On September 24, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, marking it as the first national monument in the United States. This significant event paved the way for the preservation of natural landmarks across the country.
Historical Significance of September 24
The date has seen numerous pivotal moments in American history. In 1789, President George Washington signed the Judiciary Act, which laid the foundation for the country’s federal court system and established the role of attorney general.
Other notable events on this date include the Wall Street panic known as “Black Friday” in 1869, where thousands of businessmen suffered financial ruin due to failed attempts by financiers Jay Gould and James Fisk to corner the gold market. In a moment that would reshape naval history, the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was launched in 1960 at Newport News, Virginia.
In 1988, Jackie Joyner-Kersey triumphed at the Summer Olympics in Seoul, winning gold and setting a world record in the women’s heptathlon. The date is also remembered for its tragedies, such as the 2013 earthquake in Pakistan, which registered a powerful 7.7 magnitude and killed at least 376 people.
Contemporary Events and Cultural Milestones
The year 2015 brought about another tragedy with a deadly stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia. While the official Saudi death toll was reported at 769, estimates suggest that over 2,400 individuals may have lost their lives.
In recent years, September 24 has also been marked by significant cultural events. In 2017, more than 200 NFL players chose to kneel or sit during the national anthem in response to criticism from then-President Donald Trump regarding their protests.
The historical weight of this date is underscored by various births of notable figures, including Joe Greene, who turns 79 today, and actor Gordon Clapp, celebrating his 77th birthday. Other notable birthdays include filmmaker Brad Bird at 68, actor Kevin Sorbo at 67, and Olympic gold medal gymnast Paul Hamm, who is now 43.
September 24 serves as a reminder of the multitude of significant events that have shaped history, culture, and society. From monumental achievements to profound tragedies, this day encapsulates a wide spectrum of human experience.
