The first Crusaders arrive in Antioch, Ancient Syria, during the First Crusade
The first Crusaders arrive in Antioch, Ancient Syria, during the First Crusade
What Happened on
A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on October 20 throughout history.
114
Events
14
Births
1
Deaths
Historical Events on October 20
Chinese uprising in the Philippines fails after 23,000 people are killed
Chinese uprising in the Philippines fails after 23,000 people are killed
US Senate ratifies the Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase (French: Vente de la Louisiane, lit. 'Sale of Louisiana') was the acquisition of the territory of Louisiana by the United States from the French First Republic in 1803.
US suffragette Alice Paul begins a seven-month jail sentence for peacefully picketing in support of the Women's Suffrage
US suffragette Alice Paul begins a seven-month jail sentence for peacefully picketing in support of the Women's Suffrage (right to vote) Amendment at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Communist forces end their Long March at Yan'an in Shaanxi, China, bringing Mao Zedong to prominence
Communist forces end their Long March at Yan'an in Shaanxi, China, bringing Mao Zedong to prominence
US forces under General Douglas MacArthur return to the Philippines with the landing of the US Sixth Army on the island
US forces under General Douglas MacArthur return to the Philippines with the landing of the US Sixth Army on the island of Leyte
US Justice Department sues Google for an illegal monopoly over search and search advertising
United States v. Google LLC is an ongoing federal antitrust case brought by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) against Google LLC on October 20, 2020.
Comedian Richard Pryor receives the first Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is an American award presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. annually since 1998 (except 2020–2021).
Queen Elizabeth II opens the Sydney Opera House at Bennelong Point in Sydney, Australia, after 14 years of construction
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
US President Nixon proclaims Jim Thorpe to have been the greatest athlete of the first half of the 20th century
James Francis Thorpe (Meskwaki: Wa-Tho-Huk; May 22 or 28, 1887 – March 28, 1953) was an American athlete who won Olympic gold medals and played professional football, baseball, and basketball.
23rd US President Benjamin Harrison (20) weds music teacher Caroline Scott (21)
23rd US President Benjamin Harrison (20) weds music teacher Caroline Scott (21)
British Children's writer Enid Blyton marries 2nd husband surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters at City of Westminster r
British Children's writer Enid Blyton marries 2nd husband surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters at City of Westminster registry office, London
American constitutional lawyer Phyllis Stewart (25) weds attorney John Fred Schlafly, Jr.
American constitutional lawyer Phyllis Stewart (25) weds attorney John Fred Schlafly, Jr.
Spanish troops occupy and plunder Maastricht
Spanish troops occupy and plunder Maastricht
Battle of Coutras: Henry of Navarre's Huguenot army defeats the Catholic League, led by Anne, Duke of Joyeuse, who is ki
Battle of Coutras: Henry of Navarre's Huguenot army defeats the Catholic League, led by Anne, Duke of Joyeuse, who is killed while trying to surrender
Battle of Sekigahara sets the Tokugawa clan as Japan's rulers (shoguns)
The Battle of Sekigahara was an important battle in Japan which occurred on October 21, 1600 (Keichō 5, 15th day of the 9th month) in what is now Gifu Prefecture, Japan, at the end of the Sengoku...
Great Fire of Copenhagen breaks out at Vesterport (the West Gate) and burns for three days, destroying about a third of
Great Fire of Copenhagen breaks out at Vesterport (the West Gate) and burns for three days, destroying about a third of the city
Maria Theresa becomes ruler of Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia
Maria Theresa (Maria Theresia Walburga Amalia Christina; 13 May 1717 – 29 November 1780) was the ruler of the Habsburg monarchy from 1740 until her death in 1780, and the only woman to hold the...
Royal ship Duc de Bourgogne is launched at Rochefort
The list of ship launches in 1751 includes a chronological list of some ships launched in 1751.
American Continental Congress orders discouragement of entertainment
American Continental Congress orders discouragement of entertainment
Harvard University organizes the first astronomical expedition in the US
Harvard University organizes the first astronomical expedition in the US
German Kingdom of Westphalia abolished
The Kingdom of Westphalia was a client state of France in present-day Germany that existed from 1807 to 1813. While formally independent, it was ruled by Napoleon's brother Jérôme Bonaparte.
First Mississippi showboat leaves Nashville on its maiden voyage
First Mississippi showboat leaves Nashville on its maiden voyage
The 49th parallel becomes the border between the US and Canada
The 49th parallel becomes the border between the US and Canada
First edition of the London Sunday Times
The Sunday Times is a British Sunday newspaper whose circulation makes it the largest in Britain's quality press market category. It was founded in 1821 as The New Observer.
Naval Battle of Navarino (off the Peloponnese coast): English, Russian, and French combined fleet defeats a Turkish and
Naval Battle of Navarino (off the Peloponnese coast): English, Russian, and French combined fleet defeats a Turkish and Egyptian force, paving the way for Greek independence
HMS Beagle leaves Galapagos Archipelago to sail to Tahiti
HMS Beagle leaves Galapagos Archipelago to sail to Tahiti
The first Chinese immigrant arrives in Suriname
The first Chinese immigrant arrives in Suriname
12-year-old English boy William Nelman poisons his grandpa with arsenic, becoming a famous court case
12-year-old English boy William Nelman poisons his grandpa with arsenic, becoming a famous court case
Arnhem-Oberhausen railway opens in the Netherlands
The Oberhausen–Arnhem railway (also known in German as the Hollandstrecke, meaning "Holland line") is a two-track, electrified main line railway running close to the lower Rhine from Oberhausen via...
Amnesty is proclaimed for escaped slaves of Suriname
Amnesty is proclaimed for escaped slaves of Suriname
Amsterdam Free University opens
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (abbreviated as VU Amsterdam or simply VU when in context) is a public research university in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1880.
