Major Historical Events on September 26- Today in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the significant events that unfolded. Let’s take a journey back in time to discover the major Historical Events that make September 26 a memorable date.

Francis Drake Completes World Circumnavigation – 1580 AD

After nearly three years at sea, English Admiral Francis Drake arrived in Plymouth Harbour in 1580, marking the first successful English circumnavigation of the world. His voyage significantly boosted England’s naval reputation.

Parthenon Partially Destroyed in Powder Explosion – 1687 AD

During the Venetian bombardment of the Acropolis in 1687, part of the Parthenon was destroyed by a powder explosion. The damage was a significant cultural loss to one of Greece’s most iconic landmarks.

British Occupation of Philadelphia – 1777 AD

The British occupied Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from September 26, 1777, to June 18, 1778, during the American Revolution. After defeating the Continental Army at the Battle of Brandywine, British General William Howe marched his troops into the city, seizing the colonial capital. The occupation disrupted the operations of the Continental Congress, which had fled the city, and created significant hardship for residents through food shortages and economic instability.

Formation of the Holy Alliance – 1815 AD

In 1815, after Napoleon’s final defeat, Russia, Austria, and Prussia formed the Holy Alliance to maintain the conservative order in Europe and suppress revolutionary movements that threatened monarchies.

Death of Daniel Boone – 1820 AD

Famed American frontiersman and explorer Daniel Boone, known for his exploration of Kentucky, died in 1820 in St. Charles, Missouri, leaving behind a legendary legacy of pioneering the American wilderness.

Birth of T.S. Eliot – 1888 AD

T.S. Eliot, the influential modernist poet behind works like The Waste Land, was born on September 26, 1888. His contributions to literature earned him a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948.

Birth of George Gershwin – 1898 AD

On September 26, 1898, American composer George Gershwin, renowned for blending classical music with jazz in compositions like Rhapsody in Blue, was born, shaping the future of American music.

Historic Kennedy-Nixon Debate – 1960 AD

On September 26, 1960, the first-ever televised U.S. presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon captivated 85 to 120 million viewers, forever changing the landscape of political communication.

The Beverly Hillbillies Premieres – 1962 AD

In 1962, The Beverly Hillbillies debuted on CBS, becoming one of the most beloved sitcoms of the decade, known for its humorous portrayal of a rural family’s transition to a wealthy Beverly Hills lifestyle.

The Beatles Release Abbey Road – 1969 AD

In 1969, The Beatles released Abbey Road, their last-recorded album, featuring iconic tracks like “Come Together” and “Here Comes the Sun.” It is widely regarded as one of their finest works.

The Brady Bunch Premieres – 1969 AD

The Brady Bunch premiered in 1969 on ABC, becoming a beloved sitcom that captured the hearts of viewers with its depiction of a blended family, and later achieving lasting pop culture status.

Death of Paul Newman – 2008 AD

On September 26, 2008, Hollywood legend Paul Newman, celebrated for his roles in Cool Hand Luke and The Hustler, died at age 83. He was also known for his philanthropy and activism.

Death of Jacques Chirac – 2019 AD

Former French President Jacques Chirac, who served from 1995 to 2007, passed away in 2019 at age 86. His presidency was marked by opposition to the Iraq War and efforts to modernize the French economy.

Also Read: Major Historical Events on September 25- Today in History