What Happened on September 19?
September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day — aarrr! — on the same date New Zealand won women’s suffrage in 1893, Washington’s Farewell Address was published in 1796, and President Garfield died in 1881.
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1796 — George Washington’s Farewell Address is published
On September 19, 1796, newspapers published President George Washington’s Farewell Address, warning against permanent foreign alliances and bitter party fights. Read the full story →
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1881 — President James A. Garfield dies from an assassin’s wound
On September 19, 1881, President James A. Garfield died 79 days after being shot by Charles Guiteau — elevating Chester A. Arthur to the presidency. Read the full story →
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1893 — New Zealand becomes the first self-governing country to grant women the vote
On September 19, 1893, New Zealand’s governor signed the Electoral Act, making the nation the first self-governing country where women could vote in national elections. Read the full story →
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1957 — The United States conducts the Rainier underground nuclear test
On September 19, 1957, the U.S. fired the Rainier shot — its first fully contained underground nuclear test — in Nevada. Read the full story →
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1982 — Scott Fahlman proposes the sideways smiley emoticon :-)
On September 19, 1982, computer scientist Scott Fahlman suggested using :-) and :-( to mark jokes and serious notes on an early online board. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
William Golding (1911–1993) · Adam West (1928–2017) · Trisha Yearwood (1964) · Jimmy Fallon (1974)
Days & observances
International Talk Like a Pirate Day · National Butterscotch Pudding Day · International Red Panda Day · National Dance Day