What Happened on September 6?

September 6 is National Read a Book Day — celebrating stories and learning — on the same date Magellan’s Victoria completed the first circumnavigation in 1522, the Mayflower sailed in 1620, and Leningrad reclaimed the name Saint Petersburg in 1991.

• 1522 — Magellan’s ship Victoria completes the first circumnavigation

  On September 6, 1522, the Victoria returned to Spain — the first ship known to sail all the way around Earth. Read the full story →

• 1620 — The Mayflower departs Plymouth, England

  On September 6, 1620 (Old Style), the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying Pilgrims toward North America. Read the full story →

• 1847 — Henry David Thoreau leaves Walden Pond

  On September 6, 1847, Henry David Thoreau left his cabin at Walden Pond after two years of simple living and writing. Read the full story →

• 1901 — President William McKinley is shot in Buffalo

  On September 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot while greeting visitors at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. Read the full story →

• 1914 — The First Battle of the Marne begins

  On September 6, 1914, Allied forces counterattacked near the Marne River — stopping Germany’s early dash toward Paris in World War I. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Jane Addams (1860–1935) · Roger Waters (1943) · Idris Elba (1972) · Jeff Foxworthy (1958)

Days & observances

National Read a Book Day · Fight Procrastination Day · National Coffee Ice Cream Day · National Be Late for Something Day (fun)