What Happened on September 11?

September 11 is a day of remembrance. We honor the heroes who helped on a hard day in 2001 and learn how people chose kindness and service afterward.

• 1609 — Henry Hudson sails into New York Harbor

  On September 11, 1609, English explorer Henry Hudson, sailing for the Dutch, entered the harbor that would become New York. Read the full story →

• 1789 — Alexander Hamilton becomes the first Secretary of the Treasury

  George Washington appointed Alexander Hamilton as the nation's first Treasury secretary, shaping America's entire financial system. Read the full story →

• 1997 — Mars Global Surveyor enters orbit around Mars

  NASA's Mars Global Surveyor arrived at the Red Planet, beginning a mission that mapped Mars in sharper detail than ever before. Read the full story →

• 2001 — The September 11 attacks

  On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four planes and attacked the United States, killing nearly 3,000 people from more than 90 countries. Read the full story →

• 2001 — Everyday heroes: boat lifts, rescue dogs, and strangers helping

  In the hours and days after the attacks, ordinary people became heroes — ferrying evacuees by boat, searching rubble with dogs, and feeding rescue crews. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

D.H. Lawrence (1885–1930) · Brian De Palma (1940) · Ludacris (1977) · Harry Connick Jr. (1967)

Days & observances

Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance · National Make Your Bed Day · National Day of Service and Remembrance · No News is Good News Day