The first ballet "Ballet Comique de la Reine," commissioned by Catherine de Medici, is staged in Paris
Ballet is a formalized italian dance form with its origins in the Italian Renaissance courts of 15th and 16th centuries.
What Happened on
A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on October 15 throughout history.
107
Events
10
Births
1
Deaths
Historical Events on October 15
Gregorian calendar is introduced in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States after skipping 10 days from October 4 to sync
Gregorian calendar is introduced in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States after skipping 10 days from October 4 to sync the calendar to the solar year and compensate for the drift that has occurred due to the Julian calendar having too many leap days
Napoleon Bonaparte arrives on the island of Saint Helena to begin his exile
Napoleon Bonaparte arrives on the island of Saint Helena to begin his exile
Millions nationwide protest against the Vietnam War on Moratorium Day in the US
The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam was a massive demonstration and teach-in across the United States against the United States involvement in the Vietnam War.
Nelson Mandela and South African President F. W. de Klerk are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who was the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
Country music radio show "Grand Ole Opry" is first broadcast on television in a live hour-long show by ABC
The Grand Ole Opry is a regular live country-music radio broadcast originating from Nashville, Tennessee, on WSM, held between two and five nights per week, depending on the time of year.
Actress Alyssa Milano's tweet “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’" prompts a flood of replies
Actress Alyssa Milano's tweet “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’" prompts a flood of replies across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Debby Boone's single "You Light Up My Life" goes #1 and stays #1 for ten weeks
Debby Boone's single "You Light Up My Life" goes #1 and stays #1 for ten weeks
Wayne Gretzky surpasses Gordie Howe as the NHL's all-time top scorer
Gordon Howe (March 31, 1928 – June 10, 2016) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player.
Heir to the English throne Prince Arthur marries Catherine of Aragon
Arthur, Prince of Wales (19/20 September 1486 – 2 April 1502) was the eldest son of King Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York, and an older brother to the future King Henry VIII.
Author Beatrix Potter (47) weds solicitor William Heelis at St Mary Abbots in Kensington, London
Author Beatrix Potter (47) weds solicitor William Heelis at St Mary Abbots in Kensington, London
British writer Graham Greene (23) weds Vivien Dayrell-Browning at St. Mary's Church in Hampstead, North London; separate
British writer Graham Greene (23) weds Vivien Dayrell-Browning at St. Mary's Church in Hampstead, North London; separate in 1947
Baseball player Darryl Strawberry (31) divorces Lisa Andrews after more than 8 years of marriage
Baseball player Darryl Strawberry (31) divorces Lisa Andrews after more than 8 years of marriage
Comedian Tom Green (30) divorces actress Drew Barrymore (26) due to irreconcilable differences after less than a year of
Comedian Tom Green (30) divorces actress Drew Barrymore (26) due to irreconcilable differences after less than a year of marriage
Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the Vandals
Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the Vandals
Khanate of Kazan is conquered by troops of Ivan Grozny
Kazan is the largest city and capital of Tatarstan, Russia. The city lies at the confluence of the Volga and the Kazanka rivers, covering an area of 425.3 square kilometres (164.2 square miles), with...
Spanish General and strategist Bernardino de Mendoza occupies Fort Rhine
Spanish General and strategist Bernardino de Mendoza occupies Fort Rhine
Paul de Chomedy de Maisonneuve claims Montréal
Paul de Chomedy de Maisonneuve claims Montréal
Prince William of Orange appointed viceroy of Overijssel
Prince William of Orange appointed viceroy of Overijssel
Jews of Lublin are massacred
Lublin is the eighth-largest city in Poland and the second-largest city of historical Lesser Poland.
Asser Levy is granted a butcher's license for kosher meat in New Amsterdam
Asser Levy is granted a butcher's license for kosher meat in New Amsterdam
Torsåker witch trials, the largest witch trials in Sweden, begin; 71 people are beheaded and burned
Torsåker witch trials, the largest witch trials in Sweden, begin; 71 people are beheaded and burned
The English fleet under Lord Peterborough occupies Barcelona
The English fleet under Lord Peterborough occupies Barcelona
Cornelis Steenoven becomes the first archbishop of the Old Catholic Church in Utrecht, Netherlands
Cornelis Steenoven becomes the first archbishop of the Old Catholic Church in Utrecht, Netherlands
Saxon army surrenders to Prussia
Saxon army surrenders to Prussia
Maj. James Graves Simcoe is appointed commandant of the Queen's Rangers in Pennsylvania
Maj. James Graves Simcoe is appointed commandant of the Queen's Rangers in Pennsylvania
Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier makes the first tethered balloon ascent
A hot air balloon is a lighter-than-air aircraft consisting of a bag, called an envelope, which contains heated air.
Earliest 32°F (0°C) recorded temperature in New York City
Earliest 32°F (0°C) recorded temperature in New York City
Cliff House opens in San Francisco, first of many on the site
The Cliff House is a neo-classical style building perched on the headland above the cliffs just north of Ocean Beach.
Confederate troops occupy Glasgow, Missouri
During the American Civil War, Missouri was a hotly contested southern border state populated by both Union and Confederate sympathizers.