Max Bruch's "Kol Nidre" is first performed
Max Bruch's "Kol Nidre" is first performed
Chicago and All America baseball teams play an exhibition match in Auckland, New Zealand
Chicago and All America baseball teams play an exhibition match in Auckland, New Zealand
The first Six Days of New York, an international 6-day bike race, begins at New York City's Madison Square Garden
The first Six Days of New York, an international 6-day bike race, begins at New York City's Madison Square Garden
NC Mutual & Provident Insurance Company forms
NC Mutual & Provident Insurance Company forms
American yacht Columbia beats the Shamrock challenge from Royal Ulster Yacht Club in the 11th America's Cup
The America's Cup is a sailing competition and the oldest international competition still operating in any sport.
The Chamber of Deputies appoints a committee to consider questions on the separation of Church and State in France
The Chamber of Deputies appoints a committee to consider questions on the separation of Church and State in France
US wins the disputed boundary between the District of Alaska and Canada
US wins the disputed boundary between the District of Alaska and Canada
Bolivia and Chile sign a treaty ending the War of the Pacific, recognizing Chile's possession of the coast and providing
Bolivia and Chile sign a treaty ending the War of the Pacific, recognizing Chile's possession of the coast and providing for the construction of a railway linking La Paz, Bolivia, to Arica on the coast
Great General Strike in Russia begins and lasts 11 days
Great General Strike in Russia begins and lasts 11 days
Dr. Lee De Forest demonstrates his electrical vacuum tube (radio tube)
Lee de Forest (August 26, 1873 – June 30, 1961) was an American inventor, electrical engineer, and early pioneer in electronics of fundamental importance.
Soccer team KFC (Kooger Football Club) forms in Koog aan de Zaan, Netherlands
Soccer team KFC (Kooger Football Club) forms in Koog aan de Zaan, Netherlands
Cort Theatre opens at 148 W 48th St, New York City
Cort Theatre opens at 148 W 48th St, New York City
"1st Year" with Frank Craven premieres in New York City
"1st Year" with Frank Craven premieres in New York City
Germany and Allies come to an agreement over reparation payments in a meeting at Wiesbaden
Germany and Allies come to an agreement over reparation payments in a meeting at Wiesbaden
Kenilworth in the Bronx is renamed Dwight Place
Kenilworth in the Bronx is renamed Dwight Place
Hurricane in Cuba kills 600 people
Hurricane in Cuba kills 600 people
Bayshore Highway opens in San Francisco
Bayshore Highway opens in San Francisco
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes premieres on NBC radio
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes premieres on NBC radio
Frankie Frisch of the Cardinals is named MVP
Frank Francis Frisch (September 9, 1897—March 12, 1973), nicknamed "the Fordham Flash" or "the Old Flash", was an American professional baseball second baseman and manager.
Journalist Robert Trout joins CBS
Robert Trout (born Robert Albert Blondheim; October 15, 1909 – November 14, 2000) was an American broadcast news reporter who worked on radio before and during World War II for CBS News.
,000 demonstrators protest against fascism in Madrid
,000 demonstrators protest against fascism in Madrid
Carl Hubbell, with a 26-6 record, edges out Dizzy Dean, who has a 24-13 record, for MVP honors in the NL
Carl Hubbell, with a 26-6 record, edges out Dizzy Dean, who has a 24-13 record, for MVP honors in the NL
Cheese rationed in the Netherlands
Cheese rationed in the Netherlands
Nazi occupiers begin two-day systematic murder of over 2,700 inhabitants of Kragujevac, Serbia in retribution for uprisi
Nazi occupiers begin two-day systematic murder of over 2,700 inhabitants of Kragujevac, Serbia in retribution for uprising in which 10 German soldiers were killed
"Durham Manifesto," issued by the Southern Conference on Race Relations, is held in Durham, North Carolina, and calls fo
"Durham Manifesto," issued by the Southern Conference on Race Relations, is held in Durham, North Carolina, and calls for fundamental changes in race relations
Liquid gas tanks explode in Cleveland, Ohio, killing 135 people and leaving 3,600 homeless
Liquid gas tanks explode in Cleveland, Ohio, killing 135 people and leaving 3,600 homeless
Frank Seno returns a kickoff 105 yards in the Chicago Cardinals vs. New York Giants game
Frank Seno returns a kickoff 105 yards in the Chicago Cardinals vs. New York Giants game
HUAC opens hearings into alleged communist influence in Hollywood
HUAC opens hearings into alleged communist influence in Hollywood
Robinson Jeffers' play "Medea," adapted from Euripides, premieres in New York City
Robinson Jeffers' play "Medea," adapted from Euripides, premieres in New York City
Eugenie Anderson becomes the first woman US ambassador (to Denmark)
Eugenie Anderson (May 26, 1909 – March 31, 1997), also known as Helen Eugenie Moore Anderson, was a United States diplomat.
The "Johnny Bright Incident" occurs during a football game in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where an African-American quarterbac
The "Johnny Bright Incident" occurs during a football game in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where an African-American quarterback from Drake University suffers a broken jaw in a violent attack by Oklahoma A&M defenders [1]
A state of emergency is declared in Kenya in response to the Mau Mau Rebellion
The Mau Mau rebellion (1952–1960), also known as the Mau Mau uprising or Kenya Emergency, was an armed conflict in the British Colony of Kenya between the Kenya Land and Freedom Army (KLFA) and the...
WRAU (now WHOI) TV channel 19 in Peoria, IL (ABC) begins broadcasting
WRAU (now WHOI) TV channel 19 in Peoria, IL (ABC) begins broadcasting
58°F (15°C) at Esperanza Station, Antarctica, an Antarctic record high
Antarctica ( ) is Earth's southernmost and least-populated continent. Situated almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle and surrounded by the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean),...
