What Happened on September 7?

September 7 is National Acorn Squash Day — a harvest food holiday — on the same date Brazil declared independence in 1822, the London Blitz began in 1940, and ESPN launched in 1979. (Labor Day is the first Monday in September, so it is not treated as a fixed Sept 7 primary.)

• 1813 — “Uncle Sam” appears in a Troy newspaper legend

  Around September 7, 1813, stories credit meatpacker Samuel Wilson of Troy, New York — “Uncle Sam” — as inspiring the nickname for the U.S. government. Read the full story →

• 1822 — Brazil declares independence from Portugal

  On September 7, 1822, Dom Pedro declared Brazil’s independence from Portugal — a founding moment still celebrated as Brazil’s Independence Day. Read the full story →

• 1921 — The first Miss America pageant is held

  On September 7, 1921, Atlantic City hosted the first Miss America pageant — a seaside contest that became an American tradition. Read the full story →

• 1940 — The Blitz bombing of London begins

  On September 7, 1940, German aircraft began sustained night bombing of London — the start of the Blitz in World War II. Read the full story →

• 1977 — Panama Canal Treaties are signed

  On September 7, 1977, the United States and Panama signed treaties to transfer control of the Panama Canal. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Grandma Moses (1860–1961) · Buddy Holly (1936–1959) · Gloria Gaynor (1943) · Evan Rachel Wood (1987)

Days & observances

National Acorn Squash Day · Grandma Moses Day · Brazil Independence Day · National Beer Lover’s Day