Major Events of September 1907: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from September 1907 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of September 1907: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Sep 1907 Birth of Walter Reuther, Influential Labor Leader: Walter Reuther was born on September 1, 1907, who would become a pivotal figure in the American labor movement. As a prominent labor leader and president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), Reuther played a crucial role in advancing workers' rights, improving labor conditions, and shaping the American industrial landscape during the mid-20th century.
- 02 Sep 1907 Uneventful Day in 1907: On September 2, 1907, no significant historical events were recorded. This appears to be a relatively quiet day with no major global or local occurrences of note.
- 03 Sep 1907 Dr. Loren Eiseley: Pioneering Anthropologist: Dr. Loren Eiseley, a distinguished professor of Anthropology, published or was recognized for his groundbreaking work 'Animal Secrets', which likely explored the behavioral patterns and hidden aspects of animal life through an anthropological lens.
- 04 Sep 1907 Bellingham Anti-Asian Riots of 1907: On September 4, 1907, a violent anti-immigrant riot erupted in Bellingham, Washington, revealing deep-seated racial tensions and xenophobia of the early 20th century. A mob of approximately 500 white working-class men systematically attacked and forcibly expelled over 100 South Asian immigrant laborers, predominantly Sikh workers from Punjab, India. The rioters used physical violence and intimidation, dragging workers from their workplaces and homes, and herding them into the city jail's basement under the complicity of local law enforcement. This event was part of a broader pattern of racial discrimination and exclusionary policies targeting Asian immigrants in the Pacific Northwest during that era. The riots resulted in the complete displacement of the South Asian community from Bellingham, forcing them to flee the city and, in many cases, the United States, highlighting the brutal mechanisms of systemic racism and xenophobia.
- 05 Sep 1907 Bellingham Riots: Anti-Asian Labor Tensions: The Bellingham Riots of 1907 represented a significant moment of racial tension and labor conflict in the Pacific Northwest. On the day following the initial riot, local newspapers analyzed the events, and city officials deliberated potential responses. The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) publicly distanced itself from the anti-Asian violence, asserting that such actions contradicted the principles of organized labor and worker solidarity.
- 06 Sep 1907 Death of Sully Prudhomme, Nobel Laureate in Literature: Sully Prudhomme, a prominent French poet and the first recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, passed away on September 6, 1907. Known for his philosophical and introspective poetry, Prudhomme was a significant figure in the French literary landscape of the late 19th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1901, marking a pivotal moment in recognizing poetry as a profound form of artistic expression.
- 07 Sep 1907 RMS Lusitania's Maiden Voyage: The prestigious Cunard Line passenger liner RMS Lusitania embarked on her maiden transatlantic voyage, sailing from Liverpool, England to New York City, representing a significant moment in early 20th-century maritime transportation and passenger travel.
- 08 Sep 1907 Pope Pius X's Anti-Modernism Encyclical: Pope Pius X published the landmark encyclical 'Pascendi Dominici Gregis', a significant doctrinal document that strongly condemned modernist theological interpretations within the Catholic Church. The encyclical represented a critical moment in the Church's response to emerging intellectual and philosophical challenges to traditional religious thought, emphasizing doctrinal orthodoxy and rejecting attempts to reinterpret Catholic teachings through contemporary philosophical lenses.
- 09 Sep 1907 Anti-Asian Riots in Vancouver: On September 9, 1907, violent anti-immigrant riots erupted in Vancouver, British Columbia, targeting Chinese and Japanese communities. Racist mobs systematically attacked and vandalized businesses, homes, and properties owned by Asian immigrants, reflecting the deeply entrenched xenophobia and racial discrimination prevalent in early 20th-century Canadian society. The riots were part of a broader pattern of systemic racism that sought to marginalize and exclude Asian immigrants from economic and social opportunities.
- 10 Sep 1907 Birth of Fay Wray, Iconic Hollywood Actress: Fay Wray was born in Alberta, Canada, on September 10, 1907. She would later become a renowned actress best known for her legendary role in the 1933 classic film 'King Kong', where she played Ann Darrow opposite the giant ape. Wray was a pioneering actress of the early Hollywood era, whose performance in the groundbreaking film helped establish her as a significant figure in cinema history.
- 11 Sep 1907 Uneventful Day in History: While no major historical events were documented for September 11, 1907, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. Many days in history pass without dramatic global events, yet local and personal histories continue to unfold.
- 12 Sep 1907 Lusitania Sets Atlantic Crossing Record: The RMS Lusitania completed a record-breaking transatlantic crossing, arriving in New York City after a swift five-day journey. This was a significant achievement in maritime transportation, highlighting the technological advancements in steamship travel during the early 20th century. The Lusitania would later become infamous for its tragic sinking during World War I in 1915.
- 13 Sep 1907 Execution of Macario Sakay: Macario Sakay, a Filipino revolutionary general who led the Tagalog Republic during the Philippine-American War, was executed by hanging on September 13, 1907. He was convicted under the controversial Brigandage Act of 1902, which was often used by American colonial authorities to suppress Filipino resistance movements.
