On 24 September in poetry and history
Poets born or who died on this date, plus historical events that happened on this day across history.
610 poets with calendar dates · 6,535 events with calendar dates in the catalogue
2 birthdays · 10 world events on 24 September
Birthdays
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William Lisle Bowles
24 September 1762 – 7 April 1850 (~88)
Born 24 September 1762 — would have been 264 in 2026
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Frances E. W. Harper
24 September 1825 – 22 February 1911 (~86)
Born 24 September 1825 — would have been 201 in 2026
World events on this day
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Invention of the Gatling Gun (1861)
In 1861, Richard Gatling patented the Gatling Gun, a revolutionary hand-cranked, multi-barrel machine gun that allowed rapid-fire capabilities, significantly altering military technology and tactics. Although it was patented in 1861, its design was finalized in 1862, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of warfare. This weapon not only changed the dynamics of battle but also sparked ethical debates regarding the impact of technology on human conflict.
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Jimmy Doolittle completes the first all-instrument flight
In 1929 Jimmy Doolittle made the first take-off, flight, and landing using instruments alone, without outside visual reference. The achievement was crucial for safe flying in poor visibility and at night. It helped make scheduled aviation more reliable and less dependent on fair weather.
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Development of Steerable Airships by Henri Giffard
On September 24, 1852, French inventor Henri Giffard flew the first powered and steerable airship, covering 27 kilometers from Paris to Trappes using a steam engine driving a propeller. Though limited in speed and control, this flight demonstrated the possibility of directed aerial navigation rather than passive drifting, marking a crucial step toward practical air transportation.
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First Powered and Controlled Airship Flight
On September 24, 1852, Henri Giffard flew the first powered and controlled airship, a steam-engine driven dirigible, over Paris from the Hippodrome to Trappes, a distance of about 17 miles. This was a major advancement over the simple balloon, as it allowed for directed navigation. Giffard's invention proved that a craft could be both dirigible and powered, overcoming the problem of wind
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Henri Giffard Dirigible Flight
In 1852, Henri Giffard achieved a groundbreaking milestone in aviation by flying the first powered, steerable airship over 17 miles near Paris. Utilizing a steam engine, Giffard's dirigible demonstrated the potential for controlled flight, paving the way for future advancements in air travel. This innovation marked a significant step in the exploration of aerial navigation and inspired subsequent developments in aviation technology.
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Birth of William Morris's Daughter, Jenny
In 1861, William Morris and Jane Burden welcomed their first child, a daughter named Jenny, in London, England. The birth of his daughter brought joy to Morris's life and further deepened his connection to family and domesticity. This experience influenced his later works, which often reflect themes of love and family.
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Black Friday Gold Panic of 1869
On September 24, 1869, a gold panic known as Black Friday erupted in New York City when financiers Jay Gould and James Fisk attempted to corner the gold market, driving prices to unsustainable heights. The scheme collapsed when the U.S. Treasury intervened by releasing $4 million in gold, causing a sudden price crash that bankrupted many investors and triggered a brief recession. The scandal exposed the corrupt ties between Wall Street speculators and the administration of President Ulysses S. Grant.
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Battle of Rowton Heath
Parliamentarian forces defeated Royalist cavalry at Rowton Heath outside Chester on 24 September 1645. Charles I reportedly watched part of the disaster from the city's defences. The defeat prevented the king from joining remaining Royalist forces and accelerated the collapse of his western position.
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Grunge and Alternative Rock Peak
The peak of grunge and alternative rock in 1991 was epitomized by Nirvana's release of the album 'Nevermind,' which brought raw, introspective lyrics and a distinct sound to mainstream rock music. This cultural shift marked a departure from the polished pop of the 1980s, resonating with a generation seeking authenticity and emotional expression. The success of 'Nevermind' not only transformed the music industry but also influenced fashion and youth culture.
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OSIRIS-REx Sample Return
In 2023, NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission achieved a historic milestone by successfully returning samples from the asteroid Bennu to Earth. This mission, which began in 2016, aimed to collect and analyze material from the ancient asteroid to gain insights into the early solar system and the origins of life. The samples, expected to provide valuable scientific data, represent a significant achievement in planetary exploration and the study of asteroids.