Today in History: September 12

The Battle of Antietam

On September 12, 1862, the Battle of Antietam was fought near Sharpsburg, Maryland. It was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with over 23,000 casualties. The battle ended in a stalemate, but it was a turning point in the Civil War. It convinced European powers not to recognize the Confederacy, and it led to President Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory would be free.

The Birth of Theodore Roosevelt

On September 12, 1858, Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City. He was the 26th President of the United States, serving from 1901 to 1909. Roosevelt was a progressive who made significant strides in conservation, antitrust law, and foreign policy. He was also a strong advocate for the Panama Canal.

The Crash of Swissair Flight 111

On September 12, 1998, Swissair Flight 111 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nova Scotia. All 229 people on board were killed. The cause of the crash was never fully determined, but it is believed to have been caused by a fire in the cargo hold.

The September 11th Attacks

On September 11, 2001, the September 11th Attacks occurred in the United States. Terrorists hijacked four planes and flew them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks. The attacks led to the War on Terror and had a profound impact on American society.

Hurricane Ivan

On September 12, 2004, Hurricane Ivan made landfall in Alabama. The hurricane caused widespread damage across the Gulf Coast, and it killed over 100 people. Ivan was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the United States in history.