Major Events, Historical Highlights, Famous Births & Deaths

September 21 has witnessed major political changes, wars, independence movements, scientific milestones, literary publications, and the lives and deaths of many influential people. It is also observed internationally as the International Day of Peace.

🌍 Major Historical Events on September 21

455 – Emperor Avitus enters Rome

Avitus entered Rome with a Gallic army and consolidated his position as Western Roman Emperor. (Kiwix Server)

1170 – Kingdom of Dublin falls

During the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, the Kingdom of Dublin fell to Norman forces. (Kiwix Server)

1435 – Treaty of Arras

The Treaty of Arras was concluded during the Hundred Years’ War. Burgundy reconciled with France, weakening its alliance with England. (Kiwix Server)

1745 – Battle of Prestonpans

Jacobite forces under Charles Edward Stuart defeated a British government army commanded by Sir John Cope. The battle was an important early victory in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. (Kiwix Server)

1776 – Great Fire of New York

A major fire broke out in New York City during the British occupation of the city during the American Revolutionary War. Hundreds of buildings were destroyed, with estimates reaching about 1,000. (Kiwix Server)

1780 – Benedict Arnold’s treason

American General Benedict Arnold secretly provided the British with plans for the American fortifications at West Point. His attempt to betray the American revolutionary cause became one of the most famous acts of treason in U.S. history. (HISTORY)

1792 – French monarchy abolished

The National Convention of France abolished the monarchy, marking a decisive stage in the French Revolution. The French Republic was proclaimed shortly afterward. (World History Project)

1809 – Famous political duel

British politicians Lord Castlereagh and George Canning fought a duel on Putney Heath. Castlereagh wounded Canning in the thigh. (Kiwix Server)

1860 – Battle of Palikao

During the Second Opium War, Anglo-French forces defeated Chinese troops at the Battle of Palikao near Beijing. (Kiwix Server)

1898 – Empress Dowager Cixi takes control

In China, Empress Dowager Cixi brought the Hundred Days’ Reform to an end and consolidated her political authority. (Kiwix Server)

1921 – Oppau explosion

A massive industrial explosion destroyed a fertilizer facility at Oppau, Germany, killing approximately 500–600 people. (Clockly)

1937 – The Hobbit published

J. R. R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy novel The Hobbit, or There and Back Again was first published in London. It introduced readers to Bilbo Baggins and the world that would later become central to Tolkien’s Middle-earth mythology. (Time and Date)

1938 – Great Hurricane of 1938

The Great New England Hurricane struck Long Island and New England, causing enormous destruction. Estimates place the death toll at roughly 500–700 people. (Wikipedia)

1942 – B-29 Superfortress makes maiden flight

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress completed its first flight. The aircraft later became one of the most important heavy bombers of World War II. (Wikipedia)

1964 – Malta becomes independent

Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom, although it initially remained a member of the Commonwealth. (Time and Date)

1965 – Three countries join the United Nations

The Gambia, Maldives and Singapore were admitted to the United Nations. (Wikipedia)

1971 – Bahrain, Bhutan and Qatar join the UN

Bahrain, Bhutan and Qatar became members of the United Nations. (Wikipedia)

1972 – Martial law in the Philippines

President Ferdinand Marcos placed the Philippines under martial law, beginning a period of authoritarian rule that lasted for years. (Wikipedia)

1981 – Belize becomes independent

Belize achieved independence from the United Kingdom. (Wikipedia)

1991 – Armenia declares independence

Armenia declared independence from the Soviet Union during the dissolution of the USSR. (Wikipedia)

1993 – Russian constitutional crisis

Russian President Boris Yeltsin suspended parliament, triggering a major constitutional crisis that culminated in armed confrontation in Moscow. (Wikipedia)

1999 – Chi-Chi earthquake in Taiwan

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Taiwan, killing approximately 2,400 people and causing widespread destruction. (Wikipedia)

2001 – America: A Tribute to Heroes

Following the September 11 attacks, the televised benefit concert America: A Tribute to Heroes was broadcast across numerous U.S. television networks and raised more than $200 million for victims and their families. (Wikipedia)

2003 – Galileo spacecraft mission ends

NASA’s Galileo spacecraft, after years of studying Jupiter and its moons, was deliberately sent into Jupiter’s atmosphere, ending the mission. (Wikipedia)

2013 – Westgate shopping mall attack

The Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya, was attacked by al-Shabaab militants. The siege resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. (Time and Date)

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🇲🇹 Independence Days on September 21

September 21 is particularly significant for several countries:

• 🇲🇹 Malta – Independence Day, 1964
• 🇧🇿 Belize – Independence Day, 1981
• 🇦🇲 Armenia – Independence Day, 1991

(Time and Date)

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🎂 Famous People Born on September 21

H. G. Wells (1866–1946)

English writer and pioneer of science fiction, famous for works such as The Time Machine, The War of the Worlds and The Invisible Man. (Time and Date)

Gustav Holst (1874–1934)

British composer best known for The Planets, one of the most influential orchestral works of the early 20th century. (On This Day)

Stephen King (1947– )

American author whose novels include Carrie, The Shining, It and Misery. (HISTORY)

Leonard Cohen (1934–2016)

Canadian singer-songwriter, poet and novelist, internationally celebrated for songs including “Hallelujah.” (HISTORY)

Shinzō Abe (1954–2022)

Japanese politician who served multiple terms as Prime Minister of Japan. (Calendarz)

Kevin Rudd (1957– )

Australian politician and former Prime Minister of Australia. (Time and Date)

Billy Porter (1969– )

American actor, singer and performer known particularly for his work in musical theatre and television. (HISTORY)

Liam Gallagher (1972– )

English singer and former frontman of the rock band Oasis. (On This Day)

Lindsey Stirling (1986– )

American violinist, composer and performer known for combining violin music with electronic and contemporary performance styles. (Calendarz)

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🕯️ Notable Deaths on September 21

Edward II of England (1284–1327)

King of England from 1307 until his deposition in 1327. (Calendarz)

Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (1500–1558)

One of the most powerful European rulers of the 16th century, Charles V died in 1558. (Time and Date)

Walter Scott (1771–1832)

Scottish novelist, poet and historian, regarded as one of the founders of the historical novel. (Time and Date)

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860)

German philosopher whose work profoundly influenced later philosophy, literature and psychology. (Time and Date)

Ivan Bagramyan (1897–1982)

Soviet military commander who played a significant role in World War II. (Time and Date)

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🕊️ September 21 – International Day of Peace

September 21 is observed by the United Nations as the International Day of Peace. The day promotes peace and the cessation of hostilities around the world.

For a Nelsapy article, this makes September 21 especially useful as a date connecting world history, independence movements, literature, science, and international peace.

⭐ September 21 – Quick Highlights

Year	Highlight
1435	Treaty of Arras
1776	Great Fire of New York
1780	Benedict Arnold’s betrayal
1792	French monarchy abolished
1898	Cixi ends Hundred Days’ Reform
1921	Oppau industrial explosion
1937	The Hobbit published
1938	Great Hurricane strikes New England
1942	B-29 makes maiden flight
1964	Malta gains independence
1971	Bahrain, Bhutan & Qatar join UN
1981	Belize becomes independent
1991	Armenia becomes independent
1999	Chi-Chi earthquake strikes Taiwan
2003	Galileo mission ends
2013	Westgate Mall attack in Kenya

(Wikipedia)