Discoveries, Games, and New Nations!
September 23rd is a day packed with exciting history! Imagine searching the skies and finding a whole new planet—that happened today! We also celebrate the founding of a company that would one day create some of the most fun video games ever. Plus, big changes happened in the world of politics and exploration. Get ready to blast off into the past!
On this date, the worlds of science and play collided! In 1846, astronomers found the giant planet Neptune, a huge discovery for science. Fast forward to 1889, and a company called Nintendo was founded in Japan, starting as a humble card game maker. Who knew those playing cards would lead to Mario and Zelda?
What Happened on This Day
Lewis and Clark Finally Return Home!
After exploring the wild American West all the way to the Pacific Ocean and back, the Corps of Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, finally arrived back in St. Louis! They had mapped huge areas, met dozens of Native American tribes, and seen amazing new plants and animals. Imagine being the first explorers to report back with tales of buffalo, grizzly bears, and giant mountains!
Learn more
Surprise! Astronomers Discover Planet Neptune
For years, scientists noticed something odd: the planet Uranus wasn't orbiting exactly where it should be. Two different smart people calculated where an *unknown* planet must be tugging on Uranus! On September 23rd, astronomer Johann Galle in Berlin finally pointed his telescope to the predicted spot and *BAM*—there was Neptune, the eighth planet! It’s like predicting where a bully is standing so you can surprise them later!
Nintendo Starts Out as a Card Company!
Today, Nintendo is famous for video games like Pokémon and Super Mario. But on September 23, 1889, a man named Fusajiro Yamauchi founded the company in Kyoto, Japan, to make *Hanafuda*—beautiful, handmade playing cards. Imagine if your favorite gaming console started out making only board games! It took decades of smart moves before they plugged into the digital world.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is Formed
Picture a few separate kingdoms and regions in the Arabian Peninsula. On September 23, 1932, the leader Ibn Saud successfully joined several of these areas together under one ruler and one name: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was a huge moment that created the modern country we know today! Think of it as putting together a giant, ancient puzzle to create one unified nation.
Richard Nixon’s Famous 'Checkers' Speech
Richard Nixon, who was running to be Vice President, was accused of keeping a secret 'slush fund' of money! Instead of quitting, he gave a now-famous TV and radio speech defending himself. He told the nation about one gift he *did* receive: a cocker spaniel puppy named Checkers for his daughters. He said he wouldn't give back Checkers, and the public loved his honest, emotional defense, saving his political campaign!
Learn moreFun Facts About September 23
- Nintendo's first product was a card game called Hanafuda, which means 'Flower Cards'.
- Neptune is the farthest known planet from the Sun—it takes 165 Earth years to orbit it once!
- Lewis and Clark were gone for over two years, traveling more than 8,000 miles round trip!
- The Jetson's cartoon first aired on September 23, 1962, and was ABC's first full-color program!
A Look Back in Time
As September 23rd falls near the Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, it often marks a time of transition—which fits many of the events! While Lewis and Clark completed their epic transition across the continent, the world of science celebrated a huge transition with the discovery of a new planet. In the world of politics, empires were being formed in the Middle East, and in the United States, a major political crisis was being played out live on television, changing how politicians communicated with the public.
Born on This Day
Ray Charles
Meet Ray Charles, 'The Genius' of music! He was an amazing singer and pianist who blended gospel, blues, and jazz into the revolutionary sound called soul music. Even though he lost his sight as a child, he played music by feeling the keys and notes like an expert.
Bruce Springsteen
Known as 'The Boss,' Bruce Springsteen is one of the most famous rock singers and guitarists ever! His songs tell exciting stories about everyday American life. He and his band, the E Street Band, put on legendary, high-energy concerts that can last for hours.
John Coltrane
John Coltrane was a super-talented American jazz saxophonist and composer. He was famous for his incredible ability to improvise and constantly push the boundaries of music. He played a huge role in changing jazz forever with his deep, spiritual, and complex sound.
Victoria Woodhull
Victoria Woodhull was a true history-maker! In 1872, she became the *very first woman* to run for President of the United States—long before women even had the right to vote nationwide! She was also a stockbroker and a newspaper publisher, proving that girls could do anything.