Karachi A (277-0d) beats Sind A by an innings without losing a wicket
Karachi A (277-0d) beats Sind A by an innings without losing a wicket
Clark Griffith of the Senators says the team will not move the franchise
Clark Griffith of the Senators says the team will not move the franchise
First fully mechanized post office opens in Providence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island ( ROHD) is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States.
Ralph Houk, 41, replaces Casey Stengel as Yankees manager
Charles Dillon "Casey" Stengel (July 30, 1890 – September 29, 1975) was an American Major League Baseball right fielder and manager, best known as the manager of the championship New York Yankees of...
Chinese army lands in India
Chinese army lands in India
Jim Brown sets the NFL single-season rushing record with 1,863 yards
James Nathaniel Brown (February 17, 1936 – May 18, 2023) was an American professional football player, civil rights activist, and actor.
Ann Packer of Great Britain runs a world record 2:01.1 to win the women's 800 m gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics
Ann Packer of Great Britain runs a world record 2:01.1 to win the women's 800 m gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics
Mass arrests of communists in Indonesia
From October 1965 to March 1966, a series of large-scale killings and civil unrest primarily targeting members and supposed sympathizers of the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) took place in...
A purported Bigfoot is filmed at Bluff Creek in Northern California by Roger Patterson and Robert Gimlin
A purported Bigfoot is filmed at Bluff Creek in Northern California by Roger Patterson and Robert Gimlin
American Dick Fosbury, using his unconventional technique, wins the men's high jump gold medal with 2.24 m at the Mexico
American Dick Fosbury, using his unconventional technique, wins the men's high jump gold medal with 2.24 m at the Mexico City Olympics; the "Fosbury Flop" becomes accepted as the most efficient technique
American sprinter Jim Hines anchors the US men's 4 x 100 m relay team to win his second gold medal at the Mexico City Ol
American sprinter Jim Hines anchors the US men's 4 x 100 m relay team to win his second gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics with teammates Charles Greene, Mel Pender, and Ronnie Ray Smith, setting a world record of 38.24 seconds
WKYH (now WYMT) TV channel 57 in Hazard, KY (NBC) begins broadcasting
WKYH (now WYMT) TV channel 57 in Hazard, KY (NBC) begins broadcasting
American agronomist Norman Borlaug is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to world food supply
The 1970 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the American agronomist Norman Borlaug (1914–2009) "for having given a well-founded hope - the green revolution." He is the thirteenth American recipient of...
The Nepal stock exchange collapses
The Nepal stock exchange collapses
Queen Juliana visits Yugoslavia
Queen Juliana visits Yugoslavia
Family Station Inc. buys shortwave radio station WNYW, changes the call letters to WYFR, and moves the station from New
Family Station Inc. buys shortwave radio station WNYW, changes the call letters to WYFR, and moves the station from New York City to Scituate, Massachusetts
Mariette Hartley appears on "The Bob Newhart Show" in the episode "Have You Met Miss Dietz?"
This is a list of episodes for The Bob Newhart Show, which was originally broadcast on CBS from 1972 to 1978, spanning six seasons and 142 half-hour episodes.
Bard's presentation of "Richard III" opens at Lincoln Center, New York City
Bard's presentation of "Richard III" opens at Lincoln Center, New York City
Soviet orbiter Venera 9 becomes the first spacecraft to orbit Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun. It is often called Earth's "twin" or "sister" among the planets of the Solar System for its orbit being the closest to Earth's, both being terrestrial...
George Prince ferry disaster: 70 die when Norwegian tanker SS Frosta collides with the George Prince ferry on the Missis
George Prince ferry disaster: 70 die when Norwegian tanker SS Frosta collides with the George Prince ferry on the Mississippi River in Louisiana
David Mamet's "A Life in the Theatre" premieres in New York City
David Mamet's "A Life in the Theatre" premieres in New York City
British ska-rock band The Police perform their first US concert at CBGB in NYC
British ska-rock band The Police perform their first US concert at CBGB in NYC
American John Tate beats local favorite Gerrie Coetzee by UD in 15 rounds in Pretoria, South Africa, for the vacant WBA
American John Tate beats local favorite Gerrie Coetzee by UD in 15 rounds in Pretoria, South Africa, for the vacant WBA heavyweight boxing title
Bomb attack on a synagogue in Antwerp, Belgium, leaves one person dead and injures 80
Bomb attack on a synagogue in Antwerp, Belgium, leaves one person dead and injures 80
Billy Martin is fired as manager of the Oakland A's
Alfred Manuel "Billy" Martin Jr. (May 16, 1928 – December 25, 1989) was an American Major League Baseball (MLB) second baseman and manager, who, in addition to leading other teams, was five times the...
IBM-PC DOS Version 2.1 is released
IBM-PC DOS Version 2.1 is released
Cleveland Metroparks' Valley Parkway All Purpose Trails is completed
Cleveland Metroparks' Valley Parkway All Purpose Trails is completed
Islanders' Mike Bossy's 30th career hat trick in his 6th career 4-goal game, an 8-3 win over the visiting Los Angeles Ki
Islanders' Mike Bossy's 30th career hat trick in his 6th career 4-goal game, an 8-3 win over the visiting Los Angeles Kings
Tupolev-134 crashes in Southern Africa
Tupolev-134 crashes in Southern Africa
Dow Jones Industrial Average increases 102.27 points with 608,120,000 shares traded (record)
Dow Jones Industrial Average increases 102.27 points with 608,120,000 shares traded (record)
Britain ends suspects' right to remain silent in a crackdown on the IRA
Britain ends suspects' right to remain silent in a crackdown on the IRA
Pakistan wins the Sharjah Trophy over India and West Indies in a round-robin format
The 1989 Champions Trophy was held in Sharjah, UAE, between October 13–20, 1989. Three national teams took part: India, Pakistan and West Indies. The 1989 Champions Trophy was a double round-robin...
