Discover what happened on September 21 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

September 21

Discover what happened on September 21 with HISTORY&#8217;s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

What Happened on September 21 | HISTORY

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America’s Founding Fathers decided that one elected civilian—the U.S. president—would lead the executive branch of the federal government, a governmental structure that has remained in place for more than 200 years.

U.S. Presidents

The continent of Asia, home to the majority of the world's population and countries as diverse as China, South Korea and India, has thousands of years of rich history.

Asian History

Native American history spans an array of diverse groups and leaders, including Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and Tecumseh, and events like the Trail of Tears, the French and Indian War and the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Native American History

The gay rights movement is the struggle for equality and marriage rights for gay, lesbian and transgender people. Milestones include the Stonewall Riots, the trial of Oscar Wilde and the assassination of Harvey Milk.

Gay Rights

Crime has been a dark and powerful undercurrent in human society throughout history. Uncover the facts behind some of the most daring robberies, brazen scams and brutal murders ever committed.

Crime

Sports and recreation are an integral part of human history, from the ancient Olympics to the Kentucky Derby, Jackie Robinson, Negro League Baseball, the Super Bowl and more.

Sports

The Revolutionary War waged by the American colonies against Britain influenced political ideas and revolutions around the globe, as a small fledgling nation won its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

American Revolution

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History.com Editors

Art history tells the complex story of human civilization through art, literature and design. It ranges from prehistoric art of the Neolithic period through Renaissance masterpieces, Impressionism, Modernism, the Bauhaus and contemporary art.

Art, Literature and Film History

World War II was the biggest and deadliest war in history, involving more than 30 countries. Sparked by the 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland, the war dragged on for six bloody years until the Allies defeated the Axis powers of Nazi Germany, Japan and Italy in 1945. Explore the battles, leaders and atrocities from the war and its impact on geopolitics and humankind.

World War II

Explore the wars, battles, leaders, civilizations, regimes, prominent figures and major events from the continent that encompasses 2 percent of the Earth’s surface. From Stonehenge to the Great Awakening to the French Revolution to the rise and fall of Communism in Russia, see how Europe’s often tumultuous history unfolded.

European History

Natural disasters and changes in the environment, such as global warming, the San Francisco Earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, the Galveston Hurricane, the Krakatoa eruption and others, have profoundly shaped human history. Explore both the sudden and long-term impacts of natural and human-made disasters.

This Day In History: September 21

Benedict Arnold commits treason

Also on This Day in History September | 21

The Daughters of Bilitis become the first lesbian rights group in the U.S.

Last baseball game played at historic Yankee Stadium

This Day in History Video: What Happened on September 21

The Great New England Hurricane

Monarchy abolished in France

The Superfortress bomber takes flight

FDR urges repeal of Neutrality Act embargo provisions

The great Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph dies in Washington

George Clooney makes “Facts of Life” debut

Earthquake kills thousands in Taiwan

A 13-year-old newspaper delivery boy is found dead

Mao Zedong outlines the new Chinese government

Also on This Day in History September | 21

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