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FILE NO. 09.06 5 specimens · est. 1492-1901

What happened on September 6?

Real photographs, all filed under this date. Name each event before you read on.
Case Timeline 1492-1901 · 409 years
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What happened on September 6

All 5 specimens from this file, spanning 1492 to 1901, with the story behind each photograph.

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  1. Colour illustration of a crowded reception hall as a man in a dark suit lunges toward a startled official.
    Crime · 1901

    McKinley is shot at point blank range at a public reception

    William McKinley was shot twice by anarchist Leon Czolgosz while shaking hands at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. He died eight days later, making Theodore Roosevelt president at 42.

  2. Renaissance engraving of a sailing ship surrounded by sea gods, mermaids and a flying creature.
    Exploration · 1522

    Elcano brings home the last ship of Magellan's fleet

    The Victoria reached Spain with 18 survivors of about 270 who set out three years earlier. Magellan himself had been killed in the Philippines; his navigator Elcano brought the ship home.

  3. Oil painting of people in seventeenth century dress kneeling in prayer on a ship deck around an open book.
    History · 1620

    The Mayflower finally sails for America

    After two false starts caused by her leaking companion ship, the Mayflower left Plymouth alone with 102 passengers. (Pictured: Weir's painting of an earlier stage of the same voyage, the departure from Holland.)

  4. Renaissance oil portrait of a man in a dark cloak and cap, one hand resting on his chest.
    Exploration · 1492

    Columbus leaves the Canary Islands and sails west into open ocean

    Columbus left La Gomera with three ships, beginning the Atlantic crossing proper. Land was sighted on 12 October. (The sitter in this portrait is only traditionally identified as Columbus; no likeness from life survives.)

  5. Engraved illustration of an officer in uniform standing under a bell, looking out over a burning town.
    Conflict · 1781

    Benedict Arnold burns a town in his own home state

    Now fighting for the British, Arnold led the raid that burned New London, Connecticut, a few miles from his birthplace. At nearby Fort Griswold the garrison was killed after surrendering.