Anti-war marches protesting against the US-Iraq war begin in 20 US cities
Anti-war marches protesting against the US-Iraq war begin in 20 US cities
6.1-7.1 earthquake in Uttarkashi, India, kills about 670 people
6.1-7.1 earthquake in Uttarkashi, India, kills about 670 people
David Houghton scores Zimbabwe's first Test century (121 vs. India on debut)
David Laud Houghton is a Zimbabwean cricket coach and former cricketer. He was the first test captain of Zimbabwe. He captained Zimbabwe in their first four Test matches and led the team in 17 One...
Sri Lanka beats West Indies to win the Sharjah Champions Trophy final
Sri Lanka beats West Indies to win the Sharjah Champions Trophy final
Wasim Akram (257) and Saqlain Mushtaq achieve a cricket Test record of 313 for the 8th wicket against Zimbabwe at Sheikh
Wasim Akram (257) and Saqlain Mushtaq achieve a cricket Test record of 313 for the 8th wicket against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura
Richard Gnida, limo driver in Detroit Red Wings crash, pleads guilty
Richard Gnida, limo driver in Detroit Red Wings crash, pleads guilty
6th Rugby World Cup Final, Stade de France, Saint-Denis: Springboks fullback Percy Montgomery lands 4/4 penalties as Sou
6th Rugby World Cup Final, Stade de France, Saint-Denis: Springboks fullback Percy Montgomery lands 4/4 penalties as South Africa beats England 15-6
"Water by the Spoonful" play by Quiara Alegría Hudes opens at the Hartford Stage (Pulitzer Prize for Drama 2012) [1]
Water by the Spoonful (2011) is an American play by Quiara Alegría Hudes and the second part of the Elliot Trilogy.
30 people are killed by a suicide truck bomber in Hama, Syria
30 people are killed by a suicide truck bomber in Hama, Syria
Migrants arriving in Greece top 500,000 for the year, according to the UN
Refugees of the Syrian civil war are citizens and permanent residents of Syria who fled the country in the course of the Syrian civil war.
Pollution is linked to 1 in 6 deaths worldwide, or 9 million, in 2015, according to a report published in "The Lancet"
Pollution is linked to 1 in 6 deaths worldwide, or 9 million, in 2015, according to a report published in "The Lancet"
Australia's center-right coalition government loses its one-seat majority by losing the Wentworth by-election
Australia's center-right coalition government loses its one-seat majority by losing the Wentworth by-election
The Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner completes the first New York to Sydney non-stop test flight by a commercial airline in
The Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner completes the first New York to Sydney non-stop test flight by a commercial airline in 19 hours 42 minutes
Argentina becomes the fifth country in the world to record over 1 million confirmed COVID-19 cases with the death toll a
Argentina becomes the fifth country in the world to record over 1 million confirmed COVID-19 cases with the death toll at 26,716
Claim that the world's oldest pyramid constructed by humans is under the Indonesian prehistoric site of Gunung Padang, W
Claim that the world's oldest pyramid constructed by humans is under the Indonesian prehistoric site of Gunung Padang, West Java, and is 27,000 years old causes controversy [1]
Amazon Web Services experiences an outage at its US-EAST-1 cloud hub in Virginia, affecting social media systems and oth
Amazon Web Services experiences an outage at its US-EAST-1 cloud hub in Virginia, affecting social media systems and other websites [1]
Famous Births on October 20
birth
Christopher Wren is born
Christopher Wren architect, known for english architect, was born on 1632-10-20. Sir Christopher Wren FRS (30 October 1632 [O.S. 20 October] – 8 March 1723 [O.S.
birth
Henry John Temple is born
Henry John Temple is born
birth
Kamala Harris is born
Kamala Harris is born
birth
Bela Lugosi is born
Bela Lugosi, American actor, known for hungarian actor, was born on 1882-10-20. Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó, better known by the stage name Bela Lugosi, was a Hungarian–American actor.
birth
Danny Boyle is born
Danny Boyle, British director and producer, known for english director and producer, was born on 1957-10-20. Daniel Francis Boyle is a British director and producer.
birth
John Krasinski is born
John Krasinski, American actor and filmmaker, known for american actor and filmmaker, was born on 1980-10-20. John Burke Krasinski is an American actor and filmmaker.
birth
Candice Swanepoel is born
Candice Swanepoel, South African african model, known for south african model, was born on 1989-10-20. Candice Susan Swanepoel is a South African model.
birth
Snoop Dogg is born
Snoop Dogg musician, known for american rapper, was born on 1972-10-20. Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., known professionally as Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg), is an American rapper, singer,…
birth
NBA YoungBoy is born
NBA YoungBoy, American musician, known for american rapper, was born on 2000-10-20.
birth
Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt is born
Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt athlete, known for american businessman and sportsman, was born on 1877-10-20. Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Sr.
birth
Juan Marichal is born
Juan Marichal, Dominican athlete, known for dominican baseball player, was born on 1938-10-20.
birth
Keith Hernandez is born
Keith Hernandez, American athlete, known for american baseball player and broadcaster, was born on 1954-10-20. Keith Hernandez is an American former professional baseball first baseman.
birth
Arthur Rimbaud is born
Arthur Rimbaud, French poet, known for french poet, was born on 1854-10-20. Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud was a French poet known for his transgressive and surreal themes and for his influence on…
birth
John Dewey is born
John Dewey, American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer, known for american philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer, was born on 1859-10-20.
Notable Deaths on October 20
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on October 20, 1097?
- The first Crusaders arrive in Antioch, Ancient Syria, during the First Crusade
- What happened on October 20, 1603?
- Chinese uprising in the Philippines fails after 23,000 people are killed
- What happened on October 20, 1803?
- The Louisiana Purchase (French: Vente de la Louisiane, lit. 'Sale of Louisiana') was the acquisition of the territory of Louisiana by the United States from the French First Republic in 1803.