Great fire in Quebec destroys 2,500 homes
Quebec (French: Québec) is Canada's largest province by area. Located in Central Canada, it is the only Francophone-majority province in the country, being home to Québécois French.
First session of the US 45th Congress (1877-79) convenes in Washington, D.C.
First session of the US 45th Congress (1877-79) convenes in Washington, D.C.
Edison Electric Light Company is incorporated
Edison Electric Light Company is incorporated
Mexican soldiers kill Victorio, one of the greatest Apache military strategists
Mexican soldiers kill Victorio, one of the greatest Apache military strategists
"American Angler," the first American fishing magazine, is published
"American Angler," the first American fishing magazine, is published
US Supreme Court declares Civil Rights Act of 1875 unconstitutional
Civil Rights Act may refer to several civil right acts in the United States. These acts of the United States Congress are meant to protect rights to ensure individuals' freedom from infringement by...
Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourn pitches his 60th win of the season for the MLB Providence Grays in an 8-0 victory over the Q
Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourn pitches his 60th win of the season for the MLB Providence Grays in an 8-0 victory over the Quakers in Philadelphia
Amsterdam Central Station officially opens
Amsterdam Centraal station is the largest railway station in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands.
Alabama Penny Savings Bank is organized in Birmingham
Alabama Penny Savings Bank is organized in Birmingham
Henry Perky patents a machine he develops with William Ford for the preparation of cereals for food, otherwise known as
Henry Perky patents a machine he develops with William Ford for the preparation of cereals for food, otherwise known as shredded wheat
Aaron and Samuel Bloch carry the first mail pouch
Aaron and Samuel Bloch carry the first mail pouch
MLB Cleveland Spiders close out the season by losing both ends of a doubleheader, 16-1 and 19-3, to the Cincinnati Reds
MLB Cleveland Spiders close out the season by losing both ends of a doubleheader, 16-1 and 19-3, to the Cincinnati Reds on the road; Spiders end the year with a record of 20-134, still holding the record for the fewest wins [1]
The Russians are driven back by the Japanese in the Battle of Shaho; both sides suffer heavy casualties: Japanese (16,00
The Russians are driven back by the Japanese in the Battle of Shaho; both sides suffer heavy casualties: Japanese (16,000) and Russians (60,000)
Train crash at St. James' Station, Liverpool during "Black Week" kills six and injures 64
Train crash at St. James' Station, Liverpool during "Black Week" kills six and injures 64
Battle of Warsaw begins (ends October 21)
The First Battle of Ypres (French: Première Bataille des Flandres, German: Erste Flandernschlacht, 19 October – 22 November 1914) was a battle of the First World War, fought on the Western Front...
British Q-ship Cymric sinks British submarine J6
British Q-ship Cymric sinks British submarine J6
Fourteen horses begin a 300-mile race from Vermont to Massachusetts for a $1,000 prize
Fourteen horses begin a 300-mile race from Vermont to Massachusetts for a $1,000 prize
American pianist Henry Cowell sparks a riot among audience members due to his avant-garde piano techniques at Gewandhaus
American pianist Henry Cowell sparks a riot among audience members due to his avant-garde piano techniques at Gewandhaus concert hall in Leipzig, Germany; some try to physically stop his performance, while others defend him
Willem Landré's opera "Beatrice" premieres in The Hague
Willem Landré's opera "Beatrice" premieres in The Hague
Austria's government under Seipel forms
Ignaz Seipel (19 July 1876 – 2 August 1932) was an Austrian Catholic priest and conservative politician, who served as the Chancellor of the First Austrian Republic twice during the 1920s and leader...
Walter Johnson signs a 3-year contract to manage the Senators
Walter Perry Johnson (November 6, 1887 – December 10, 1946), nicknamed "Barney" and "the Big Train", was an American professional baseball player and manager.
Tata Airlines (later to become Air India) makes its first flight
Air India is the flag carrier of India with its main hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and secondary hubs at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji...
20th Amendment to the US Constitution goes into effect, changing the start of a presidential term from March to January
Between seventy-three and seventy-nine days after the presidential election, the president-elect of the United States is inaugurated as president by taking the presidential oath of office.
NHL's St. Louis Eagles fold
The St. Louis Eagles were a professional ice hockey team that played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Based in St.
The Yankees release Tony Lazzeri rather than accept any trade offers
The Yankees release Tony Lazzeri rather than accept any trade offers
LaGuardia Airport opens in New York City
LaGuardia Airport (IATA: LGA, ICAO: KLGA, FAA LID: LGA), colloquially known as LaGuardia or LGA, is a civil airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City, United States, situated on the...
First mass deportation of German, Austrian, and Czech Jews to Eastern Europe for "resettlement" in labor camps
During the later stages of World War II and the post-war period, Reichsdeutsche (German citizens) and Volksdeutsche (ethnic Germans living outside the Nazi state) fled and were expelled from various...
German 6th Army occupies Tractorenfabriek; 3,000 Germans die
German 6th Army occupies Tractorenfabriek; 3,000 Germans die
The Arrow Cross Party, similar to Hitler's NSDAP (Nazi Party), takes power in Hungary
The Arrow Cross Party was a far-right Hungarian ultranationalist party led by Ferenc Szálasi, which formed a government in Hungary they named the Government of National Unity.
