On This Day in Travel History – September 6

On this day, September 6, history gave us moments that remind us why exploration and movement across borders matter. In addition to these moments being historic, they are also milestones that shaped the experience of travel we know today.

1522 – Magellan’s Expedition Completes the First Voyage Around the World

On this day in 1522, the battered Spanish ship Victoria limped back into Seville after an almost three-year journey that changed the course of history. Originally led by Ferdinand Magellan, the expedition had set out with five ships and over 270 men in search of a westward route to the Spice Islands. Only one ship and 18 survivors returned, under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano, after Magellan himself was killed in the Philippines.

The Victoria’s arrival proved something many had only theorized: the Earth could be circumnavigated by sea. It shattered the limits of the known world, opening the door to global trade, cultural exchange, and a new era of exploration. In many ways, this voyage laid the foundation for the modern concept of international travel. Today, you can visit monuments in Seville honoring this daring expedition.

1901 – President McKinley Shot at a World’s Fair

The Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, was meant to be a celebration of progress. It showcased new technology, electric lights, cultural exhibits, and the spirit of a new century. People from across the United States and beyond traveled to experience the spectacle. But on September 6, 1901, something terrible happened. On the day in question, the event was thrown into chaos when U.S. President William McKinley was shot while greeting the public.

The attack shocked not only America but also the global community. The World’s Fairs of the 19th and early 20th centuries were magnets for travelers, much like the World Expos we know today. They were exhibitions of invention and culture as well as destinations in their own right. And accordingly, they drew massive crowds.

1970 – “Skyjack Sunday” Changes Air Travel Forever

September 6, 1970, went down in history as “Skyjack Sunday”. On that day, militants from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine hijacked four international flights bound for New York. Three of the planes were forced to land in the Jordanian desert. The fourth ended up in Cairo. Passengers were held hostage, and the crisis dragged on for days, gripping headlines around the world.

Before these hijackings, air travel carried a glamorous reputation. It was often romanticized as stress-free and luxurious. But “Skyjack Sunday” shattered that image. The events exposed just how vulnerable commercial flights were. Furthermore, they marked the beginning of sweeping changes in aviation security. From stricter passenger screening to enhanced international cooperation, the measures introduced after 1970 still shape the way we fly today. For modern travelers, every time we step through a security checkpoint, we are witnessing the legacy of that unsettling September day.

1997 – The World Bids Farewell to Princess Diana

On September 6, 1997, the world turned its eyes to London as the funeral of Princess Diana took place. An estimated 2.5 billion people tuned in worldwide, while millions filled the streets of London to say goodbye to the “People’s Princess.”

Diana’s death in Paris a week earlier had already sent shockwaves across the globe. However, her funeral revealed just how deeply connected people felt to her story. For travelers, the sites associated with Diana (Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey, and even the Paris tunnel where the crash occurred) have become places of remembrance. To this day, visitors still leave flowers, notes, and tributes, keeping her memory alive.

Notable Birthdays in Travel and Culture

Jane Addams (1860)

Born on September 6, 1860, Jane Addams went on to become one of the most influential social reformers of her time. She co-founded Hull House in Chicago, a center dedicated to education, community building, and cultural exchange. Her belief in bringing people of different backgrounds together made her an early advocate for what we now call “cultural diplomacy”. In 1931, she became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Roger Waters (1943)

Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters, born on September 6, 1943, redefined what a music tour could mean. The band’s live shows became spectacles that drew fans from all over the globe, often turning concerts into international travel events. Waters himself carried that tradition forward with solo tours that filled stadiums on nearly every continent. Beyond the music, his performances highlighted global issues, inspiring audiences to think beyond their borders. His life’s work shows how art and travel are intertwined, as millions have packed their bags and crossed countries just to be part of the Pink Floyd experience.