- What happened on October 20, 1917?
- US suffragette Alice Paul begins a seven-month jail sentence for peacefully picketing in support of the Women's Suffrage (right to vote) Amendment at the White House in Washington, D.C.
- What happened on October 20, 1935?
- Communist forces end their Long March at Yan'an in Shaanxi, China, bringing Mao Zedong to prominence
Complete Timeline — October 20 Through the Ages
The first Crusaders arrive in Antioch, Ancient Syria, during the First Crusade
The first Crusaders arrive in Antioch, Ancient Syria, during the First Crusade
Spanish troops occupy and plunder Maastricht
Spanish troops occupy and plunder Maastricht
Battle of Coutras: Henry of Navarre's Huguenot army defeats the Catholic League, led by Anne, Duke of Joyeuse, who is ki
Battle of Coutras: Henry of Navarre's Huguenot army defeats the Catholic League, led by Anne, Duke of Joyeuse, who is killed while trying to surrender
Battle of Sekigahara sets the Tokugawa clan as Japan's rulers (shoguns)
The Battle of Sekigahara was an important battle in Japan which occurred on October 21, 1600 (Keichō 5, 15th day of the 9th month) in what is now Gifu Prefecture, Japan, at the end of the Sengoku...
Chinese uprising in the Philippines fails after 23,000 people are killed
Chinese uprising in the Philippines fails after 23,000 people are killed
Christopher Wren is born
Christopher Wren architect, known for english architect, was born on 1632-10-20. Sir Christopher Wren FRS (30 October 1632 [O.S. 20 October] – 8 March 1723 [O.S.
Great Fire of Copenhagen breaks out at Vesterport (the West Gate) and burns for three days, destroying about a third of
Great Fire of Copenhagen breaks out at Vesterport (the West Gate) and burns for three days, destroying about a third of the city
Maria Theresa becomes ruler of Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia
Maria Theresa (Maria Theresia Walburga Amalia Christina; 13 May 1717 – 29 November 1780) was the ruler of the Habsburg monarchy from 1740 until her death in 1780, and the only woman to hold the...
Royal ship Duc de Bourgogne is launched at Rochefort
The list of ship launches in 1751 includes a chronological list of some ships launched in 1751.
American Continental Congress orders discouragement of entertainment
American Continental Congress orders discouragement of entertainment
Henry John Temple is born
Henry John Temple is born
Harvard University organizes the first astronomical expedition in the US
Harvard University organizes the first astronomical expedition in the US
US Senate ratifies the Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase (French: Vente de la Louisiane, lit. 'Sale of Louisiana') was the acquisition of the territory of Louisiana by the United States from the French First Republic in 1803.
German Kingdom of Westphalia abolished
The Kingdom of Westphalia was a client state of France in present-day Germany that existed from 1807 to 1813. While formally independent, it was ruled by Napoleon's brother Jérôme Bonaparte.
First Mississippi showboat leaves Nashville on its maiden voyage
First Mississippi showboat leaves Nashville on its maiden voyage
The 49th parallel becomes the border between the US and Canada
The 49th parallel becomes the border between the US and Canada
First edition of the London Sunday Times
The Sunday Times is a British Sunday newspaper whose circulation makes it the largest in Britain's quality press market category. It was founded in 1821 as The New Observer.
Naval Battle of Navarino (off the Peloponnese coast): English, Russian, and French combined fleet defeats a Turkish and
Naval Battle of Navarino (off the Peloponnese coast): English, Russian, and French combined fleet defeats a Turkish and Egyptian force, paving the way for Greek independence
HMS Beagle leaves Galapagos Archipelago to sail to Tahiti
HMS Beagle leaves Galapagos Archipelago to sail to Tahiti
The first Chinese immigrant arrives in Suriname
The first Chinese immigrant arrives in Suriname
12-year-old English boy William Nelman poisons his grandpa with arsenic, becoming a famous court case
12-year-old English boy William Nelman poisons his grandpa with arsenic, becoming a famous court case
23rd US President Benjamin Harrison (20) weds music teacher Caroline Scott (21)
23rd US President Benjamin Harrison (20) weds music teacher Caroline Scott (21)
Arthur Rimbaud is born
Arthur Rimbaud, French poet, known for french poet, was born on 1854-10-20. Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud was a French poet known for his transgressive and surreal themes and for his influence on…
Arnhem-Oberhausen railway opens in the Netherlands
The Oberhausen–Arnhem railway (also known in German as the Hollandstrecke, meaning "Holland line") is a two-track, electrified main line railway running close to the lower Rhine from Oberhausen via...
John Dewey is born
John Dewey, American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer, known for american philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer, was born on 1859-10-20.
Amnesty is proclaimed for escaped slaves of Suriname
Amnesty is proclaimed for escaped slaves of Suriname
Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt is born
Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt athlete, known for american businessman and sportsman, was born on 1877-10-20. Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Sr.
Amsterdam Free University opens
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (abbreviated as VU Amsterdam or simply VU when in context) is a public research university in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1880.
Bela Lugosi is born
Bela Lugosi, American actor, known for hungarian actor, was born on 1882-10-20. Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó, better known by the stage name Bela Lugosi, was a Hungarian–American actor.
Max Bruch's "Kol Nidre" is first performed
Max Bruch's "Kol Nidre" is first performed
Chicago and All America baseball teams play an exhibition match in Auckland, New Zealand
Chicago and All America baseball teams play an exhibition match in Auckland, New Zealand
The first Six Days of New York, an international 6-day bike race, begins at New York City's Madison Square Garden
The first Six Days of New York, an international 6-day bike race, begins at New York City's Madison Square Garden
NC Mutual & Provident Insurance Company forms
NC Mutual & Provident Insurance Company forms
American yacht Columbia beats the Shamrock challenge from Royal Ulster Yacht Club in the 11th America's Cup
The America's Cup is a sailing competition and the oldest international competition still operating in any sport.
