September 11 in History – Tragedies, Trials & Turning Tides | Past Tracker

Reflect on the Top Ten Historical Incidents of September 11, from national tragedies to defining responses.

Top 10 Historic Events – September 11

1. The September 11 Attacks (2001): A Nation Forever Changed

On September 11, 2001, the United States experienced one of its darkest days when 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to their collapse. A 1/3 aircraft struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, at the same time as the fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed right into a discipline in Pennsylvania after passengers tried to conquer the hijackers. These coordinated attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,977 innocent people, making it the deadliest terrorist act in world history. The events of this day reshaped global politics, security measures, and led to the initiation of the global "War on Terror." 

2. Groundbreaking of the Pentagon (1941): Birth of a Defense Stronghold

On September 11, 1941, production started out at the Pentagon, the headquarters of america Department of Defense. Located in Arlington, Virginia, the building was designed to consolidate the various branches of the U.S. military under one roof. Its unique five-sided structure became an iconic symbol of American military strength. Exactly 60 years later, the Pentagon would become one of the targets during the 9/11 attacks, linking two significant events in U.S. history to the same date.

3. Chilean Coup d'État (1973): A Nation's Turmoil

On September 11, 1973, Chilean President Salvador Allende was overthrown in a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet. The coup marked the end of Chile's democratic governance and the beginning of a brutal military dictatorship that lasted until 1990. The event led to widespread human rights violations, with thousands of Chileans tortured, killed, or disappeared. This day remains a somber reminder of the fragility of democracy and the consequences of political upheaval.

4. Attack on U.S. Consulate in Benghazi (2012): Diplomatic Tragedy

On September 11, 2012, the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, was attacked by armed militants. The assault resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens. The incident sparked intense political debate in the United States regarding diplomatic security and foreign policy, leading to multiple investigations and hearings. It underscored the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. diplomatic missions in volatile regions.

5. Alexander Hamilton Appointed First U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (1789): Financial Foundations

On September 11, 1789, Alexander Hamilton became appointed because the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. Hamilton's financial policies laid the groundwork for the American economic system, including the establishment of a national bank and the federal assumption of state debts. His vision and policies were instrumental in stabilizing the young nation's economy and setting it on a path toward growth and prosperity.

6. The Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297): Scottish Resistance

On September 11, 1297, Scottish forces led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray defeated the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. This significant victory boosted Scottish morale and resistance during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of strategic planning and the determination of the Scots to fight for their freedom against English domination.

7. The First U.S. Secretary of Defense Sworn In (1947): A New Military Era

On September 11, 1947, James Forrestal was sworn in as the first U.S. Secretary of Defense, following the creation of the Department of Defense. This position consolidated the leadership of the Army, Navy, and newly formed Air Force under a single department, aiming to improve coordination and efficiency within the U.S. military. Forrestal's appointment marked a significant reorganization of the nation's defense structure in the post-World War II era.

8. The Launch of NASA's Mars Global Surveyor (1997): Exploring the Red Planet

On September 11, 1997, NASA launched the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft to study Mars' surface, atmosphere, and magnetic field. The mission provided detailed maps of the planet, revealing evidence of past water flow and contributing to our understanding of Mars' geology and climate. The data collected laid the foundation for future missions and the ongoing exploration of the possibility of life on Mars.

9. The Opening of the New York Stock Exchange After 9/11 (2001): Economic Resilience

Following the September 11 attacks, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) remained closed for four trading sessions, the longest shutdown since the Great Depression. On September 17, 2001, the NYSE reopened, symbolizing the resilience of the American economy. Despite initial losses, the reopening demonstrated the nation's determination to recover and continue its economic activities in the face of adversity.

10. The Establishment of Patriot Day (2002): A Day of Remembrance

On September 4, 2002, President George W. Bush proclaimed September 11 as Patriot Day, a national day of remembrance for the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Observed annually, Patriot Day honors the memory of those who lost their lives and recognizes the heroism of first responders and ordinary citizens. It serves as a solemn reminder of the impact of the attacks and the importance of unity and resilience.

Famous Birthdays on September 11

1. Taraji P. Henson (1970) – American actress, known for Empire and Hidden Figures.

2. Harry Connick Jr. (1967) – Jazz musician and actor.

3. Moby (1965) – Electronic music producer and DJ.

4. Bashar al-Assad (1965) – President of Syria.

5. D. H. Lawrence (1885) – British author of Lady Chatterley's Lover.

Notable Deaths on September 11

1. 9/11 Attack Victims (2001) – Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in terrorist attacks.

2. Salvador Allende (1973) – Chilean president who died during a military coup.

3. Jessica Tandy (1994) – Oscar-winning actress (Driving Miss Daisy).

4. Nikita Khrushchev (1971) – Former Soviet Union leader.

5. Peter Tosh (1987) – Jamaican reggae musician, formerly of The Wailers.

FAQs – September 11 in History

Q1: What happened on September 11, 2001?

A: Four terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people in the U.S., including the collapse of the Twin Towers in New York.

Q2: Why is September 11 important in Chile?

A: In 1973, President Salvador Allende was overthrown in a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet.

Q3: Is there a U.S. national day for 9/11?

A: Yes, it's called Patriot Day, observed every September 11 to honor the victims.

Q4: Who was born on September 11?

A: Notable birthdays include Taraji P. Henson, Harry Connick Jr., and Moby.

Q5: What major event happened in 1941 on this date?

A: Construction of the Pentagon, U.S. Department of Defense headquarters, began.