed the way Americans shopped for cars. Unfortunately Mr. Durant didn't live out his life in the auto industry, but instead, bowling in Flint, Michigan. Want to see GM history in photographs? Click here for a book to add to your collection.
- 1919- Congress officially charters the American Legion. The focus was to assist veterans in the wake of World War 1 and now has literally millions of members.
- 1920- A horse-drawn cart explodes on Wall Street in New York City. Read about this early act of terrorism, unsolved, on the FBI's website by clicking here.
- 1940- The first peacetime draft in the history of United States was created through the Burke-Wadsworth Act. In a bi-partisan move, Senator Burke (D-Nebraska) and Representative Wadsworth (R-New York) began the summer of 1940 by introducing conscription bills. Dive deeper into the topic of selective service here.
- 1965- Producer of the iconic Tom and Jerry animations, Fred Quimby passes away at age 79. Also lost on September 16th: William Penn (founder of Pennsylvania) in 1670 and American soprano Maria Callas in 1977.
James River, Jamestown Island
Closing it out.
Instead of choosing words written on September 16th, I want to share George Washington's Proclamation on Recent Crimes against the Cherokees below.
Washington's respect for the tribal nations is something I'm learning more about. I believe this gives you a solid entre into his thoughts about this complex part of our United States history. Click here to be directed to Founders Archives for notes and citations.
Proclamation on Recent Crimes against the Cherokees, 12 December 1792
Proclamation on Recent Crimes against the Cherokees
[Philadelphia, 12 December 1792]
WHEREAS I have received authentic information, that certain lawless and wicked persons, of the western frontier, in the state of Georgia, did lately invade, burn and destroy, a town belonging to the Cherokee nation, altho’ in amity with the United States, and put to death several Indians of that nation; and whereas such outrageous conduct, not only violates the rights of humanity, but also endangers the public peace; and it highly becomes the honor and good faith of the United States to pursue all legal means for the punishment of those atrocious offenders; I have therefore thought fit to issue this my proclamation, hereby exhorting all the citizens of the United States, and requiring all officers thereof, according to their respective stations, to use their utmost endeavours, to apprehend and bring those offenders to justice.1 And I do moreover offer a reward of Five Hundred Dollars, for each and every of the above named persons,2 who shall be so apprehended and brought to justice, and shall be proved to have assumed and exercised any command or authority among the perpetrators of the crimes aforesaid, at the time of committing the same.
In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. Done at the city of Philadelphia, the twelfth day of December, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred and ninety-two, and of the Independence of the United States the seventeenth.
Go. Washington.
Are you enjoying the blog? Tip me using my online tip jar!
There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.
1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.
2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.
3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.
