What disaster inspired the construction of the first modern lighthouse? November 10, 1847 — The passenger ship Stephen Whitney wrecked today in thick fog off the southern coast of Ireland, killing... Read More
Happy National Sandwich Day: How did the sammie get its start? November 3, 1762 — Today is Sandwich Day in celebration of the day that British nobleman John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich,... Read More
Where is Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 first performed today in 1783? November 4, 1783 — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 in C major, K. 425 premiered today in Linz, Austria. Known as... Read More
What is Londoner John Austin best known for? November 7, 1783 — Highwayman John Austin is the last man to be publicly hanged at London’s Tyburn gallows today. The hanging... Read More
How much loot did Jesse James’ gang steal from a bank in Missouri today in 1866? October 30, 1866 — Jesse James and his gang robbed a bank in Lexington, Missouri today, stealing $2000. The American outlaw, guerrilla, gang... Read More
Which organization helped establish the International Committee of Red Cross? October 29, 1863 — Today, the International Committee of Red Cross formed as result of a conference held in Geneva, Switzerland. Its sole... Read More
Why did New York gave up claim to Vermont today in 1790? October 28, 1790 — New York gave up claims to Vermont for $30,000 today. Negotiations for the sale began three years earlier,... Read More
Which branch of the armed forces was formed today? October 27, 1775 — The US Navy formed today. Rooted in the American seafaring tradition, it produced a large community of sailors, captains... Read More
Which Ivy League University received its charter today in 1746? October 22, 1746 — Princeton University received its charter today. Called the College of New Jersey (which was its name for the next... Read More
When did the famous Can-Can dancers arrive in the US? October 21, 1830 — The famous dance, the Can-Can, is performed for the first time today in Paris. The high-energy and... Read More
Who is considered the first modern historian of ancient Rome? October 15, 1764 — Today, Edward Gibbon observed a group of friars singing in the ruined Temple of Jupiter in Rome,... Read More
Who published the first edition of the “Old Farmer’s Almanac” today in 1792? October 13, 1792 — The first edition of the “Old Farmer’s Almanac” is published today by editor Robert B. Thomas. It was George... Read More