Baseball attendance hits a record 10.28 million, with the Tigers' 1.28 million being the highest
The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division.
China's Red Army occupies Chinchou in Guangdong
China's Red Army occupies Chinchou in Guangdong
Administration of the territory of Manipur is taken over by the Indian government
Manipur is a state in northeastern India with Imphal as its capital. It borders the Indian states of Assam to the west, Mizoram to the south, and Nagaland to the north and shares the international...
Arthur Laurent's "Time of the Cuckoo" premieres in New York City
Arthur Laurent's "Time of the Cuckoo" premieres in New York City
John Patrick's play "Teahouse of the August Moon" premieres in New York
The Teahouse of the August Moon is a 1953 play written by John Patrick adapted from the 1951 novel by Vern Sneider.
Hurricane Hazel makes landfall in the US in North Carolina as a Category 4 hurricane; 195 people die in the US and Canad
Hurricane Hazel makes landfall in the US in North Carolina as a Category 4 hurricane; 195 people die in the US and Canada
First plane lands safely on water: Pan Am Flight 6 from San Francisco to Honolulu, with all 24 passengers and 7 crew sur
First plane lands safely on water: Pan Am Flight 6 from San Francisco to Honolulu, with all 24 passengers and 7 crew surviving
Giants trade Minneapolis franchise to Red Sox for SF Seals franchises only, not the players
Giants trade Minneapolis franchise to Red Sox for SF Seals franchises only, not the players
Tunisia cuts diplomatic relations with Egypt
Tunisia cuts diplomatic relations with Egypt
KNDO TV channel 23 in Yakima, WA (NBC) begins broadcasting
KNDO TV channel 23 in Yakima, WA (NBC) begins broadcasting
Byron R. White is appointed to the US Supreme Court
Byron Raymond "Whizzer" White (June 8, 1917 – April 15, 2002) was an American lawyer and professional football halfback who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States...
American Al Oerter wins his third of four consecutive Olympic men's discus titles at the Tokyo Olympics, beating Czech L
American Al Oerter wins his third of four consecutive Olympic men's discus titles at the Tokyo Olympics, beating Czech Ludvík Daněk by 0.08 m
WEMT (now WVII) TV channel 7 in Bangor, ME (ABC) begins broadcasting
WEMT (now WVII) TV channel 7 in Bangor, ME (ABC) begins broadcasting
Australia bans Troggs' "I Can't Control Myself" as "terribly obscene"
Australia bans Troggs' "I Can't Control Myself" as "terribly obscene"
Bank of America World Headquarters (555 California) is dedicated
Bank of America World Headquarters (555 California) is dedicated
Start of the 2,500-year celebration of Iran, commemorating the founding of the Persian Empire
Start of the 2,500-year celebration of Iran, commemorating the founding of the Persian Empire
Omni in Atlanta opens as the Hawks beat the NY Knicks 109-101
Omni in Atlanta opens as the Hawks beat the NY Knicks 109-101
Iceland moves international boundary from 50 to 200 miles
Iceland is a Nordic island country between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between Europe and North America.
Ringo Starr releases the single "A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll," which peaks at 26 in the US but fails to chart in the UK
Sir Richard Starkey, known as Ringo Starr, is an English musician, singer, songwriter and actor who achieved international fame as the drummer for the Beatles.
"Serpentine Fire" single released by Earth, Wind & Fire (Billboard Song of the Year 1978)
"Serpentine Fire" is a single by Earth, Wind & Fire that was issued in October 1977 by Columbia Records.
USSR performs a nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeastern Kazakhstan
USSR performs a nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeastern Kazakhstan
Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to Lawrence Klein
Lawrence Robert Klein (September 14, 1920 – October 20, 2013) was an American economist.
Professional cheerleader Krazy George Henderson leads what is believed to be the first audience wave in Oakland, Califor
Professional cheerleader Krazy George Henderson leads what is believed to be the first audience wave in Oakland, California
Columbia beats Yale 21-18 in football, then loses the next 44 games
The 1983 Yale Bulldogs football team represented Yale University in the 1983 NCAA Division I-AA football season.
Central Intelligence Agency Information Act passes
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA ) is a civilian foreign intelligence service of the federal government of the United States tasked with advancing national security through collecting and...
Nobel prize in economics is awarded to Franco Modigliani
Franco Modigliani was an Italian-American economist and the recipient of the 1985 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics.
In the longest postseason game, Mets beat Astros 7-6 in 16 innings and win NL pennant
The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the New York City borough of Queens.
Coup in Burkina Faso: President Sankara dies
The 1987 Burkina Faso coup d'état was a bloody military coup in Burkina Faso, which took place on 15 October 1987.
Amstel Brewery on Curaçao produces its 1,000,000,000th bottle
Amstel Brewery on Curaçao produces its 1,000,000,000th bottle
Botswana President Ketumile Masire's BDP wins the parliamentary election
Botswana President Ketumile Masire's BDP wins the parliamentary election
Carolina Panthers win their first game, defeating the NY Jets 26-15
The 1995 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's inaugural season in the National Football League and the first under head coach Dom Capers.
