Birth of Ignacy Paderewski
Ignacy Jan Paderewski was born on November 6, 1860, in Kuryłówka, Podolia (in present-day Ukraine). He was an accomplished pianist and composer as well as the first Prime Minister of independent Poland.
Government
Iranian Hostage Crisis
On November 4, 1979, Islamic militants seized the American embassy in Tehran, taking hostages. The crisis lasted for over a year, drawing worldwide attention, and playing a significant role in the 1980 presidential election.
Birth of Warren G. Harding
The 29th president of the United States, Warren Gamaliel Harding, was born November 2, 1865, in Blooming Grove, Ohio. He was a popular president at the time, but a series of scandals were then revealed that tarnished his reputation.
Birth of Robert D. Murphy
Robert Daniel Murphy was born on October 28, 1894, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was an accomplished American diplomat who helped plan the Allied landings in North Africa during World War II.
Great Basin National Park
On October 27, 1986, Great Basin National Park was established in Nevada. The park protects ancient bristlecone pines, Wheeler Peak Glacier, and more.
Highway Beautification Act
On October 22, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Highway Beautification Act into law. The law had been spearheaded by his wife, and was even nicknamed after her, called “Lady Bird’s Bill.”
Battle of Ball’s Bluff
The Civil War Battle of Ball’s Bluff was fought in Loudoun County, Virginia on October 21, 1861. Though a minor battle and loss for the Union, it had some long-lasting effects on the war and some interesting historical connections.
Ohio River Canalization Stamp
On October 19, 1929, the US Post Office issued a 2¢ commemorative honoring the canalization of the Ohio River. It came as the culmination of over 50 years of work on the project, which was a major engineering feat.
World Food Day
On October 16, 1945, the United Nations created the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Today, this date is celebrated as World Food Day.