This Week in History

1776 September 15 | Mary Murray Saves the American Army On the site of our present clubhouse, Mary Lindley Murray delays British General William Howe and his army during General ’s retreat from New York following the British landing at Kip’s Bay. Mrs. Robert Murray invites the officers to tea at her mansion and succeeds in delaying the British command thereby giving our American troops enough time to safely retreat. Today, our fine dining venue, the Mary Murray Room, is named in her honor.

1862 September 17 | The Battle of Antietam At the Battle of Antietam, Union General George B. McClellan and Confederate General Robert E. Lee fight to a standstill on the bloodiest day in American history. Although the battle is a tactical draw, it forces Lee to end his invasion of the North and retreat back to Virginia.

1947 September 18 | Creation of the United States Air Force The United States Air Force is created by the National Security Act of 1947. Prior to this act, the Army Air Corps is the predominant air combat and bomber service. On Monday September 16, 2013 our Club welcomes Major General Michael J. Carey as we celebrate the Air Force’s 66th birthday this month.

1881 September 19 | Arthur Ascends the Presidency Club member, United States Vice President Chester Arthur, receives a telegram at his home at 123 , in the company of Club member Elihu Root, informing him that President James Garfield has died and that he take the oath of office at once. Arthur does so a few hours later becoming the twenty-first President of the United States.

1938 September 21 | The Hurricane of 1938 The “Long Island Express,” the most powerful hurricane known to have made landfall near directly hits Long Island and New England, killing nearly two hundred people. The storm kills ten in New York City and causes millions of dollars in damage. Electrical power above 59th Street in and in all of the Bronx is disrupted, the new IND subway line also loses power, and one hundred large trees in Central Park are toppled.