A New York jury awards boxer Mitch Green $45,000 in a civil lawsuit against Mike Tyson for a street brawl in 1988
A New York jury awards boxer Mitch Green $45,000 in a civil lawsuit against Mike Tyson for a street brawl in 1988
ICC Men's Cricket KnockOut Trophy, Gymkhana Club, Nairobi: New Zealand wins its first international title with a 4-wicke
ICC Men's Cricket KnockOut Trophy, Gymkhana Club, Nairobi: New Zealand wins its first international title with a 4-wicket victory over India; Man of the Match: Chris Cairns, New Zealand 102 not out (113)
NASA's Galileo spacecraft passes within 112 miles of Jupiter's moon Io
NASA's Galileo spacecraft passes within 112 miles of Jupiter's moon Io
China launches Shenzhou 5, its first crewed space mission
Shenzhou 5 was the first human spaceflight mission of the Chinese space program, launched on 15 October 2003. The Shenzhou spacecraft was launched on a Long March 2F launch vehicle.
Iraqi constitution ratification vote
The electorate of Iraq went to the polls on 15 October 2005 to vote in a referendum on whether or not to ratify the proposed constitution of Iraq.
17 activists in New Zealand are arrested in the country's first post-9/11 anti-terrorism raids across the country
On 15 and 16 October 2007, the New Zealand Police conducted a series of armed raids in response to alleged paramilitary training camps in the Urewera mountain range near the town of Ruatoki.
"The Clock," a 24-hour movie montage of thousands of film and television clips, created by Christian Marclay, premieres
"The Clock," a 24-hour movie montage of thousands of film and television clips, created by Christian Marclay, premieres at White Cube art gallery in London
Global protests break out in 951 cities in 82 countries
Global protests break out in 951 cities in 82 countries
Hilary Mantel wins the 2012 Man Booker Prize for her novel "Bring Up the Bodies"
Bring Up the Bodies is a historical novel by Hilary Mantel, sequel to the award-winning Wolf Hall (2009), and part of a trilogy charting the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, the powerful minister in...
Walmart announces that Doug McMillon, head of its International Division, will become its next CEO
Carl Douglas McMillon is an American businessman who was the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Walmart from 2014 to 2026 when he retired.
wildfires occur in Portugal and Northern Spain fanned by winds from Hurricane Ophelia, killing at least 35
wildfires occur in Portugal and Northern Spain fanned by winds from Hurricane Ophelia, killing at least 35
American retailer Sears files for bankruptcy
Sears, Roebuck and Co., commonly known as Sears ( SEERZ), is an American chain of department stores and online retailer.
Gunfight between Mexican security forces and armed civilians leaves 15 dead in Guerrero state a day after 13 police offi
Gunfight between Mexican security forces and armed civilians leaves 15 dead in Guerrero state a day after 13 police officers are killed in a drug cartel ambush in Michoacán state
Thai government issues an emergency decree banning public gatherings amid increasing pro-democracy protests and criticis
Thai government issues an emergency decree banning public gatherings amid increasing pro-democracy protests and criticism of the king
British MP Sir David Amess is stabbed to death at a meeting with constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England, in a prob
British MP Sir David Amess is stabbed to death at a meeting with constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England, in a probable terror attack
Businessman Daniel Noboa, at 35, is elected Ecuador's youngest-ever president [1]
Daniel Roy Gilchrist Noboa Azín is an Ecuadorian politician and businessman serving as the 48th and current president of Ecuador since 2023.
More than a quarter of Lebanon is now under Israeli evacuation orders, with 1.2 million displaced as Israeli strikes on
More than a quarter of Lebanon is now under Israeli evacuation orders, with 1.2 million displaced as Israeli strikes on Beirut continue [1]
Famous Births on October 15
birth
Akbar is born
Akbar is born
birth
Penny Marshall is born
Penny Marshall, American actress, director, and producer, known for american actress, director, and producer, was born on 1943-10-15.
birth
Fela Kuti is born
Fela Kuti, Nigerian musician, known for nigerian musician and activist, was born on 1938-10-15. Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì was a Nigerian musician and political activist.
birth
Bobby Morrow is born
Bobby Morrow, American athlete, known for american sprinter, was born on 1935-10-15.
birth
Jim Palmer is born
Jim Palmer, American athlete, known for american baseball player and analyst, was born on 1946-10-15.
birth
Roscoe Tanner is born
Roscoe Tanner, American athlete, known for american tennis player, was born on 1952-10-15. Leonard Roscoe Tanner is an American former professional tennis player.
birth
Victor Pecci is born
Victor Pecci is born
birth
Didier Deschamps is born
Didier Deschamps, French athlete, known for french football manager, was born on 1969-10-15.
birth
P. G. Wodehouse is born
P. G. Wodehouse, English writer, known for english writer, was born on 1881-10-15.
birth
Hubert Dreyfus is born
Hubert Dreyfus is born
Notable Deaths on October 15
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on October 15, 1581?
- Ballet is a formalized italian dance form with its origins in the Italian Renaissance courts of 15th and 16th centuries.
- What happened on October 15, 1582?
- Gregorian calendar is introduced in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States after skipping 10 days from October 4 to sync the calendar to the solar year and compensate for the drift that has occurred due to the Julian calendar having too many leap days
- What happened on October 15, 1815?
