What Happened on September 24?

September 24 is National Punctuation Day — celebrating the marks that make writing clear — on the same date the Judiciary Act created the Supreme Court in 1789, Eisenhower protected the Little Rock Nine in 1957, and Devils Tower became America's first national monument in 1906.

• 1789 — Congress passes the Judiciary Act creating the Supreme Court

  On September 24, 1789, President Washington signed the Judiciary Act, establishing the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts. Read the full story →

• 1906 — Theodore Roosevelt names Devils Tower the first U.S. national monument

  On September 24, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower in Wyoming America's first national monument. Read the full story →

• 1957 — Eisenhower sends federal troops to protect the Little Rock Nine

  On September 24, 1957, President Eisenhower ordered the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock so nine Black students could safely enter Central High School. Read the full story →

• 1960 — The USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is launched

  On September 24, 1960, the U.S. Navy launched USS Enterprise (CVN-65) — the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Read the full story →

• 1968 — CBS news magazine 60 Minutes debuts

  On September 24, 1968, the CBS program 60 Minutes first aired — inventing the prime-time TV news magazine. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Jim Henson (1936–1990) · F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) · John Marshall (1755–1835) · Nia Vardalos (1962)

Days & observances

National Punctuation Day · National Cherries Jubilee Day · National Ghost Hunters Day · Heritage Day (South Africa)