Historical Fun Facts About September 16th – How Many Do you Know Suncoast?

The Mayflower Sails to the New World

On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, with 102 passengers and a crew of about 30. The passengers were a group of religious separatists known as the Pilgrims. They were seeking to escape religious persecution in England and establish a new colony in the New World. The Mayflower arrived at Cape Cod on November 11, 1620, and the Pilgrims founded the Plymouth Colony.

Mexico Gains Independence from Spain

On September 16, 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain. The Mexican War of Independence began in 1810, and the rebels were led by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. After Hidalgo was executed in 1811, the leadership of the rebellion passed to José María Morelos y Pavón. Morelos was also executed in 1815, but the rebellion continued under the leadership of Vicente Guerrero. In 1821, Guerrero and Agustín de Iturbide signed the Treaty of Córdoba, which granted Mexico independence from Spain.

The Great Chicago Fire Begins

On September 16, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began. The fire started in a barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O'Leary. The fire quickly spread, and within hours it had destroyed much of the city. The fire killed an estimated 300 people and left more than 100,000 homeless. The Great Chicago Fire was one of the most devastating fires in American history.