#39 September 21-27

September 21st, 1780 – Benedict Arnold Plot Exposed

On September 21, 1780, the infamous Benedict Arnold plot was exposed. Once a celebrated hero of the American Revolution, Arnold conspired with British Major John André to surrender West Point. The scheme unraveled when André was captured by American militiamen, who found incriminating documents hidden in his boot. Arnold fled to the British, and his name became forever linked with treason. Fun fact: West Point, nearly lost through betrayal, is now home to the United States Military Academy! Listen to Episode 106: the Spies of the Revolution

September 22nd, 1862 – Lincoln’s Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation 

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, a bold step in reshaping the purpose of the Civil War. It declared that as of January 1, 1863, enslaved people in Confederate-controlled territories would be set free, reframing the conflict as not only a fight for union but also for human liberty. While it didn’t immediately free all enslaved individuals, it marked a turning point by giving the Union cause a moral foundation and discouraging foreign powers from supporting the Confederacy. Fun fact: Lincoln first read the draft of the proclamation to his cabinet after a Union victory—he believed announcing it after a win would give it greater strength and credibility! Listen to Episode 115: Abraham Lincoln, Leader Extraordinaire

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September 23rd, 1806 – Lewis and Clark Return Home

On September 23, 1806, after more than two years of adventure, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark returned to St. Louis with the Corps of Discovery. This special group, made up of soldiers, explorers, and even a Newfoundland dog named Seaman, had been sent by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the vast Louisiana Purchase. They traveled nearly 8,000 miles by foot, horseback, and canoe, mapping the land, meeting Native American tribes, and learning about plants and animals no Americans had ever seen before. Their successful journey gave the young nation its first real look at the lands that stretched all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Fun fact: Lewis and Clark’s dog, Seaman, was such a loyal member of the Corps of Discovery that he made the entire trip with them and is remembered as part of the expedition’s history! Listen to Episode 79: the Adventures of Lewis and Clark & Sacajawea

September 24th, 1789 – The U.S. Court System Created 

On September 24, 1789, the foundation of the United States court system was laid with the passage of the Judiciary Act. Signed into law by President George Washington, it created the Supreme Court, along with district and circuit courts, forming the structure of the federal judiciary still in use today. This system gave the young nation a way to interpret laws, resolve disputes, and ensure justice under the Constitution, helping to balance the powers of government. Fun fact: The very first Supreme Court had only six justices—today, there are nine!

September 27, 1908 – The First Model T Completed

On September 27, 1908, the very first Ford Model T was finished at the Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan. Designed by Henry Ford, the Model T was affordable, sturdy, and easy to maintain, making car ownership possible for ordinary families rather than just the wealthy. It quickly became known as the “car that put America on wheels” and transformed everyday life by connecting towns, boosting industries, and giving people more freedom to travel. Fun fact: The Model T was nicknamed the “Tin Lizzie,” and at one point, more than half of all cars in the world were Model Ts! Listen to Episode 20 which features Fordlandia – Henry Ford’s South American colony.