United States History On This Date: September 12th

1788 — New York City Named Temporary U.S. Capital

On September 13th, 1788, the Confederation Congress designated New York City as the temporary seat of the federal government as the nation prepared to implement the newly ratified Constitution. The choice reflected the city’s commercial vitality, geographic accessibility, and political neutrality. Within months, the First Congress convened there, inaugurating George Washington and launching the institutions of the new republic. New York briefly became the symbolic center of America’s constitutional transition.

1814 — Defense of Fort McHenry Inspires “The Star-Spangled Banner”

During the British bombardment of Fort McHenry on September 13th, 1814, Francis Scott Key watched anxiously from a truce vessel as rockets and shells lit the night sky. At dawn, he saw the American flag still flying, signaling the fort’s successful defense. The moment inspired the verses that later became the national anthem. The battle restored American morale after the burning of Washington and marked a turning point in the War of 1812.

1847 — U.S. Forces Enter Mexico City

On September 13th, 1847, General Winfield Scott’s army advanced into Mexico City after fierce fighting at Chapultepec, effectively ending major combat in the Mexican-American War. The victory positioned the United States to negotiate a sweeping territorial settlement that reshaped the nation’s future. Scott’s disciplined campaign showcased the tactical skill of officers—Grant, Lee, and others—who would later become central figures in the Civil War. The capture of the capital cemented American military dominance.

1862 — Lee’s Lost Orders Discovered Near Frederick

Union soldiers discovered Robert E. Lee’s Special Order 191 on September 13th, 1862, wrapped around cigars in a Maryland field. The document revealed Confederate troop movements during the Maryland Campaign, giving General McClellan a rare intelligence advantage. Although McClellan acted cautiously, the discovery set the stage for the Battle of Antietam. The incident remains one of the most dramatic intelligence breaks in American military history, altering the course of the campaign.

1899 — First Recorded U.S. Automobile Fatality

Henry H. Bliss became the first documented automobile fatality in American history on September 13th, 1899, when he was struck by an electric taxicab in New York City while assisting a passenger from a streetcar. The tragedy highlighted the growing risks of urban mechanization as motor vehicles began appearing on crowded streets. Bliss’s death foreshadowed the regulatory debates, safety campaigns, and infrastructure changes that would accompany the rapid rise of automobiles in the 20th century.

1948 — Margaret Chase Smith Wins Senate Seat

Maine voters elected Margaret Chase Smith to the U.S. Senate on September 13th, 1948, making her the first woman to serve in both houses of Congress. Known for her independence and integrity, Smith later delivered her famous “Declaration of Conscience” against McCarthyism, earning national respect. Her election marked a milestone in the expanding role of women in American political life and demonstrated the growing acceptance of female leadership in national governance.

1993 — Israel and PLO Exchange Letters of Recognition

On September 13th, 1993, the United States hosted the historic exchange of letters between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, in which each formally recognized the other and renounced violence. The moment preceded the signing of the Oslo Accords and represented a major diplomatic breakthrough after decades of conflict. Although fragile, the agreement reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy and signaled a new phase in U.S. involvement in regional peace efforts.

The plaque at West 74th Street and Central Park West commemorates the first highway accident death in the Western Hemisphere.