- Napoleon Bonaparte arrives on the island of Saint Helena to begin his exile
- What happened on October 15, 1969?
- The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam was a massive demonstration and teach-in across the United States against the United States involvement in the Vietnam War.
- What happened on October 15, 1993?
- Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who was the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
Complete Timeline — October 15 Through the Ages
Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the Vandals
Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the Vandals
Heir to the English throne Prince Arthur marries Catherine of Aragon
Arthur, Prince of Wales (19/20 September 1486 – 2 April 1502) was the eldest son of King Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York, and an older brother to the future King Henry VIII.
Akbar is born
Akbar is born
Khanate of Kazan is conquered by troops of Ivan Grozny
Kazan is the largest city and capital of Tatarstan, Russia. The city lies at the confluence of the Volga and the Kazanka rivers, covering an area of 425.3 square kilometres (164.2 square miles), with...
The first ballet "Ballet Comique de la Reine," commissioned by Catherine de Medici, is staged in Paris
Ballet is a formalized italian dance form with its origins in the Italian Renaissance courts of 15th and 16th centuries.
Gregorian calendar is introduced in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States after skipping 10 days from October 4 to sync
Gregorian calendar is introduced in Spain, Portugal, and the Papal States after skipping 10 days from October 4 to sync the calendar to the solar year and compensate for the drift that has occurred due to the Julian calendar having too many leap days
Spanish General and strategist Bernardino de Mendoza occupies Fort Rhine
Spanish General and strategist Bernardino de Mendoza occupies Fort Rhine
Paul de Chomedy de Maisonneuve claims Montréal
Paul de Chomedy de Maisonneuve claims Montréal
Prince William of Orange appointed viceroy of Overijssel
Prince William of Orange appointed viceroy of Overijssel
Jews of Lublin are massacred
Lublin is the eighth-largest city in Poland and the second-largest city of historical Lesser Poland.
Asser Levy is granted a butcher's license for kosher meat in New Amsterdam
Asser Levy is granted a butcher's license for kosher meat in New Amsterdam
Torsåker witch trials, the largest witch trials in Sweden, begin; 71 people are beheaded and burned
Torsåker witch trials, the largest witch trials in Sweden, begin; 71 people are beheaded and burned
The English fleet under Lord Peterborough occupies Barcelona
The English fleet under Lord Peterborough occupies Barcelona
Cornelis Steenoven becomes the first archbishop of the Old Catholic Church in Utrecht, Netherlands
Cornelis Steenoven becomes the first archbishop of the Old Catholic Church in Utrecht, Netherlands
Saxon army surrenders to Prussia
Saxon army surrenders to Prussia
Maj. James Graves Simcoe is appointed commandant of the Queen's Rangers in Pennsylvania
Maj. James Graves Simcoe is appointed commandant of the Queen's Rangers in Pennsylvania
Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier makes the first tethered balloon ascent
A hot air balloon is a lighter-than-air aircraft consisting of a bag, called an envelope, which contains heated air.
Earliest 32°F (0°C) recorded temperature in New York City
Earliest 32°F (0°C) recorded temperature in New York City
Napoleon Bonaparte arrives on the island of Saint Helena to begin his exile
Napoleon Bonaparte arrives on the island of Saint Helena to begin his exile
Cliff House opens in San Francisco, first of many on the site
The Cliff House is a neo-classical style building perched on the headland above the cliffs just north of Ocean Beach.
Confederate troops occupy Glasgow, Missouri
During the American Civil War, Missouri was a hotly contested southern border state populated by both Union and Confederate sympathizers.
Great fire in Quebec destroys 2,500 homes
Quebec (French: Québec) is Canada's largest province by area. Located in Central Canada, it is the only Francophone-majority province in the country, being home to Québécois French.
First session of the US 45th Congress (1877-79) convenes in Washington, D.C.
First session of the US 45th Congress (1877-79) convenes in Washington, D.C.
Edison Electric Light Company is incorporated
Edison Electric Light Company is incorporated
Mexican soldiers kill Victorio, one of the greatest Apache military strategists
Mexican soldiers kill Victorio, one of the greatest Apache military strategists
"American Angler," the first American fishing magazine, is published
"American Angler," the first American fishing magazine, is published
P. G. Wodehouse is born
P. G. Wodehouse, English writer, known for english writer, was born on 1881-10-15.
US Supreme Court declares Civil Rights Act of 1875 unconstitutional
Civil Rights Act may refer to several civil right acts in the United States. These acts of the United States Congress are meant to protect rights to ensure individuals' freedom from infringement by...
Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourn pitches his 60th win of the season for the MLB Providence Grays in an 8-0 victory over the Q
Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourn pitches his 60th win of the season for the MLB Providence Grays in an 8-0 victory over the Quakers in Philadelphia
Amsterdam Central Station officially opens
Amsterdam Centraal station is the largest railway station in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands.
