September 6th – A Day in History, Traditions, and World Events

Introduction

September 6th stands as a remarkable date in history, filled with milestones that shaped nations, inspired movements, and changed the course of the world. From political upheavals and technological breakthroughs to cultural moments and tragic assassinations, this day is a window into the tapestry of human history.

In this article, we’ll explore why September 6th is significant, covering calendars and traditions, a chronological timeline of key events, notable historical moments, and fun facts that make this day unforgettable.

September 6th in the Calendar

September 6th falls as the 249th day of the Gregorian calendar year (250th in leap years), leaving 116 days until the year ends. In many cultures, September signals the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the arrival of autumn, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the beginning of spring.

Historically, September has been associated with harvest festivals, seasonal celebrations, and preparations for winter. In ancient Rome, this time marked offerings to the gods for abundant crops. Today, in many countries, September is a transitional month—students return to school, and communities prepare for seasonal changes.

Traditions and Observances on September 6th

Unlike some days tied to major religious or cultural festivals, September 6th is often observed through national holidays in certain countries and commemorations of significant historical events:

• Pakistan Defence Day – Celebrated in Pakistan, this day commemorates the armed forces’ efforts during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, when the military defended Lahore and other key regions from Indian forces.

• Read a Book Day – A global observance encouraging people to pick up a book, escape into literature, and celebrate the power of reading.

Historical Events on September 6th – The Big Stories

1. The Assassination of President William McKinley (1901)

One of the most shocking events in American history happened on September 6, 1901, when President William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, was shot in Buffalo, New York.

McKinley was attending the Pan-American Exposition when an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz approached him during a public greeting. Concealing a revolver under a handkerchief, Czolgosz fired two shots at the President.

McKinley initially survived the attack and underwent surgery, but complications from gangrene set in, leading to his death on September 14, 1901. His assassination profoundly impacted U.S. politics, thrusting Theodore Roosevelt into the presidency and shaping early 20th-century American policy.

2. The 1666 Great Fire of London Ends

The Great Fire of London, which began on September 2nd, finally burned out on September 6, 1666, after four days of destruction. The fire consumed over 13,000 houses, nearly 90 churches, and major public buildings, including St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Although the death toll was surprisingly low for such a massive disaster, the fire left 70,000 out of 80,000 residents homeless and reshaped London’s architecture and fire safety regulations. September 6th marks the day when the flames were finally brought under control.

3. The Mayflower Departs England (1620)

On September 6, 1620, the Mayflower, a small wooden ship carrying 102 passengers, left Plymouth, England, for the New World. Among those on board were the Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom and new opportunities.

Their perilous journey across the Atlantic lasted more than two months, with harsh conditions and storms. They eventually landed in present-day Massachusetts in November 1620, establishing Plymouth Colony, one of the earliest successful English settlements in North America.

4. World War II – The South African Union Declares War on Germany (1939)

Just a few days after the outbreak of World War II, the Union of South Africa declared war on Germany on September 6, 1939. This decision aligned the country with the Allied Powers, marking a significant moment in the global escalation of the conflict. South African forces would go on to contribute to campaigns in North Africa and Italy.

5. Swaziland Gains Independence (1968)

September 6th is also Independence Day in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), celebrating its liberation from British colonial rule in 1968. Today, this African kingdom commemorates the occasion with parades, cultural performances, and national pride.

Other Notable Events on September 6th

• 1522 – Magellan’s Expedition Completes First Circumnavigation: The Victoria, the only surviving ship from Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet, returned to Spain after completing the first circumnavigation of the Earth.

• 1916 – The First Self-Service Grocery Store Opens: Clarence Saunders opened Piggly Wiggly in Memphis, Tennessee, revolutionising the way people shop for food.

• 1991 – Leningrad Becomes Saint Petersburg Again: After decades under its Soviet name, the historic Russian city officially reverted to its original name, Saint Petersburg.

Chronological Timeline of September 6th Events

Famous Births on September 6th

• Jane Addams (1860) – American social reformer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

• Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. (1888) – Businessman and father of U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

• Roger Waters (1943) – Co-founder and bassist of Pink Floyd.

• Naomie Harris (1976) – British actress known for roles in Skyfall and Moonlight.

Famous Deaths on September 6th

• Luciano Pavarotti (2007) – Legendary Italian tenor, celebrated for his powerful voice and operatic performances.

• Akhmad Kadyrov (2004) – President of the Chechen Republic assassinated during a bombing.

Fun Facts About September 6th

• The Great Fire of London, which ended on this day in 1666, led to major changes in urban planning and fire safety regulations in England.

• Read a Book Day on September 6th is perfect for literature lovers to dive into a new novel.

• The Mayflower’s departure on this day marked a defining moment in American colonial history.

