Government
U.S. Places Embargo on Cuban Goods
On October 19, 1960, President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the first embargo on Cuba.
U.S. Takes Possession of Puerto Rico
On October 18, 1898, U.S. troops raised the American flag over Puerto Rico, marking the start of US possession of the island.
John Paul II Elected Pope
On October 16, 1978, Karol Jozef Wojtyla was selected as Pope of the Catholic Church.
Happy Birthday Eleanor Roosevelt
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was born on October 11, 1884, in New York City, New York.
Death of Statesman John Hancock
On October 8, 1793, statesman, merchant, accused smuggler, and patriot John Hancock died at his home in Boston, Massachusetts.
Stamp Act Congress Meets To Protest Unfair Taxation
In response to Parliament’s Stamp Act of 1765, American colonists assembled in New York City on October 7 to organize a unified protest.
Establishment of Germantown, PA
On October 6, 1683, thirty-three Germans arrived in Pennsylvania to establish the first major German settlement in America.
Happy Birthday Chester A. Arthur
Chester Alan Arthur was born October 5, 1829, in Fairfield, Vermont.
Happy Birthday Rutherford Hayes
Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio.