United States History On This Date: September 24th

1789 — The First Supreme Court of the United States Is Established
On September 24th, 1789, President George Washington signed the Judiciary Act, creating the Supreme Court and establishing the federal judiciary’s structure and jurisdiction. The act authorized six justices and defined the relationship between federal and state courts, laying the foundation for constitutional interpretation. This legislation became one of the most important early steps in shaping the balance of powers within the new republic, ensuring a national legal system capable of resolving disputes under the Constitution.

1902 — Fannie Farmer Opens Her School of Cookery in Boston
On September 24th, 1902, Fannie Farmer—already renowned for standardizing American recipe measurements—opened Miss Farmer’s School of Cookery in Boston. Her curriculum emphasized precision, nutrition, and scientific methods in domestic cooking, influencing both home kitchens and professional culinary training. Farmer’s work helped transform American food preparation from informal tradition into disciplined practice. Her school later shaped hospital dietary programs, making her one of the most influential figures in modern nutrition and domestic science.

1906 — Devils Tower Becomes America’s First National Monument
President Theodore Roosevelt designated Devils Tower in Wyoming as the nation’s first national monument on September 24th, 1906. Rising dramatically above the surrounding plains, the formation was described as a “lofty and isolated rock,” worthy of federal protection. Roosevelt’s proclamation inaugurated a new era of conservation, encouraging preservation of natural wonders across the country. Devils Tower became a symbol of America’s growing commitment to safeguarding unique landscapes for scientific study, cultural significance, and public enjoyment.

1941 — Japan Orders Detailed Reconnaissance of Pearl Harbor
On September 24th, 1941, Japanese officials instructed their Honolulu consulate to divide Pearl Harbor into zones and report the number of battleships in each. This directive reflected rapidly deteriorating relations between Japan and the United States as diplomatic negotiations faltered. The intelligence request demonstrated Japan’s increasing focus on American naval strength in the Pacific. Less than three months later, the attack on Pearl Harbor would transform the conflict into a global war, making this reconnaissance order historically ominous.

1944 — Allies Retreat After Heavy Losses in Operation Market Garden
On September 24th, 1944, Allied forces began withdrawing from Arnhem after the failure of Operation Market Garden, an ambitious attempt to seize key bridges across the Rhine. British and Polish airborne units suffered devastating casualties as German resistance proved far stronger than expected. The retreat marked one of the war’s most costly strategic setbacks, delaying the Allied advance into Germany. Despite initial optimism, the operation’s collapse underscored the unpredictable nature of the European campaign’s final months.

1948 — “Axis Sally” Pleads Not Guilty to Treason
Mildred Gillars, known as “Axis Sally” for her Nazi propaganda broadcasts during World War II, pleaded not guilty to eight counts of treason on September 24th, 1948. Her broadcasts targeted American troops with demoralizing messages, making her one of the most infamous voices of enemy propaganda. During her trial, her defense controversially attempted to call President Harry S. Truman as a witness. The case highlighted postwar tensions surrounding loyalty, free speech, and accountability for wartime collaboration.

1948 — Honda Motor Company Is Incorporated
On September 24th, 1948, Soichiro Honda formally incorporated the Honda Motor Company in Hamamatsu, Japan. Initially focused on producing reliable, affordable motorized bicycles, Honda quickly expanded into motorcycles and later automobiles. The company’s engineering innovations, including lightweight engines and fuel‑efficient designs, helped reshape global transportation markets. Honda’s rise from a small postwar manufacturer to an international automotive leader reflected Japan’s broader industrial resurgence and its growing influence on modern mechanical engineering.

Mildred "Axis Sally" Gillars before she would stand trial for treason in the United States in 1948.