TROOPS, COURTS, AND MOTORCYCLES!
Welcome to September 24th, a day packed with big decisions! We're looking at how the US government got its justice system set up, a major moment in the Civil Rights Movement, and the start of a famous motorcycle empire. Get ready for some serious history that shaped the world we live in today!
Did you know that on this day, the US Congress created the Supreme Court—the top court in the land that still makes huge decisions today? Just a few years later, in 1793, the very first Attorney General was established! It’s a day where the *rules* of America were written down and organized for the future.
What Happened on This Day
US Congress Creates the Supreme Court
Imagine trying to run a country without a top referee! Back on September 24, 1789, the very first US Congress passed the Judiciary Act. This act was super important because it officially created the federal court system, including the famous Supreme Court with a Chief Justice and five Associate Justices. This set the stage for how laws are understood and applied across the entire nation. It was like building the ultimate rulebook headquarters!
First Passenger Airship Takes Flight!
Forget flying in a jumbo jet—way back in 1852, an inventor named Giffard flew the very first powered, passenger-carrying airship! This big, cigar-shaped balloon used a steam engine to actually fly itself a distance of about 17 miles from Paris to Trappes. It wasn't super fast or super pretty, but it was a huge leap toward figuring out how humans could fly without just using giant hot-air balloons. Talk about an early drone!
Wall Street Panic: Black Friday!
This wasn't about discounts on video games! In 1869, two speculators, Jay Gould and James Fisk, tried to secretly buy up all the gold in the United States, hoping to make the price skyrocket so they could sell it for a massive profit. President Ulysses S. Grant figured out their sneaky plan and ordered the Treasury to dump a huge amount of gold onto the market. The result? Gold prices crashed in minutes, ruining many people's fortunes on a day called 'Black Friday.'
Honda Motor Company Roars to Life
Before they were famous for cars, Honda started as a motorcycle company! In 1948, Soichiro Honda founded the Honda Motor Company in Japan. He started by putting a small engine onto a bicycle—talk about a DIY project! This humble beginning quickly grew into one of the biggest vehicle manufacturers in the world. From a little engine on two wheels to a global powerhouse, this day marks their official start.
Little Rock Nine Head to School with Soldiers
This was a major showdown for fairness in America. In 1957, nine brave African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, tried to attend the formerly all-white Central High School in Arkansas. When angry crowds tried to stop them, President Dwight D. Eisenhower had to send in the 101st Airborne Division—real federal troops—to escort the students safely inside! This event showed the world that the US government was serious about enforcing the law that ended segregation in schools.
Learn moreFun Facts About September 24
- The US Attorney General's office was also created by the Judiciary Act of 1789!
- Honda is now the world's largest motorcycle producer!
- The iconic red London Routemaster bus was introduced on this day in 1954.
- Black Friday in 1869 was about gold prices, not Christmas shopping!
A Look Back in Time
September 24th often finds the world dealing with new beginnings and tough challenges. In the late 1700s, the US was building its government framework, establishing the courts that would interpret its brand-new Constitution. By the mid-20th century, the focus shifted to enforcing civil rights, with federal power stepping in to ensure equality in education, a defining moment for the nation. Meanwhile, inventors worldwide were focused on travel, from early airships to the foundation of modern automotive giants.
Born on This Day
Jim Henson
Get ready to meet the master of the Muppets! Jim Henson was the brilliant mind behind Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and countless other fuzzy and funny characters. He totally changed how puppets were used on TV, making them stars in shows like *The Muppet Show*. His creativity brought joy to millions of kids (and adults!) around the globe.
John Marshall
Meet the man often called 'The Great Chief Justice!' John Marshall was the 4th Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court and served for a super long time. He made many key decisions that helped make the Supreme Court strong and important, shaping how the whole US government works even today. Talk about leaving a mark!
F. Scott Fitzgerald
This author was the rockstar writer of the 'Roaring Twenties'! F. Scott Fitzgerald penned classic books like *The Great Gatsby*, which is famous for its exciting parties and deep stories about the American dream. His writing perfectly captured the glamour and the troubles of that exciting time in history.
Kevin Sorbo
You might know Kevin Sorbo best as the heroic Hercules from the popular TV show! He played the son of Zeus, famous for his incredible strength and good heart as he went on many adventures. He has had a long career in movies and television since his days battling monsters and saving people on screen.