Fact 1: "The Battle of Saint-George"
On September 10, 1779, the Battle of Saint-George took place during the American Revolutionary War. The French, supporting the American War of Independence, fought against the British and emerged victorious. The bloodshed played a vital role in shaping the course of America's fight for freedom.
Fact 2: A Leap Year Fact
September 10 is the 253rd day of the year. But did you know that on leap years, it falls on the 254th day? This is because a leap year has an extra day in February, bumping all subsequent dates one place further along.
Fact 3: The Birth of MTV
MTV India, a version of the popular music channel in India, was launched on this day in 1996. Since then, it has been a major influence on the music video revolution in India, shaping musical tastes and pop culture for the youth of the largest democracy in the world.
Fact 4: The Day Picasso Painted His First Masterpiece
On September 10, 1895, famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso painted his first masterpiece, "La primera comunión" (The First Communion), featuring his sister Lola. Picasso was just 13 years old at the time.
Fact 5: Introduction of Ice Cream Cones
Legend has it that the ice cream cone was first introduced at the Greater America Exposition in Omaha, Nebraska on September 10, 1898. It was invented by Syrian concessionaire, Albert Kabbaz. The historical snack item has been a hit ever since.
Fact 6: Birth of Arnold Palmer
Famous golf legend, Arnold Palmer, was born on September 10, 1929. Known as "The King," he won a total of 62 PGA Tour titles and secured a place as one of the greatest and most memorable players in the sport's history.
Fact 7: The Beatles’ Abbey Road Photo Shoot
The photoshoot for The Beatles’ last recorded album, Abbey Road, occurred on September 10, 1969. The famous cover featuring the four band members crossing a zebra crossing has since become one of the most iconic images in pop culture.
Fact 8: The World's Deadliest Natural Disaster
September 10, 1970, marked the second day of the most destructive tropical cyclone in human history – the Bhola Cyclone. It caused devastation in several parts of Bangladesh and India, resulting in an estimated death toll of 300,000 to 500,000 people.
Fact 9: Switzerland’s Women’s Voting Rights
Despite being a pioneer in other areas of human rights, Switzerland was one of the last Western countries to grant women voting rights. This only occurred after a national referendum on September 10, 1971.
Fact 10: Death of Influential Spanish Poet
One of the most influential Spanish poets of the 20th century, Jorges Guillen, breathed his last on September 10, 1984. His works espouse an unwavering faith in the human spirit and inspire countless readers.
Fact 11: The US's Worst Fire
America’s most fatal non-urban fire occurred on September 10, 1897, when a coal mine in Pennsylvania exploded, killing 19 miners.
Fact 12: Colin Firth's Birthday
Award-winning English actor Colin Firth was born on September 10, 1960. Known for his roles in Pride and Prejudice, The King’s Speech, and the Bridget Jones series, Firth has made a significant contribution to the film industry.
Fact 13: The Discovery of Neon Lights
On September 10, 1898, Sir William Ramsay and Morris W. Travers discovered the first hint of neon, which would later become the key component in neon lighting, a staple of modern cities and towns.
Fact 14: Guy Laliberté's space travel
September 10, 2009, the founder of the world-renowned circus troupe, Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté, became the first "space tourist." He spent $35 million to spend 12 days aboard the International Space Station.
Fact 15: Swissair’s Collapse
On this day in 2001, Swissair airlines made an urgent plea for financial aid after years of financial instability, marking the beginning of the end of Switzerland's national airline.
Fact 16: The Opening of the Large Hadron Collider
The most gigantic and powerful particle collider in the world, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), was officially turned on for the first time on September 10, 2008. It heralded a major breakthrough in scientific research.
Fact 17: Canada’s Longest Serving Prime Minister
William Lyon Mackenzie King retired as the Prime Minister of Canada on September 10, 1948. He holds the record for the longest-serving Prime Minister of Canada, serving for over 21 years.
Fact 18: The Disappearance of an Aviator
Remembered as one of the great aviation mysteries of the 20th century, Cornelia Fort, an aviator with the Women Airforce Service Pilots, disappeared during a flight mission on September 10, 1943.
Fact 19: The Invention of the Pull-Tab
Can you imagine canned beverages without pull-tabs? On September 10, 1963, the pull-tab was patented by the Aluminum Company of America. This invention greatly simplified the process of opening canned beverages and has been a convenient addition since.
Fact 20: The First Liberty Bell
September 10, 1752, marked the day when the first Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence, arrived in Philadelphia. The bell, made by the London firm Lester and Pack, was later cracked during testing and had to be recast by local workmen John Pass and John Stow.