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According to Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, the fictional character Robinson Crusoe is shipwrecked on September 30, 1659. Crusoe is stranded on a deserted island for 28 years, surviving through ingenuity and resourcefulness, until his eventual rescue. The novel is a pioneering work of adventure fiction and inspired the "castaway" genre.
1659 – Robinson Crusoe Shipwrecked (According to Defoe’s Novel)
On September 30, 1846, American dentist Dr. William Morton used ether as an anesthetic for the first time during a tooth extraction. This successful demonstration in Boston revolutionized surgical procedures, making surgeries less painful and reducing patient suffering. Morton's work laid the foundation for the widespread adoption of anesthesia in modern medicine.
1846 – First Use of Anesthetic Ether by Dr. William Morton
On September 29-30, 1864, thirteen Black soldiers were awarded the U.S. Medal of Honor for their extraordinary bravery during the Battle of New Market Heights in Virginia. These soldiers, part of the Union’s United States Colored Troops, led courageous charges against Confederate fortifications, marking a pivotal moment in recognizing the contributions of African American soldiers.
1864 – Black Soldiers Awarded the Medal of Honor at New Market Heights
On the night of September 30, 1888, "Jack the Ripper" murdered two women, Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes, in Whitechapel, London. These brutal killings, known as the "Double Event," deepened the mystery surrounding the Ripper’s identity and spread panic across London, contributing to one of history's most infamous unsolved crime sprees.e
1888 – Jack the Ripper Murders Two More Victims in Whitechapel
On September 30, 1935, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Boulder Dam, later renamed the Hoover Dam. The massive project, spanning the Arizona-Nevada border, controlled flooding, provided irrigation, and generated hydroelectric power. The dam's construction during the Great Depression was a symbol of American ingenuity and resilience, transforming the southwestern United States.