- 15 Sep 1907 Birth of Fay Wray - Hollywood Actress: Fay Wray was born in Alberta, Canada. She would later become a famous actress, best known for her iconic role in the classic 1933 film 'King Kong', which established her as a pioneering figure in early Hollywood cinema.
- 16 Sep 1907 Uneventful Day in 1907: While no specific major historical events were recorded for September 16, 1907, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. Many historical moments happen without immediate documentation. During this period, the world was experiencing significant transformations, including technological advancements, colonial expansions, and social changes characteristic of the early 20th century.
- 17 Sep 1907 First Fatal Airplane Crash in History: On September 17, 1907, a significant milestone in aviation history occurred when Lieutenant Thomas E. Selfridge became the first person to die in a powered aircraft accident. During a demonstration flight at Fort Myer, Virginia, a biplane piloted by Orville Wright crashed from a height of 75 feet, killing Selfridge and seriously injuring Wright himself. Nearly 2,000 spectators witnessed this tragic event, which was part of a military aircraft demonstration and testing program. The crash highlighted the inherent risks of early aviation technology and marked a somber moment in the development of powered flight.
- 18 Sep 1907 Birth of Edwin McMillan, Nobel Prize-Winning Chemist: Edwin McMillan was born on September 18, 1907. He was a distinguished American chemist who would later be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work in nuclear physics. McMillan made significant contributions to the understanding of nuclear reactions and particle physics during his distinguished scientific career. He passed away in 1991, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in scientific research.
- 19 Sep 1907 Frank A. Leach Appointed as United States Mint Director: On September 19, 1907, Frank A. Leach was officially appointed as the Director of the United States Mint, a prestigious position responsible for overseeing the nation's coin production and monetary operations. During this era, the U.S. Mint was experiencing significant technological and design innovations, including the introduction of new coin designs by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
- 20 Sep 1907 RMS Lusitania Begins Maiden Transatlantic Voyage: The prestigious British Cunard Line passenger liner RMS Lusitania embarked on her historic maiden voyage, departing from Liverpool, England, and setting course for New York City. This ocean liner would later become famous for her tragic sinking during World War I in 1915, which was a significant event that helped draw the United States into the conflict.
- 21 Sep 1907 Uneventful Day in 1907: While no specific significant historical event was documented for September 21, 1907, this date represents a typical day during the early 20th century. During this period, the world was experiencing rapid industrialization, technological advancements, and significant geopolitical transformations, though this particular day did not mark any extraordinary occurrences.
- 22 Sep 1907 Uneventful Day in 1907: While no specific major historical events were recorded for September 22, 1907, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. During this period, the world was experiencing significant transformations, including technological advancements, colonial expansions, and social changes characteristic of the early 20th century.
- 23 Sep 1907 Canadian Coin Standardization Proclamation: The Canadian government officially proclaimed the standardized fineness and weight specifications for silver and bronze coins, establishing a formal national monetary standard. This proclamation was crucial in creating consistency and reliability in Canada's emerging monetary system during the early 20th century.
- 24 Sep 1907 Uneventful Day in 1907: While no specific major historical events were documented for September 24, 1907, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. Daily life continued in various parts of the world, with people going about their usual activities during the early 20th century. The year 1907 was part of the Edwardian era, a period of significant social and technological transitions in many countries.
- 25 Sep 1907 Uneventful Day in 1907: While no specific significant historical events were documented for September 25, 1907, this date represents a typical day during the early 20th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization, colonial expansion, and significant social transformations across the globe.
- 26 Sep 1907 Odessa Pogrom of 1907: On September 26, 1907, a violent anti-Jewish riot known as the Odessa pogrom occurred in Odessa, then part of the Russian Empire (now Ukraine). This tragic event was part of a series of antisemitic attacks that targeted Jewish communities, resulting in significant violence, property destruction, and human suffering.
- 27 Sep 1907 Bhagat Singh: Revolutionary Indian Freedom Fighter: Bhagat Singh, a prominent and iconic Indian revolutionary, was born on September 28, 1907, in Banga, Punjab (now in Pakistan). He was a key figure in India's independence movement, known for his radical anti-colonial stance and commitment to social justice. Singh became a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule, advocating for complete independence and socialist ideals. His martyrdom at a young age significantly inspired the Indian independence struggle.
- 28 Sep 1907 Birth of Bhagat Singh: Bhagat Singh, a revolutionary Indian independence activist, was born. He would become a pivotal figure in India's struggle against British colonial rule, known for his radical political activism and significant influence on the Indian independence movement.
- 29 Sep 1907 Washington National Cathedral Cornerstone Laying: The cornerstone is laid for the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, more commonly known as Washington National Cathedral, in Washington, D.C. This significant architectural and religious milestone marks the beginning of construction for one of the most prominent ecclesiastical buildings in the United States.
- 30 Sep 1907 McKinley National Memorial Dedication: The McKinley National Memorial, serving as the final resting place for assassinated U.S. President William McKinley and his family, was officially dedicated in Canton, Ohio. This memorial commemorates the life and tragic death of the 25th President of the United States, who was assassinated by Leon Czolgosz in 1901.