September 21, 1897 — "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus"
An 8-year-old named Virginia O'Hanlon wrote to the New York Sun asking if Santa Claus was real. The paper's answer, published this day, became one of the most reprinted newspaper editorials in American history — a small act of civic kindness from an anonymous editor that outlived him by well over a century.
Common Questions About September 21
What happened on September 21 in American history?
In 1897: "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus". An 8-year-old named Virginia O'Hanlon wrote to the New York Sun asking if Santa Claus was real.
Why is September 21 significant?
An 8-year-old named Virginia O'Hanlon wrote to the New York Sun asking if Santa Claus was real. The paper's answer, published this day, became one of the most reprinted newspaper editorials in American history — a small act of civic kindness from an anonymous editor that outlived him by well over a century.
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