The Chamber of Deputies appoints a committee to consider questions on the separation of Church and State in France
The Chamber of Deputies appoints a committee to consider questions on the separation of Church and State in France
US wins the disputed boundary between the District of Alaska and Canada
US wins the disputed boundary between the District of Alaska and Canada
Bolivia and Chile sign a treaty ending the War of the Pacific, recognizing Chile's possession of the coast and providing
Bolivia and Chile sign a treaty ending the War of the Pacific, recognizing Chile's possession of the coast and providing for the construction of a railway linking La Paz, Bolivia, to Arica on the coast
Great General Strike in Russia begins and lasts 11 days
Great General Strike in Russia begins and lasts 11 days
Dr. Lee De Forest demonstrates his electrical vacuum tube (radio tube)
Lee de Forest (August 26, 1873 – June 30, 1961) was an American inventor, electrical engineer, and early pioneer in electronics of fundamental importance.
Soccer team KFC (Kooger Football Club) forms in Koog aan de Zaan, Netherlands
Soccer team KFC (Kooger Football Club) forms in Koog aan de Zaan, Netherlands
Cort Theatre opens at 148 W 48th St, New York City
Cort Theatre opens at 148 W 48th St, New York City
US suffragette Alice Paul begins a seven-month jail sentence for peacefully picketing in support of the Women's Suffrage
US suffragette Alice Paul begins a seven-month jail sentence for peacefully picketing in support of the Women's Suffrage (right to vote) Amendment at the White House in Washington, D.C.
"1st Year" with Frank Craven premieres in New York City
"1st Year" with Frank Craven premieres in New York City
Germany and Allies come to an agreement over reparation payments in a meeting at Wiesbaden
Germany and Allies come to an agreement over reparation payments in a meeting at Wiesbaden
Kenilworth in the Bronx is renamed Dwight Place
Kenilworth in the Bronx is renamed Dwight Place
Hurricane in Cuba kills 600 people
Hurricane in Cuba kills 600 people
Bayshore Highway opens in San Francisco
Bayshore Highway opens in San Francisco
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes premieres on NBC radio
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes premieres on NBC radio
Frankie Frisch of the Cardinals is named MVP
Frank Francis Frisch (September 9, 1897—March 12, 1973), nicknamed "the Fordham Flash" or "the Old Flash", was an American professional baseball second baseman and manager.
Journalist Robert Trout joins CBS
Robert Trout (born Robert Albert Blondheim; October 15, 1909 – November 14, 2000) was an American broadcast news reporter who worked on radio before and during World War II for CBS News.
Communist forces end their Long March at Yan'an in Shaanxi, China, bringing Mao Zedong to prominence
Communist forces end their Long March at Yan'an in Shaanxi, China, bringing Mao Zedong to prominence
,000 demonstrators protest against fascism in Madrid
,000 demonstrators protest against fascism in Madrid
Carl Hubbell, with a 26-6 record, edges out Dizzy Dean, who has a 24-13 record, for MVP honors in the NL
Carl Hubbell, with a 26-6 record, edges out Dizzy Dean, who has a 24-13 record, for MVP honors in the NL
Juan Marichal is born
Juan Marichal, Dominican athlete, known for dominican baseball player, was born on 1938-10-20.
Cheese rationed in the Netherlands
Cheese rationed in the Netherlands
Nazi occupiers begin two-day systematic murder of over 2,700 inhabitants of Kragujevac, Serbia in retribution for uprisi
Nazi occupiers begin two-day systematic murder of over 2,700 inhabitants of Kragujevac, Serbia in retribution for uprising in which 10 German soldiers were killed
"Durham Manifesto," issued by the Southern Conference on Race Relations, is held in Durham, North Carolina, and calls fo
"Durham Manifesto," issued by the Southern Conference on Race Relations, is held in Durham, North Carolina, and calls for fundamental changes in race relations
British Children's writer Enid Blyton marries 2nd husband surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters at City of Westminster r
British Children's writer Enid Blyton marries 2nd husband surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters at City of Westminster registry office, London
US forces under General Douglas MacArthur return to the Philippines with the landing of the US Sixth Army on the island
US forces under General Douglas MacArthur return to the Philippines with the landing of the US Sixth Army on the island of Leyte
Liquid gas tanks explode in Cleveland, Ohio, killing 135 people and leaving 3,600 homeless
Liquid gas tanks explode in Cleveland, Ohio, killing 135 people and leaving 3,600 homeless
Frank Seno returns a kickoff 105 yards in the Chicago Cardinals vs. New York Giants game
Frank Seno returns a kickoff 105 yards in the Chicago Cardinals vs. New York Giants game
HUAC opens hearings into alleged communist influence in Hollywood
HUAC opens hearings into alleged communist influence in Hollywood
Robinson Jeffers' play "Medea," adapted from Euripides, premieres in New York City
Robinson Jeffers' play "Medea," adapted from Euripides, premieres in New York City
American constitutional lawyer Phyllis Stewart (25) weds attorney John Fred Schlafly, Jr.
American constitutional lawyer Phyllis Stewart (25) weds attorney John Fred Schlafly, Jr.
Eugenie Anderson becomes the first woman US ambassador (to Denmark)
Eugenie Anderson (May 26, 1909 – March 31, 1997), also known as Helen Eugenie Moore Anderson, was a United States diplomat.
The "Johnny Bright Incident" occurs during a football game in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where an African-American quarterbac
The "Johnny Bright Incident" occurs during a football game in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where an African-American quarterback from Drake University suffers a broken jaw in a violent attack by Oklahoma A&M defenders [1]
A state of emergency is declared in Kenya in response to the Mau Mau Rebellion
The Mau Mau rebellion (1952–1960), also known as the Mau Mau uprising or Kenya Emergency, was an armed conflict in the British Colony of Kenya between the Kenya Land and Freedom Army (KLFA) and the...
