American forces led by General Horatio Gates win a decisive victory at the Battle of Bemis Heights, also known as the Second Battle of Saratoga. After the victory, Continental forces would surround British forces led by General John Burgoyne, and he surrendered his army on October 17.
American patriots defeat a largely Loyalist force at the Battle of King's Mountain in southwest North Carolina, helping repulse British General Charles Cornwallis' invasion of North Carolina.
Cornell University hosts its opening ceremonies in Ithaca, New York. With an incoming class of 412 students, it houses the largest class enrollment in the country.
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