Browse Historical Events by Day: What Happened on September 21st?

The Siege of Antioch begins during the First Crusade as Crusader forces surround the city of Antioch in present-day Turkey, initiating a prolonged siege.

Revolutionary War hero Benedict Arnold turned his back on his country and met secretly with British Major John Andre to discuss handing over West Point to the British, in return for the promise of 20,000 pounds and a British military command for Arnold. More

The United States captures the city of Manila during the Spanish-American War, establishing American control over the Philippines.

The Nez Perce chief Joseph died in 1904 in Nespelem, Washington, of an undiagnosed illness and what his doctor called "a broken heart." His tomb remains in Nespelem today. More

The Great New England Hurricane; a category 3 hurricane, originating near the Cape Verde Islands, slams into Long Island and southern New England without warning. The hurricane causing over 600 deaths and devastated coastal cities and towns. it was the most destructive storm to strike the region in the 20th century. More

The initial Superfortress XB-29 prototype first flew from Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington. The powerful Wright R-3350 engines experienced chronic overheating issues during testing, leading to the crash of the second prototype just north of Boeing Field on February 18, 1943. The first war debut took place in June 5, 1944, against Bangkok, as part of the Allied campaign to liberate Burma from Japanese hands. More

The People's Republic of China is proclaimed by Chairman Mao Zedong, marking the establishment of a communist government in China.

Malta Independence Day from the U.K.

Oman gains independence from the United Kingdom.

Belize Independence day from the UK (Effective day of the Belize Act 1981.

Armenia Independence Day from the Soviet Union. (1991 Armenian independence referendum.)

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurs in Taiwan. The death toll from the devastating earthquake was 2,375 and .It caused billions of dollars in damages and left an estimated 100,000 homeless. More