WRAU (now WHOI) TV channel 19 in Peoria, IL (ABC) begins broadcasting
WRAU (now WHOI) TV channel 19 in Peoria, IL (ABC) begins broadcasting
Keith Hernandez is born
Keith Hernandez, American athlete, known for american baseball player and broadcaster, was born on 1954-10-20. Keith Hernandez is an American former professional baseball first baseman.
58°F (15°C) at Esperanza Station, Antarctica, an Antarctic record high
Antarctica ( ) is Earth's southernmost and least-populated continent. Situated almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle and surrounded by the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean),...
Karachi A (277-0d) beats Sind A by an innings without losing a wicket
Karachi A (277-0d) beats Sind A by an innings without losing a wicket
Danny Boyle is born
Danny Boyle, British director and producer, known for english director and producer, was born on 1957-10-20. Daniel Francis Boyle is a British director and producer.
Clark Griffith of the Senators says the team will not move the franchise
Clark Griffith of the Senators says the team will not move the franchise
First fully mechanized post office opens in Providence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island ( ROHD) is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States.
Ralph Houk, 41, replaces Casey Stengel as Yankees manager
Charles Dillon "Casey" Stengel (July 30, 1890 – September 29, 1975) was an American Major League Baseball right fielder and manager, best known as the manager of the championship New York Yankees of...
Chinese army lands in India
Chinese army lands in India
Jim Brown sets the NFL single-season rushing record with 1,863 yards
James Nathaniel Brown (February 17, 1936 – May 18, 2023) was an American professional football player, civil rights activist, and actor.
Ann Packer of Great Britain runs a world record 2:01.1 to win the women's 800 m gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics
Ann Packer of Great Britain runs a world record 2:01.1 to win the women's 800 m gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics
Mass arrests of communists in Indonesia
From October 1965 to March 1966, a series of large-scale killings and civil unrest primarily targeting members and supposed sympathizers of the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) took place in...
Kamala Harris is born
Kamala Harris is born
A purported Bigfoot is filmed at Bluff Creek in Northern California by Roger Patterson and Robert Gimlin
A purported Bigfoot is filmed at Bluff Creek in Northern California by Roger Patterson and Robert Gimlin
American Dick Fosbury, using his unconventional technique, wins the men's high jump gold medal with 2.24 m at the Mexico
American Dick Fosbury, using his unconventional technique, wins the men's high jump gold medal with 2.24 m at the Mexico City Olympics; the "Fosbury Flop" becomes accepted as the most efficient technique
American sprinter Jim Hines anchors the US men's 4 x 100 m relay team to win his second gold medal at the Mexico City Ol
American sprinter Jim Hines anchors the US men's 4 x 100 m relay team to win his second gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics with teammates Charles Greene, Mel Pender, and Ronnie Ray Smith, setting a world record of 38.24 seconds
WKYH (now WYMT) TV channel 57 in Hazard, KY (NBC) begins broadcasting
WKYH (now WYMT) TV channel 57 in Hazard, KY (NBC) begins broadcasting
American agronomist Norman Borlaug is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to world food supply
The 1970 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the American agronomist Norman Borlaug (1914–2009) "for having given a well-founded hope - the green revolution." He is the thirteenth American recipient of...
The Nepal stock exchange collapses
The Nepal stock exchange collapses
Queen Juliana visits Yugoslavia
Queen Juliana visits Yugoslavia
Snoop Dogg is born
Snoop Dogg musician, known for american rapper, was born on 1972-10-20. Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., known professionally as Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg), is an American rapper, singer,…
Queen Elizabeth II opens the Sydney Opera House at Bennelong Point in Sydney, Australia, after 14 years of construction
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
US President Nixon proclaims Jim Thorpe to have been the greatest athlete of the first half of the 20th century
James Francis Thorpe (Meskwaki: Wa-Tho-Huk; May 22 or 28, 1887 – March 28, 1953) was an American athlete who won Olympic gold medals and played professional football, baseball, and basketball.
Family Station Inc. buys shortwave radio station WNYW, changes the call letters to WYFR, and moves the station from New
Family Station Inc. buys shortwave radio station WNYW, changes the call letters to WYFR, and moves the station from New York City to Scituate, Massachusetts
Mariette Hartley appears on "The Bob Newhart Show" in the episode "Have You Met Miss Dietz?"
This is a list of episodes for The Bob Newhart Show, which was originally broadcast on CBS from 1972 to 1978, spanning six seasons and 142 half-hour episodes.
Bard's presentation of "Richard III" opens at Lincoln Center, New York City
Bard's presentation of "Richard III" opens at Lincoln Center, New York City
Soviet orbiter Venera 9 becomes the first spacecraft to orbit Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun. It is often called Earth's "twin" or "sister" among the planets of the Solar System for its orbit being the closest to Earth's, both being terrestrial...
George Prince ferry disaster: 70 die when Norwegian tanker SS Frosta collides with the George Prince ferry on the Missis
George Prince ferry disaster: 70 die when Norwegian tanker SS Frosta collides with the George Prince ferry on the Mississippi River in Louisiana
David Mamet's "A Life in the Theatre" premieres in New York City
David Mamet's "A Life in the Theatre" premieres in New York City
British ska-rock band The Police perform their first US concert at CBGB in NYC
British ska-rock band The Police perform their first US concert at CBGB in NYC
American John Tate beats local favorite Gerrie Coetzee by UD in 15 rounds in Pretoria, South Africa, for the vacant WBA
American John Tate beats local favorite Gerrie Coetzee by UD in 15 rounds in Pretoria, South Africa, for the vacant WBA heavyweight boxing title
John Krasinski is born
John Krasinski, American actor and filmmaker, known for american actor and filmmaker, was born on 1980-10-20. John Burke Krasinski is an American actor and filmmaker.