Alabama Penny Savings Bank is organized in Birmingham
Alabama Penny Savings Bank is organized in Birmingham
Henry Perky patents a machine he develops with William Ford for the preparation of cereals for food, otherwise known as
Henry Perky patents a machine he develops with William Ford for the preparation of cereals for food, otherwise known as shredded wheat
Aaron and Samuel Bloch carry the first mail pouch
Aaron and Samuel Bloch carry the first mail pouch
MLB Cleveland Spiders close out the season by losing both ends of a doubleheader, 16-1 and 19-3, to the Cincinnati Reds
MLB Cleveland Spiders close out the season by losing both ends of a doubleheader, 16-1 and 19-3, to the Cincinnati Reds on the road; Spiders end the year with a record of 20-134, still holding the record for the fewest wins [1]
The Russians are driven back by the Japanese in the Battle of Shaho; both sides suffer heavy casualties: Japanese (16,00
The Russians are driven back by the Japanese in the Battle of Shaho; both sides suffer heavy casualties: Japanese (16,000) and Russians (60,000)
Author Beatrix Potter (47) weds solicitor William Heelis at St Mary Abbots in Kensington, London
Author Beatrix Potter (47) weds solicitor William Heelis at St Mary Abbots in Kensington, London
Train crash at St. James' Station, Liverpool during "Black Week" kills six and injures 64
Train crash at St. James' Station, Liverpool during "Black Week" kills six and injures 64
Battle of Warsaw begins (ends October 21)
The First Battle of Ypres (French: Première Bataille des Flandres, German: Erste Flandernschlacht, 19 October – 22 November 1914) was a battle of the First World War, fought on the Western Front...
British Q-ship Cymric sinks British submarine J6
British Q-ship Cymric sinks British submarine J6
Fourteen horses begin a 300-mile race from Vermont to Massachusetts for a $1,000 prize
Fourteen horses begin a 300-mile race from Vermont to Massachusetts for a $1,000 prize
American pianist Henry Cowell sparks a riot among audience members due to his avant-garde piano techniques at Gewandhaus
American pianist Henry Cowell sparks a riot among audience members due to his avant-garde piano techniques at Gewandhaus concert hall in Leipzig, Germany; some try to physically stop his performance, while others defend him
Willem Landré's opera "Beatrice" premieres in The Hague
Willem Landré's opera "Beatrice" premieres in The Hague
Austria's government under Seipel forms
Ignaz Seipel (19 July 1876 – 2 August 1932) was an Austrian Catholic priest and conservative politician, who served as the Chancellor of the First Austrian Republic twice during the 1920s and leader...
British writer Graham Greene (23) weds Vivien Dayrell-Browning at St. Mary's Church in Hampstead, North London; separate
British writer Graham Greene (23) weds Vivien Dayrell-Browning at St. Mary's Church in Hampstead, North London; separate in 1947
Walter Johnson signs a 3-year contract to manage the Senators
Walter Perry Johnson (November 6, 1887 – December 10, 1946), nicknamed "Barney" and "the Big Train", was an American professional baseball player and manager.
Hubert Dreyfus is born
Hubert Dreyfus is born
Tata Airlines (later to become Air India) makes its first flight
Air India is the flag carrier of India with its main hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and secondary hubs at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji...
20th Amendment to the US Constitution goes into effect, changing the start of a presidential term from March to January
Between seventy-three and seventy-nine days after the presidential election, the president-elect of the United States is inaugurated as president by taking the presidential oath of office.
NHL's St. Louis Eagles fold
The St. Louis Eagles were a professional ice hockey team that played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Based in St.
Bobby Morrow is born
Bobby Morrow, American athlete, known for american sprinter, was born on 1935-10-15.
The Yankees release Tony Lazzeri rather than accept any trade offers
The Yankees release Tony Lazzeri rather than accept any trade offers
Fela Kuti is born
Fela Kuti, Nigerian musician, known for nigerian musician and activist, was born on 1938-10-15. Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì was a Nigerian musician and political activist.
LaGuardia Airport opens in New York City
LaGuardia Airport (IATA: LGA, ICAO: KLGA, FAA LID: LGA), colloquially known as LaGuardia or LGA, is a civil airport in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City, United States, situated on the...
First mass deportation of German, Austrian, and Czech Jews to Eastern Europe for "resettlement" in labor camps
During the later stages of World War II and the post-war period, Reichsdeutsche (German citizens) and Volksdeutsche (ethnic Germans living outside the Nazi state) fled and were expelled from various...
German 6th Army occupies Tractorenfabriek; 3,000 Germans die
German 6th Army occupies Tractorenfabriek; 3,000 Germans die
Penny Marshall is born
Penny Marshall, American actress, director, and producer, known for american actress, director, and producer, was born on 1943-10-15.
The Arrow Cross Party, similar to Hitler's NSDAP (Nazi Party), takes power in Hungary
The Arrow Cross Party was a far-right Hungarian ultranationalist party led by Ferenc Szálasi, which formed a government in Hungary they named the Government of National Unity.
Baseball attendance hits a record 10.28 million, with the Tigers' 1.28 million being the highest
The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division.
Jim Palmer is born
Jim Palmer, American athlete, known for american baseball player and analyst, was born on 1946-10-15.
China's Red Army occupies Chinchou in Guangdong
China's Red Army occupies Chinchou in Guangdong
Administration of the territory of Manipur is taken over by the Indian government
Manipur is a state in northeastern India with Imphal as its capital. It borders the Indian states of Assam to the west, Mizoram to the south, and Nagaland to the north and shares the international...
