September 1981

Friday 11:

The Pee-wee Herman Show airs as a special on HBO.

Tuesday 15:

The John Bull becomes the oldest operable steam locomotive in the world when the Smithsonian Institution operates it under its own power outside Washington, DC.

Wednesday 16:

Sugar Ray Leonard defeats Thomas Hearns by a knockout in round 14 in Las Vegas to unify boxing's world Welterweight championship.

Saturday 19:

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel reunite for a free concert in New York's Central Park

Sunday 20:

A coup d'état in the Central African Republic overthrows President David Dacko.

Monday 21:

Belize is granted full independence from the United Kingdom.

Wednesday 23:

Jack Henry Abbott, best-selling author, is arrested for murder.

Friday 25:

Sandra Day O'Connor was the 102nd Justice sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the first woman to hold the office.

Saturday 26:

Baseball: Nolan Ryan sets a Major League record by throwing his fifth no-hitter.