September 1
New York Mayor James Walker Resigns (1932): Mayor Walker, under investigation for corruption, resigns after a six-year term marked by scandal and public scrutiny.
NBC Broadcasts First Commercial TV Advertisement (1941): The first TV ad, for Bulova watches, aired in New York, marking a new era in advertising.
September 2
First Labor Day Parade (1882): The first Labor Day parade was held in NYC, organized by the Central Labor Union to honor workers and their contributions to the city.
Opening of the Empire State Building Observation Deck (1931): This famous attraction opened, offering breathtaking views of the city and becoming an iconic NYC destination.
September 3
Great Fire of 1835: This devastating fire destroyed much of lower Manhattan, reshaping New York’s architecture and building codes.
New York Stock Exchange Crash (1929): While Black Tuesday would occur later, selling pressure in early September signaled the coming stock market crash and the Great Depression.
September 4
The Wall Street Bombing (1920): A bomb exploded in front of the J.P. Morgan building, killing 38 people and injuring hundreds. It remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in NYC history before 9/11.
Founding of the New York Philharmonic (1842): America’s oldest symphony orchestra was founded, establishing NYC as a cultural hub for music.
September 5
Opening of the New York Public Library (1911): The iconic building on Fifth Avenue officially opened its doors, becoming one of the world’s most famous libraries.
Munich Massacre Memorial (1972): Following the murder of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics, NYC held a large vigil in their memory.
September 6
First Baseball Game at Elysian Fields (1846): The first recorded baseball game took place, with New York baseball clubs taking part, marking the city’s role in popularizing the sport.
The First Subway Construction Begins (1900): Construction of the New York City subway system began, changing the future of transportation in the city.
September 7
Victory Day Parade (1945): A massive parade was held to celebrate the Allied victory in World War II, with hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers taking to the streets.
Opening of the United Nations Headquarters (1952): The UN headquarters opened in NYC, establishing the city as the center of global diplomacy.
September 8
1664 – New Amsterdam Surrenders to the British
Dutch Governor Peter Stuyvesant surrendered the city of New Amsterdam to the British, who renamed it New York in honor of the Duke of York. This marked the official British takeover of the city, which had previously been a Dutch colony.
1974 – President Gerald Ford Pardons Richard Nixon in NYC
President Gerald Ford announced his pardon of former President Richard Nixon for any crimes he might have committed during the Watergate scandal in a televised address from the Oval Office. The announcement was followed by significant public reaction in New York City, where large protests took place.
September 9
1850 – California Becomes a State with New York Influence
California’s admission to the Union as a state had significant ties to New York City. Many influential New Yorkers, including Cornelius Vanderbilt and other businessmen, played major roles in financing the Gold Rush and California’s development, impacting the city’s economy.
2007 – New York City’s First 311 Call Center Opens
The city’s 311 non-emergency service officially launched, providing residents and visitors with a direct line to city services and information. The system revolutionized how New Yorkers interacted with the city government and is still a key part of municipal communication.
September 10
1894 – First Modern Subway Plan Approved
On this day, plans for New York City’s subway system were approved, which would eventually become the largest rapid transit system in the world. The subway officially opened in 1904, transforming transportation in the city.
2001 – 9/11 Hijackers Arrive in New York
On this day, some of the 9/11 hijackers arrived in New York City, preparing for the next day’s tragic attacks. This event marked the final phase in one of the darkest moments in the city’s history.
September 11
2001 – September 11 Attacks
The World Trade Center was targeted in a series of terrorist attacks that resulted in the collapse of the Twin Towers and nearly 3,000 deaths. The attacks also damaged the Pentagon and led to the crash of Flight 93. The event profoundly changed the landscape of NYC and the world.
1893 – First Matinee of The Metropolitan Opera’s “Faust”
The Metropolitan Opera House in NYC performed its first matinee of “Faust,” which became a part of the rich tradition of opera and performance arts in New York City. The Met remains one of the world’s most famous opera houses.
September 12
1954 – Opening of the George Washington Bridge Upper Level
The upper level of the George Washington Bridge, one of the most vital transportation links between New York City and New Jersey, was opened. This helped accommodate increasing traffic between the two states and became a significant landmark in NYC infrastructure.
1940 – Lascaux Cave Paintings Influenced by Metropolitan Museum Exhibit
On this day, a significant exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcased prehistoric art, including the famous Lascaux Cave Paintings discovered in France, influencing American interest in ancient art and archeology.
September 13
1788 – Federal Government Moved to NYC
Under the Articles of Confederation, New York City became the first capital of the United States on this day, before the capital was moved to Philadelphia and later Washington, D.C. The federal government remained in NYC until 1790.
1993 – Oslo Accords Signing Event Held in NYC
The historic Oslo Accords, which laid the groundwork for peace between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), were celebrated in New York City after being signed in Washington, D.C. NYC, home to a large Jewish and Palestinian population, played an important role in international diplomacy.
September 14
1901 – Theodore Roosevelt Becomes President
Following the assassination of President William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, the former governor of New York, was sworn in as the 26th President of the United States. Roosevelt’s tenure had lasting effects on both the country and New York City, where he had strong political ties.
