On This Day in History – September 6

September 6 has witnessed groundbreaking political moments, technological achievements, and the birth and passing of iconic cultural figures. It is a date rich in both progress and complexity.

Major Events

• 1522 – First Circumnavigation of the Globe Completed The Spanish ship Victoria, part of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, returns to Spain, completing the first known voyage around the world.
• 1620 – The Mayflower Departs England The Mayflower sets sail from Plymouth with over 100 Pilgrims headed for the New World, laying the foundation for future American colonies.
• 1901 – U.S. President William McKinley Shot President McKinley is shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. He would die eight days later.
• 1966 – South African Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd Assassinated The architect of apartheid is stabbed to death in Parliament by a parliamentary messenger.
• 1991 – Soviet Union Recognizes Baltic Independence After decades of occupation, the USSR officially recognizes Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as independent nations.
• 1995 – Cal Ripken Jr. Breaks MLB Record Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. plays his 2,131st consecutive game, surpassing Lou Gehrig’s record.

Famous Birthdays

• Jane Addams (1860–1935) – American social worker and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
• Roger Waters (1943) – British musician and co-founder of the rock band Pink Floyd.
• Rosie Perez (1964) – American actress, dancer, and activist.
• Jeff Foxworthy (1958) – American comedian known for his “You might be a redneck…” routines.
• Idris Elba (1972) – English actor and DJ, known for roles in The Wire, Luther, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
• Naomie Harris (1976) – English actress known for roles in the James Bond franchise and Moonlight.
• Macy Gray (1967) – American R&B and soul singer-songwriter.
• Pippa Middleton (1983) – English author and columnist, sister of Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Notable Deaths

• Akira Kurosawa (1998) – Legendary Japanese filmmaker, born in 1910, known for Seven Samurai and Rashomon.
• Luciano Pavarotti (2007) – Italian operatic tenor and international music icon, born in 1935.
• William McKinley (1901) – 25th U.S. President, assassinated after being shot on September 6, died on September 14.
• Hendrik Verwoerd (1966) – South African Prime Minister, architect of apartheid, born in 1901.
• Arthur Nielsen (1980) – Founder of Nielsen ratings, born in 1897.

Holidays

• Armed Forces Day (São Tomé and Príncipe) Celebrates the national military and honors those who serve.
• Defense Day (Pakistan) Commemorates the 1965 war between India and Pakistan, specifically the defense of Lahore.
• Read a Book Day (U.S.) A literacy-promoting day that encourages people of all ages to read and share a book.

Fun Facts

• The Mayflower’s departure marked a pivotal step in European colonization and religious migration to North America.
• Cal Ripken Jr.’s streak became a symbol of endurance and professionalism in modern American sports.
• Luciano Pavarotti, one of the “Three Tenors,” helped bring opera to mainstream audiences worldwide.
• Roger Waters used his birthday in 2013 to debut new socially conscious music online.