Bomb attack on a synagogue in Antwerp, Belgium, leaves one person dead and injures 80
Bomb attack on a synagogue in Antwerp, Belgium, leaves one person dead and injures 80
Billy Martin is fired as manager of the Oakland A's
Alfred Manuel "Billy" Martin Jr. (May 16, 1928 – December 25, 1989) was an American Major League Baseball (MLB) second baseman and manager, who, in addition to leading other teams, was five times the...
IBM-PC DOS Version 2.1 is released
IBM-PC DOS Version 2.1 is released
Cleveland Metroparks' Valley Parkway All Purpose Trails is completed
Cleveland Metroparks' Valley Parkway All Purpose Trails is completed
Islanders' Mike Bossy's 30th career hat trick in his 6th career 4-goal game, an 8-3 win over the visiting Los Angeles Ki
Islanders' Mike Bossy's 30th career hat trick in his 6th career 4-goal game, an 8-3 win over the visiting Los Angeles Kings
Tupolev-134 crashes in Southern Africa
Tupolev-134 crashes in Southern Africa
Dow Jones Industrial Average increases 102.27 points with 608,120,000 shares traded (record)
Dow Jones Industrial Average increases 102.27 points with 608,120,000 shares traded (record)
Britain ends suspects' right to remain silent in a crackdown on the IRA
Britain ends suspects' right to remain silent in a crackdown on the IRA
Pakistan wins the Sharjah Trophy over India and West Indies in a round-robin format
The 1989 Champions Trophy was held in Sharjah, UAE, between October 13–20, 1989. Three national teams took part: India, Pakistan and West Indies. The 1989 Champions Trophy was a double round-robin...
Candice Swanepoel is born
Candice Swanepoel, South African african model, known for south african model, was born on 1989-10-20. Candice Susan Swanepoel is a South African model.
Anti-war marches protesting against the US-Iraq war begin in 20 US cities
Anti-war marches protesting against the US-Iraq war begin in 20 US cities
6.1-7.1 earthquake in Uttarkashi, India, kills about 670 people
6.1-7.1 earthquake in Uttarkashi, India, kills about 670 people
David Houghton scores Zimbabwe's first Test century (121 vs. India on debut)
David Laud Houghton is a Zimbabwean cricket coach and former cricketer. He was the first test captain of Zimbabwe. He captained Zimbabwe in their first four Test matches and led the team in 17 One...
Burt Lancaster dies
Burt Lancaster, American actor, known for american actor, died on 1994-10-20. Burton Stephen Lancaster (November 2, 1913 – October 20, 1994) was an American actor.
Sri Lanka beats West Indies to win the Sharjah Champions Trophy final
Sri Lanka beats West Indies to win the Sharjah Champions Trophy final
Wasim Akram (257) and Saqlain Mushtaq achieve a cricket Test record of 313 for the 8th wicket against Zimbabwe at Sheikh
Wasim Akram (257) and Saqlain Mushtaq achieve a cricket Test record of 313 for the 8th wicket against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura
Richard Gnida, limo driver in Detroit Red Wings crash, pleads guilty
Richard Gnida, limo driver in Detroit Red Wings crash, pleads guilty
Comedian Richard Pryor receives the first Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is an American award presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. annually since 1998 (except 2020–2021).
NBA YoungBoy is born
NBA YoungBoy, American musician, known for american rapper, was born on 2000-10-20.
6th Rugby World Cup Final, Stade de France, Saint-Denis: Springboks fullback Percy Montgomery lands 4/4 penalties as Sou
6th Rugby World Cup Final, Stade de France, Saint-Denis: Springboks fullback Percy Montgomery lands 4/4 penalties as South Africa beats England 15-6
"Water by the Spoonful" play by Quiara Alegría Hudes opens at the Hartford Stage (Pulitzer Prize for Drama 2012) [1]
Water by the Spoonful (2011) is an American play by Quiara Alegría Hudes and the second part of the Elliot Trilogy.
30 people are killed by a suicide truck bomber in Hama, Syria
30 people are killed by a suicide truck bomber in Hama, Syria
Migrants arriving in Greece top 500,000 for the year, according to the UN
Refugees of the Syrian civil war are citizens and permanent residents of Syria who fled the country in the course of the Syrian civil war.
Pollution is linked to 1 in 6 deaths worldwide, or 9 million, in 2015, according to a report published in "The Lancet"
Pollution is linked to 1 in 6 deaths worldwide, or 9 million, in 2015, according to a report published in "The Lancet"
Australia's center-right coalition government loses its one-seat majority by losing the Wentworth by-election
Australia's center-right coalition government loses its one-seat majority by losing the Wentworth by-election
The Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner completes the first New York to Sydney non-stop test flight by a commercial airline in
The Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner completes the first New York to Sydney non-stop test flight by a commercial airline in 19 hours 42 minutes
US Justice Department sues Google for an illegal monopoly over search and search advertising
United States v. Google LLC is an ongoing federal antitrust case brought by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) against Google LLC on October 20, 2020.
Argentina becomes the fifth country in the world to record over 1 million confirmed COVID-19 cases with the death toll a
Argentina becomes the fifth country in the world to record over 1 million confirmed COVID-19 cases with the death toll at 26,716
Claim that the world's oldest pyramid constructed by humans is under the Indonesian prehistoric site of Gunung Padang, W
Claim that the world's oldest pyramid constructed by humans is under the Indonesian prehistoric site of Gunung Padang, West Java, and is 27,000 years old causes controversy [1]
Amazon Web Services experiences an outage at its US-EAST-1 cloud hub in Virginia, affecting social media systems and oth
Amazon Web Services experiences an outage at its US-EAST-1 cloud hub in Virginia, affecting social media systems and other websites [1]