September 14

Events - Other

1723day.year

Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena lays down the first stone of Fort Manoel in Malta.

The foundation stone of Fort Manoel in Malta was laid by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena in 1723.
On September 14, 1723, Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena initiated the construction of Fort Manoel on Manoel Island. Designed by Maltese military engineer René Jacob de Tigné, the fort featured star-shaped bastions and a surrounding moat. It was part of the Knights Hospitaller’s efforts to strengthen Malta’s coastal defenses against Ottoman aggression. The fort’s strategic position protected the entrance to Marsamxett Harbour and the seaward flank of Valletta. Construction spanned over a decade, reflecting Baroque military architecture and engineering expertise. Fort Manoel played roles in subsequent conflicts, including the French occupation and World War II. Today, it stands restored as a cultural landmark and museum, preserving its historic legacy.
1723 António Manoel de Vilhena Fort Manoel Malta
1989day.year

The Standard Gravure shooting where Joseph T. Wesbecker, a 47-year-old pressman, killed eight people and injured 12 people at his former workplace, Standard Gravure, before committing suicide.

In 1989, former pressman Joseph T. Wesbecker killed eight and injured twelve in a mass shooting at Standard Gravure before taking his own life.
On September 14, 1989, Joseph T. Wesbecker returned to his former workplace at Standard Gravure in Louisville, Kentucky. Armed with a shotgun and pistol, he opened fire on his colleagues without warning. Eight people were killed and twelve were wounded in the rampage. The incident shocked the local community and spurred discussions about workplace security and mental health support. After the attack, Wesbecker committed suicide, ending the tragic event and leaving a legacy of sorrow and reflection.
1989 Standard Gravure shooting Standard Gravure