Arthur Laurent's "Time of the Cuckoo" premieres in New York City
Arthur Laurent's "Time of the Cuckoo" premieres in New York City
Roscoe Tanner is born
Roscoe Tanner, American athlete, known for american tennis player, was born on 1952-10-15. Leonard Roscoe Tanner is an American former professional tennis player.
John Patrick's play "Teahouse of the August Moon" premieres in New York
The Teahouse of the August Moon is a 1953 play written by John Patrick adapted from the 1951 novel by Vern Sneider.
Hurricane Hazel makes landfall in the US in North Carolina as a Category 4 hurricane; 195 people die in the US and Canad
Hurricane Hazel makes landfall in the US in North Carolina as a Category 4 hurricane; 195 people die in the US and Canada
Country music radio show "Grand Ole Opry" is first broadcast on television in a live hour-long show by ABC
The Grand Ole Opry is a regular live country-music radio broadcast originating from Nashville, Tennessee, on WSM, held between two and five nights per week, depending on the time of year.
First plane lands safely on water: Pan Am Flight 6 from San Francisco to Honolulu, with all 24 passengers and 7 crew sur
First plane lands safely on water: Pan Am Flight 6 from San Francisco to Honolulu, with all 24 passengers and 7 crew surviving
Victor Pecci is born
Victor Pecci is born
Giants trade Minneapolis franchise to Red Sox for SF Seals franchises only, not the players
Giants trade Minneapolis franchise to Red Sox for SF Seals franchises only, not the players
Tunisia cuts diplomatic relations with Egypt
Tunisia cuts diplomatic relations with Egypt
KNDO TV channel 23 in Yakima, WA (NBC) begins broadcasting
KNDO TV channel 23 in Yakima, WA (NBC) begins broadcasting
Stepan Bandera dies
Stepan Bandera, Greek ukrainian nationalist leader, known for ukrainian nationalist leader, died on 1959-10-15.
Byron R. White is appointed to the US Supreme Court
Byron Raymond "Whizzer" White (June 8, 1917 – April 15, 2002) was an American lawyer and professional football halfback who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States...
American Al Oerter wins his third of four consecutive Olympic men's discus titles at the Tokyo Olympics, beating Czech L
American Al Oerter wins his third of four consecutive Olympic men's discus titles at the Tokyo Olympics, beating Czech Ludvík Daněk by 0.08 m
WEMT (now WVII) TV channel 7 in Bangor, ME (ABC) begins broadcasting
WEMT (now WVII) TV channel 7 in Bangor, ME (ABC) begins broadcasting
Australia bans Troggs' "I Can't Control Myself" as "terribly obscene"
Australia bans Troggs' "I Can't Control Myself" as "terribly obscene"
Millions nationwide protest against the Vietnam War on Moratorium Day in the US
The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam was a massive demonstration and teach-in across the United States against the United States involvement in the Vietnam War.
Bank of America World Headquarters (555 California) is dedicated
Bank of America World Headquarters (555 California) is dedicated
Didier Deschamps is born
Didier Deschamps, French athlete, known for french football manager, was born on 1969-10-15.
Start of the 2,500-year celebration of Iran, commemorating the founding of the Persian Empire
Start of the 2,500-year celebration of Iran, commemorating the founding of the Persian Empire
Omni in Atlanta opens as the Hawks beat the NY Knicks 109-101
Omni in Atlanta opens as the Hawks beat the NY Knicks 109-101
Iceland moves international boundary from 50 to 200 miles
Iceland is a Nordic island country between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between Europe and North America.
Ringo Starr releases the single "A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll," which peaks at 26 in the US but fails to chart in the UK
Sir Richard Starkey, known as Ringo Starr, is an English musician, singer, songwriter and actor who achieved international fame as the drummer for the Beatles.
Debby Boone's single "You Light Up My Life" goes #1 and stays #1 for ten weeks
Debby Boone's single "You Light Up My Life" goes #1 and stays #1 for ten weeks
"Serpentine Fire" single released by Earth, Wind & Fire (Billboard Song of the Year 1978)
"Serpentine Fire" is a single by Earth, Wind & Fire that was issued in October 1977 by Columbia Records.
USSR performs a nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeastern Kazakhstan
USSR performs a nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeastern Kazakhstan
Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to Lawrence Klein
Lawrence Robert Klein (September 14, 1920 – October 20, 2013) was an American economist.
Professional cheerleader Krazy George Henderson leads what is believed to be the first audience wave in Oakland, Califor
Professional cheerleader Krazy George Henderson leads what is believed to be the first audience wave in Oakland, California
Columbia beats Yale 21-18 in football, then loses the next 44 games
The 1983 Yale Bulldogs football team represented Yale University in the 1983 NCAA Division I-AA football season.
Central Intelligence Agency Information Act passes
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA ) is a civilian foreign intelligence service of the federal government of the United States tasked with advancing national security through collecting and...
Nobel prize in economics is awarded to Franco Modigliani
Franco Modigliani was an Italian-American economist and the recipient of the 1985 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics.
