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Made for the 250thOn this day › September 23
What happened on September 23 in American history
September 23 is the 266th day of the year (the 267th in leap years). Patriot Compass has published 6 stories from September 23 spanning 1561 to 1961. Among them: in 1561, Philip II halts Spain's push into Florida; and in 1779, Jones refuses to strike, and takes Serapis by lantern light.
1561Member story · 1776 Club
Philip II halts Spain's push into Florida
A royal cedula halts Spanish colonizing efforts in Florida, issued the same year Philip II makes Madrid his permanent capital.
1779
Jones refuses to strike, and takes Serapis by lantern light
Lashed to a bigger, better-armed British frigate, the Bonhomme Richard wins by refusing to let go.
1942Member story · 1776 Club
Puller marches on the Matanikau, hunting stragglers while outnumbered by a tenth
Marine intelligence counted 400 Japanese defenders in the valley; the real number was closer to 4,000.
1952
Nixon goes on television and refuses to give up the dog
Facing calls to quit the ticket, the senator lays open his bank accounts and says he is keeping Checkers no matter what.
1957
Eisenhower orders troops into Little Rock to open Central High's doors
The same Arkansas Guard Governor Faubus used to bar nine Black students is now ordered to protect them.
1961Member story · 1776 Club
Kennedy names Thurgood Marshall to a federal appeals seat; Southern senators plan to slow-walk it
The Second Circuit nomination sets off an eight-month confirmation fight before Marshall ever hears a case as a sitting judge.
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