We share “This Day in History” every day to help make our readers well-rounded and informed. It offers a chance to learn, appreciate our culture, make better decisions, and see the world from a wider perspective. Through understanding past events, we aim to help readers engage more with the present and future.

  • 26th September 1580
    Sir Francis Drake completes his circumnavigation of the globe, becoming the first Englishman to achieve this remarkable feat.
  • 26th September 1789
    Thomas Jefferson is appointed the first U.S. Secretary of State, a key milestone in the formation of the United States government.
  • 26th September 1898
    George Gershwin, renowned American composer and pianist, known for "Rhapsody in Blue," is born in Brooklyn, New York.
  • 26th September 1908
    The first production of the Ford Model T is completed, revolutionizing the automobile industry and making cars more accessible.
  • 26th September 1934
    The ocean liner RMS Queen Mary is launched, later serving as a symbol of elegance and luxury travel across the Atlantic.
  • 26th September 1960
    The first televised U.S. presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon takes place, setting a new standard for political campaigns.
  • 26th September 1962
    The Beverly Hillbillies, one of the most popular sitcoms in American television history, debuts on CBS.
  • 26th September 1969
    The Beatles release their iconic album "Abbey Road," featuring some of their most beloved songs like "Come Together" and "Here Comes the Sun."
  • 26th September 1983
    Australia II wins the America's Cup, ending the New York Yacht Club's 132-year winning streak, the longest in sporting history.
  • 26th September 1984
    The United Kingdom and China agree on the future of Hong Kong, marking a peaceful transition that would occur in 1997.
  • 26th September 1986
    The first episode of the television series "Designing Women," created by Arkansas native Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, airs on CBS.
  • 26th September 1990
    The motion picture "Goodfellas," directed by Martin Scorsese, is released and later becomes one of the most acclaimed films in cinematic history.
  • 26th September 1991
    The rock band Nirvana releases their iconic album "Nevermind," which includes the hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit," changing the music industry forever.
  • 26th September 2003
    Arkansas native Charles Portis is awarded the Oxford American Lifetime Achievement Award in Southern Literature for his outstanding contributions to American literature.
  • 26th September 2006
    Facebook, founded by Mark Zuckerberg, opens to everyone aged 13 and older with a valid email address, expanding its global reach.
  • 26th September 2008
    The first "Arthur's Day" is celebrated in Dublin, Ireland, to honor the 250th anniversary of the Guinness Brewery, bringing together music and festivities.
  • 26th September 2011
    The Broadway musical "The Book of Mormon" wins nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, becoming a massive hit in the theater world.
  • 26th September 2015
    NASA confirms the presence of liquid water on Mars, boosting hopes for future exploration and the search for life beyond Earth.
  • 26th September 2017
    Saudi Arabia announces it will lift the ban on women driving, a major milestone in the country's progress toward gender equality.
  • 26th September 2018
    Arkansas celebrates the grand opening of the Johnny Cash Heritage Festival in Dyess, honoring the legacy of the music legend from the Natural State.

NOTE: WHILE THE EVENTS LISTED ABOVE ARE FACTUAL, SOME SPECIFICS ARE ADDED BASED ON GENERALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND MAY NOT HAVE OCCURRED EXACTLY ON THAT DATE.
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