• President McKinley’s assassination in 1901 made him the third U.S. president to be assassinated, following Lincoln and Garfield.

• Swaziland’s independence celebrations often include vibrant cultural displays, reflecting centuries of tradition.

Conclusion

September 6th is a day steeped in history—from the end of the Great Fire of London to the assassination of a U.S. president, from voyages that changed the world to independence for nations. Each event on this date reminds us how past struggles, innovations, and transformations have shaped the present.

Whether you’re marking Pakistan Defence Day, celebrating Eswatini’s independence, or simply curling up with a book for Read a Book Day, September 6th is full of stories worth remembering.

Quick Summary: Key Things to Remember

• 1666 – The Great Fire of London ends.

• 1620 – The Mayflower sets sail for the New World.

• 1901 – President McKinley is shot at the Pan-American Exposition.

• 1939 – South Africa enters World War II against Germany.

• 1968 – Eswatini gains independence.

• 1991 – Saint Petersburg regains its historic name.

1968

 

In 1968 Swaziland became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

 

1991

 

In 1991 The Soviet Union recognised the independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

 

On the 11^th of March 1985 the Communist Party gained a new leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, who was the first leader not to be alive during the original revolution. Gorbachev realised that in order to improve the economy he would have to introduce some new drastic changes. One of these changes was known as glasnost (which literally means publicity but was used to mean justice of governance) which was a drastic change in policy, giving Soviets much more freedom of speech and transparency of the government. Gorbachev hoped to eliminate corruption in the communist party. Gorbachev allowed privatising of companies for the first time to promote growth in the economy. He introduced a Presidential system on the 1^st of July 1988 and allowed for multiparty free elections for the first time in Russia since the revolution of 1917.

 

Gorbachev also made huge changes in foreign policy through open talks with America and Britain. He made the first steps to reducing Soviet Nuclear weapons and urged the US to do the same which allowed for the end of the bitter “Cold War”. President Mikhail Gorbachev also changed a policy which stated that the USSR had the right to stop communist countries from changing their constitution. On March the 11th 1990 Lithuania (one of the republics of the USSR taken in World War II) took the unprecedented step as declaring their independence from the USSR.

 

Gorbachev had not meant for the policy change to extend to the republics of the USSR and he ordered them to retract their declaration of independence or face the consequences. They were given until the 17th of March but instead of obeying Russia they defiantly re-enforced their declaration by asking other nations to officially recognise their independence. Russia met this defiance by sending in troops to the Lithuanian capital city of Vilnius. Talks began between Moscow and Lithuania but they broke down by January 1991 and Russian troops began to open fire on Lithuanian civilians. A referendum held in February in Lithuania overwhelmingly calling for Independence. Their defiance led to 11 of the 12 other Soviet Republics to declare Independence and they formed the Commonwealth of Independent States. On the 6^th of September 1991 The USSR was forced to recognise the independence of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

 

1997

In 1997 the Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales took place in London.

 

Diana Spencer was born on the 1^st of July 1961 and when her father, John Spencer, inherited the title of Earl Spencer in 1975 Diana became Lady Diana Spencer. On the 29^th of July 1981 she married Charles, Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the throne of the United Kingdom. One year later on the 21^st of June 1982 Diana gave birth to their first child, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and second in line to the throne. On the 15^th of September 1984 she gave birth to their second son Henry, Prince of Wales, Known as Prince Harry or Captain Harry Wales.

 

Princess Diana became famous all over the world for her charity work including her anti-landmine campaign “The International Campaign to Ban Landmines” as well as being the President of Great Ormond Street Hospital. On the 13th of July 1985, the most televised event in history, the “Live Aid” Concert was opened by Prince Charles and Princess Diana in Wembley Stadium, England. Princess Diana was given the unofficial title of “The People’s Princess” by her fans around the world.

 

Although the Princess had used her fame to publicise charities, aiding their public support, the constant intrusive nature of the press, particularly as her marriage with Prince Charles came to an end with divorce on the 28^th of August 1996, caused much heart ache. The Press continued to hound her and every aspect of her life until, almost a year after her divorce, as her car attempted to escape the press in Paris, France a car accident took her life on the 31^st of August 1997.

 

At 09:08 GMT on the 6^th of August 1997 Diana’s coffin left Kensington Palace and began its four mile journey through London ending at Westminster Abbey. Her brother, son’s and their father followed the carriage on foot along the procession which was attended by over a million members of public that lined the route. Around the world 2.5 mourners watched the funeral via television (almost half of the worlds 5.8 billion population at the time). Two years later the French courts found the driver of the car, Henri Paul, to have been three times over the drink driving limit while driving over the speed limit (to evade the press).