World Firsts, Votes, and War Machines!
Welcome to September 6th, a day packed with history that literally changed the map! Imagine being on the very first ship to sail completely around our planet, or being one of the first people in history to get to vote in a major election. Today shows us how brave explorers and determined citizens can make history!
Today, we celebrate the return of a tiny ship that proved the world is round—and the start of a journey for brave Pilgrims seeking a new home. Plus, a massive new weapon of war rolled out for the very first time, signaling a big, noisy change in how battles would be fought!
What Happened on This Day
The First Trip Around the World Finishes!
Imagine leaving home and sailing so far you end up right back where you started! On this day in 1522, the ship *Victoria*, the only one left from Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet, sailed back to Spain. It had completed the first-ever circumnavigation of the Earth. Magellan himself didn't make it—he was lost in the Philippines—but the 15 surviving sailors proved our planet was indeed a giant sphere!
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Pilgrims Set Sail on the Mayflower
Forget packing for a weekend trip! In 1620, the *Mayflower* left Plymouth, England, carrying about 102 Pilgrims and crew. They were looking for a new place to practice their religion freely. Their journey across the wild Atlantic Ocean was tough, taking 66 days, but they eventually landed in what became Massachusetts. This voyage kicked off the story of early colonial America.
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First Legal Woman's Vote in the USA
Not everyone could vote when the United States began, and women had to fight for this right for many years! On September 6, 1870, a woman named Louisa Ann Swain legally cast a vote in Laramie, Wyoming, during state elections. While women wouldn't get the nationwide right to vote for another 50 years, this was a massive, groundbreaking moment for equality in America!
US President McKinley is Shot
This was a shocking day for America! President William McKinley was attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, when he was shot by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz. Sadly, the President died eight days later. This event was so serious that it caused the Secret Service, whose main job was stopping people from making fake money, to start protecting the President full-time.
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The First Tank Prototype Ever Tested
Imagine a giant metal box on tracks that can drive over anything and protect soldiers from enemy fire—that’s a tank! On this day, the British Army tested their very first prototype tank during World War I. It probably looked a bit clunky and slow compared to today's tanks, but it was a brand-new, super-secret weapon that would completely change how armies fought battles forever.
Learn moreFun Facts About September 6
- The *Victoria*, the ship that completed the first circumnavigation, only had 18 men left aboard when it returned!
- Wyoming was called the 'Equality State' partly because it gave women the right to vote so early!
- September 6th is also officially celebrated as 'Read A Book Day' and 'Fight Procrastination Day'!
- The first self-service grocery store, Piggly Wiggly, opened in the US on this day in 1916.
A Look Back in Time
The events of September 6th span centuries! In the early 1500s, explorers were pushing the boundaries of the known world, proving grand theories through daring voyages. A century later, religious and political freedom motivated the Pilgrims' dangerous crossing. By the early 20th century, the world shifted toward modern warfare with the debut of the tank. This day shows a constant human drive: to explore, to seek freedom, and to invent powerful new tools.
Born on This Day
Marquis de Lafayette
A young French nobleman who became a major hero in the American Revolution! He became a trusted general for George Washington. Think of him as a teen celebrity who helped America win its freedom before heading home to France.
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Jane Addams
Jane Addams was a super-star social reformer who believed everyone deserved a good life. She co-founded Hull House in Chicago to help new immigrants and the poor. She even won the Nobel Peace Prize for her amazing work fighting for the rights of everyday people!
Idris Elba
From playing a tough detective to portraying a real-life leader, Idris Elba is a super versatile actor! You might know him from popular TV shows or playing the historical figure Nelson Mandela in a big movie. He shows that hard work can take you to amazing places in acting and music.
John Wall
John Wall is a speedy and talented professional basketball player known for his incredible speed on the court. He was picked first in the NBA draft, which is a huge honor! He has zoomed his way to becoming an NBA All-Star multiple times.