Voting Rights, Presidential Tragedies, and Fictional Castles!
Get ready for September 19th, a day packed with history that ranges from serious political drama to the beginning of modern fun! We’re looking at the day a US President tragically passed away after being shot, and the day a whole country gave women the right to vote. It’s a wild mix!
Did you know that the first country to give women the right to vote actually did it on this date? Plus, the sad end to a US President's life involved doctors who might have made things way worse! History is full of surprising twists, even when it comes to something as fun as a fairytale castle!
What Happened on This Day
New Zealand Grants Women the Right to Vote
Hold onto your hats, history fans! On this day in 1893, New Zealand made HUGE waves by becoming the very first self-governing country in the world to give ALL women the right to vote in national elections. Imagine being the first in line to cast your ballot! This was a massive victory for women's rights activists, called suffragists, who fought hard for equality. It was a game-changer that inspired people all over the globe to demand their voices be heard.
US President James Garfield Dies After Shooting
This is a tough one, but important! U.S. President James A. Garfield was shot by an angry office-seeker back in July, but on September 19, 1881, he sadly passed away from the wound and infections that followed. The wildest part? Most experts now think he could have survived if the doctors hadn't kept poking around trying to find the bullet without washing their hands or tools! It’s a sad reminder of how important clean science is, even for doctors.
Khrushchev Gets the Cold Shoulder at Disneyland
In 1959, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev visited the United States, and when he asked to see Disneyland, Walt Disney politely said, 'No way!' Walt was worried about the security risks and potential protests. Can you imagine being told 'No' to a theme park visit? It caused a hilarious diplomatic hiccup known as the 'Disneyland Affair.' The Soviets complained it was an insult to their country! It just goes to show that even world leaders get jealous over theme park access.
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First Look at Sleeping Beauty Castle on TV
Before Disneyland even opened its gates, people got their first peek at the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle on TV! On September 19, 1954, Walt Disney’s weekly TV show, simply called 'Disneyland,' used a beautiful shot of the then-under-construction castle as its opening sequence. It was like a sneak peek before the big movie premiere. This clever move built massive excitement for the park's opening a year later and helped sell the idea of a magical place where dreams came true.
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Jamestown Burns During Bacon's Rebellion
Talk about drama in the early American colonies! On September 19, 1676, the town of Jamestown, Virginia—the first permanent English settlement—was attacked and burned to the ground by angry colonists led by Nathaniel Bacon. This event, known as Bacon's Rebellion, was like a big showdown between settlers who wanted the governor to fight Native Americans more aggressively and the governor's friendlier policy. The fire sent a huge message that things were about to change in the colonies!
Learn moreFun Facts About September 19
- Cal Ripken Jr.'s amazing streak of 2,632 consecutive baseball games ended on this day in 1998!
- The very first recorded use of the sideways smiley emoticon ':-)' happened on September 19, 1982!
- In 1356, the English captured the French King John II during the Battle of Poitiers on this day.
- The first underground nuclear test by the US, named 'Rainier,' happened on September 19, 1957.
A Look Back in Time
September 19th often falls near the start of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, a time of change! In the 17th century, it marked major conflicts in the American colonies, like Bacon's Rebellion challenging established authority. By the late 19th century, the focus shifted to political turmoil, highlighted by the tragic death of President Garfield. The 20th century saw huge social shifts, like gaining voting rights for women in New Zealand, and the beginning of our modern culture with early TV glimpses of beloved places like Disneyland.
Born on This Day
Henry III of France
Henry III was the King of France and also, briefly, the King of Poland! He was known for his fancy clothes and was a big patron of the arts. Sadly, his reign was full of battles and drama with his own family, and he was eventually assassinated.
Antoninus Pius
Antoninus Pius was a Roman Emperor famous for ruling during a very peaceful time called the Pax Romana. He was known for being super fair, kind, and wise. He loved building projects, including making sure people had clean water with new aqueducts!
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Jimmy Fallon
You probably know Jimmy Fallon from his late-night TV show where he plays silly games and sings funny songs! Before becoming a famous comedian and talk show host, he was a stand-up comic. He’s famous for his hilarious impressions and always seems to be having the best time on TV!
Jeremy Irons
Jeremy Irons is a very talented English actor known for his deep, unique voice. You might recognize his voice from movies or even as the voice of Scar in The Lion King! He's won major awards for his acting on stage and screen.