On This Day - September 18th
Don't let September 18th pass without learning more about what makes this one of the most important dates of the year! It might already be a special day for you, in which case, we have stacks of facts, figures, and famous birthdays to clue you in on. Here are some of the fascinating things you should know about September 18th, whether or not you're already marking today.
On this day
George Washington laid foundations for a nation.
In 1793, George Washington laid the cornerstone for the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. To this day, it remains one of the most famous buildings in the United States of America and is a symbol of the nation all over the world.
The Great Fire of Moscow took place.
In 1812, the Great Fire of Moscow burned down 75% of the city, and over 12,000 people died. The fire eventually died out after five days. It’s said to have started as a result of a “scorched Earth” approach – with Count Rostopchin reportedly having ordered the burning of public buildings (including the Kremlin).
A railway exploded… Or did it?
In 1931, the Japanese faked a railway explosion. They did so in order to create a reason for the invasion of Manchuria in China. The invasion was a success for the Japanese, but raised suspicions of the nation’s activities leading toward World War II, where they fought against the Allies.
The CIA was born.
In 1947, the CIA, or Central Intelligence Agency, officially came into existence! It was enshrined into law by President Truman in July of the same year, and since then, it’s remained a cornerstone of US security in Langley Falls, Virginia.
Special Days Falling on September 18th
September 18th is just as much about the celebrations as it is about the history! Here are some of the most interesting events taking place around the world today.
Chile Independence Day
Every September 18th is Chilean Independence Day! Around the country, you’ll find all kinds of celebrations honoring Chile’s independence from Spain. At least, the date marks the first day Chileans started fighting against the Spanish in 1810. It’s a day for parades, festivals, and generally being proud to be Chilean.
International Equal Pay Day
Despite huge strides in civil and equal rights the world over, we are all still a long way from truly equal pay for all. This isn't just in terms of the gender divide, but also in terms of racial equality and ensuring that people from disparate backgrounds receive the pay they are due for all their hard work. Today, we raise awareness of those who struggle to achieve pay equality worldwide.
World Water Monitoring Day
Every September 18th, 150 countries around the world gather to honor this special day! The day is about honoring the importance of clean water in our lives, reminding us how fortunate we are to have it, and what we need to do to ensure everyone in the world has their right to access clean, drinkable water – not just temporarily, but all of the time.
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This page was last modified on September 18, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
Greater London’s Metropolitan Police Force made their first public appearance in 1829. The force later became known as Scotland Yard – and to this day, Scotland Yard remains an iconic fixture of policing in the UK. It’s something of an HQ for “Bobbies” in Britain!
Famous Birthdays on September 18th
If you were born on September 18th…
…you’re a Virgo! You are cool under pressure and ready to take the helm when needed – which certainly makes you the perfect leader!
So, lead the way and head over to our Virgo facts page to learn more about what makes you tick.