1984 – New York City Transit Strike Ends
A major transit strike that had brought the city’s subway and bus services to a halt finally ended on this day after nearly 12 days of disruption. This event highlighted the importance of public transit to the city’s daily functioning.
September 15
1830 – Opening of the New York City Opera House: New York City establishes itself as a cultural hub with the opening of its first dedicated opera house, fostering the growth of performing arts in the city.
1963 – First Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in NYC: After relocating from London, the United Nations General Assembly holds its first meeting in its permanent headquarters in New York City.
September 16
1920 – Wall Street Bombing: A horse-drawn cart filled with explosives detonates outside the J.P. Morgan building on Wall Street, killing 38 people and injuring hundreds. It remains one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in NYC’s history.
1851 – Opening of The New-York Daily Times (now The New York Times): The first issue of The New-York Daily Times is published, beginning the legacy of one of the most influential newspapers in the world.
September 17
1787 – New York Celebrates the Signing of the U.S. Constitution: As a former capital of the U.S., New York City commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, which would later shape its political significance.
1908 – First Subway Line in NYC Extended to Brooklyn: The New York City subway system expands to Brooklyn, cementing the city’s interconnected transportation infrastructure and its future growth.
September 18
1931 – Construction Begins on Rockefeller Center: The Rockefeller family breaks ground on Rockefeller Center, an iconic New York City landmark that becomes a centerpiece of Midtown Manhattan’s commercial and cultural life.
1851 – The New York Times First Published: The New York Times publishes its first edition under its original name, The New-York Daily Times, becoming a major influence on journalism.
September 19
1881 – President Garfield Dies in NYC After Assassination Attempt: U.S. President James A. Garfield succumbs to wounds sustained from an assassination attempt, passing away in New York City, prompting nationwide mourning.
1981 – Simon & Garfunkel’s Central Park Concert: Legendary folk duo Simon & Garfunkel perform a free concert in Central Park, drawing over 500,000 people and becoming one of the most iconic music events in NYC history.
September 20
1881 – Chester A. Arthur Sworn in as President in NYC: Following the death of President Garfield, Chester A. Arthur is sworn in as the 21st President of the United States in New York City.
2001 – President George W. Bush Addresses the Nation from NYC: After the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush visits New York City and delivers a nationally broadcast speech, solidifying NYC as a symbol of American resilience.
September 21
1780 – Benedict Arnold’s Treason Uncovered in NYC: British Major John André is captured with papers revealing General Benedict Arnold’s plot to surrender West Point to the British during the Revolutionary War.
1897 – The New York Sun Publishes the Famous Editorial, “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”: This iconic editorial response to a young girl’s letter becomes one of the most reprinted editorials in history, contributing to New York’s literary legacy.
September 22
British Occupy New York City (1776): During the American Revolutionary War, British forces under General William Howe captured New York City after the Battle of Long Island.
Nathan Hale Executed by the British (1776): American patriot Nathan Hale was executed by the British in New York City for espionage. His famous last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” became a symbol of American sacrifice and bravery.
September 23
John André Arrested (1780): British Major John André was captured by American forces near New York while carrying documents revealing Benedict Arnold’s plot to surrender West Point to the British.
Birth of Ray Charles (1930): Legendary musician Ray Charles, a pioneer of soul music, was born in Albany, Georgia, but his influence and performances left a lasting impact on the New York City music scene.
September 24
“The Black Thursday” Stock Market Panic (1869): A financial panic known as “Black Thursday” occurred in New York City when Jay Gould and James Fisk attempted to corner the gold market, resulting in a market crash.
Brooklyn Dodgers Win Their First Pennant (1955): The Brooklyn Dodgers, a beloved New York baseball team, clinched their first National League pennant since 1941, eventually going on to win their first and only World Series title in Brooklyn history.
September 25
Columbia University Founded (1754): Columbia University, originally known as King’s College, was founded in New York City. It is one of the oldest universities in the U.S. and became a major academic institution in New York and globally.
Bill of Rights Proposed (1789): Congress, meeting in New York City, proposed 12 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, 10 of which would become the Bill of Rights.
September 26
First Public Passenger Elevator Installed (1857): Elisha Otis installed the first passenger elevator in the E.V. Haughwout Building in New York City. This innovation was key to the development of skyscrapers and the modern city landscape.
Yankee Stadium Reopens After Renovations (1976): Yankee Stadium reopened after two years of extensive renovations. The “House that Ruth Built” remains one of the most iconic stadiums in sports history and a centerpiece of New York City sports culture.
September 27
The New York Philharmonic’s First Concert (1842): The New York Philharmonic, one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the world, held its first performance.
The New York Post Founded (1801): Alexander Hamilton founded the New York Evening Post, now known simply as the New York Post. It is one of the oldest continuously published newspapers in the United State.
September 28
The “Son of Sam” Killer Sentenced (1978): David Berkowitz, known as the “Son of Sam” killer, was sentenced to 365 years in prison in New York City after pleading guilty to a series of murders that terrorized the city in the late 1970s.
New York City Opera’s First Performance (1943): The New York City Opera, known as “The People’s Opera,” held its inaugural performance. It aimed to bring high-quality, affordable opera to a wide audience.