In the longest postseason game, Mets beat Astros 7-6 in 16 innings and win NL pennant
The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the New York City borough of Queens.
Coup in Burkina Faso: President Sankara dies
The 1987 Burkina Faso coup d'état was a bloody military coup in Burkina Faso, which took place on 15 October 1987.
Wayne Gretzky surpasses Gordie Howe as the NHL's all-time top scorer
Gordon Howe (March 31, 1928 – June 10, 2016) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player.
Nelson Mandela and South African President F. W. de Klerk are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who was the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
Baseball player Darryl Strawberry (31) divorces Lisa Andrews after more than 8 years of marriage
Baseball player Darryl Strawberry (31) divorces Lisa Andrews after more than 8 years of marriage
Amstel Brewery on Curaçao produces its 1,000,000,000th bottle
Amstel Brewery on Curaçao produces its 1,000,000,000th bottle
Botswana President Ketumile Masire's BDP wins the parliamentary election
Botswana President Ketumile Masire's BDP wins the parliamentary election
Carolina Panthers win their first game, defeating the NY Jets 26-15
The 1995 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's inaugural season in the National Football League and the first under head coach Dom Capers.
A New York jury awards boxer Mitch Green $45,000 in a civil lawsuit against Mike Tyson for a street brawl in 1988
A New York jury awards boxer Mitch Green $45,000 in a civil lawsuit against Mike Tyson for a street brawl in 1988
ICC Men's Cricket KnockOut Trophy, Gymkhana Club, Nairobi: New Zealand wins its first international title with a 4-wicke
ICC Men's Cricket KnockOut Trophy, Gymkhana Club, Nairobi: New Zealand wins its first international title with a 4-wicket victory over India; Man of the Match: Chris Cairns, New Zealand 102 not out (113)
NASA's Galileo spacecraft passes within 112 miles of Jupiter's moon Io
NASA's Galileo spacecraft passes within 112 miles of Jupiter's moon Io
Comedian Tom Green (30) divorces actress Drew Barrymore (26) due to irreconcilable differences after less than a year of
Comedian Tom Green (30) divorces actress Drew Barrymore (26) due to irreconcilable differences after less than a year of marriage
China launches Shenzhou 5, its first crewed space mission
Shenzhou 5 was the first human spaceflight mission of the Chinese space program, launched on 15 October 2003. The Shenzhou spacecraft was launched on a Long March 2F launch vehicle.
Iraqi constitution ratification vote
The electorate of Iraq went to the polls on 15 October 2005 to vote in a referendum on whether or not to ratify the proposed constitution of Iraq.
17 activists in New Zealand are arrested in the country's first post-9/11 anti-terrorism raids across the country
On 15 and 16 October 2007, the New Zealand Police conducted a series of armed raids in response to alleged paramilitary training camps in the Urewera mountain range near the town of Ruatoki.
"The Clock," a 24-hour movie montage of thousands of film and television clips, created by Christian Marclay, premieres
"The Clock," a 24-hour movie montage of thousands of film and television clips, created by Christian Marclay, premieres at White Cube art gallery in London
Global protests break out in 951 cities in 82 countries
Global protests break out in 951 cities in 82 countries
Hilary Mantel wins the 2012 Man Booker Prize for her novel "Bring Up the Bodies"
Bring Up the Bodies is a historical novel by Hilary Mantel, sequel to the award-winning Wolf Hall (2009), and part of a trilogy charting the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, the powerful minister in...
Walmart announces that Doug McMillon, head of its International Division, will become its next CEO
Carl Douglas McMillon is an American businessman who was the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Walmart from 2014 to 2026 when he retired.
Actress Alyssa Milano's tweet “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’" prompts a flood of replies
Actress Alyssa Milano's tweet “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’" prompts a flood of replies across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
wildfires occur in Portugal and Northern Spain fanned by winds from Hurricane Ophelia, killing at least 35
wildfires occur in Portugal and Northern Spain fanned by winds from Hurricane Ophelia, killing at least 35
American retailer Sears files for bankruptcy
Sears, Roebuck and Co., commonly known as Sears ( SEERZ), is an American chain of department stores and online retailer.
Gunfight between Mexican security forces and armed civilians leaves 15 dead in Guerrero state a day after 13 police offi
Gunfight between Mexican security forces and armed civilians leaves 15 dead in Guerrero state a day after 13 police officers are killed in a drug cartel ambush in Michoacán state
Thai government issues an emergency decree banning public gatherings amid increasing pro-democracy protests and criticis
Thai government issues an emergency decree banning public gatherings amid increasing pro-democracy protests and criticism of the king
British MP Sir David Amess is stabbed to death at a meeting with constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England, in a prob
British MP Sir David Amess is stabbed to death at a meeting with constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England, in a probable terror attack
Businessman Daniel Noboa, at 35, is elected Ecuador's youngest-ever president [1]
Daniel Roy Gilchrist Noboa Azín is an Ecuadorian politician and businessman serving as the 48th and current president of Ecuador since 2023.
More than a quarter of Lebanon is now under Israeli evacuation orders, with 1.2 million displaced as Israeli strikes on
More than a quarter of Lebanon is now under Israeli evacuation orders, with 1.2 million displaced as Israeli strikes on Beirut continue [1]