Week 1
1. The World Series
In October 1903, the first modern World Series was played between the Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates…
2. Thurgood Marshall
In October 1967, Thurgood Marshall was sworn into the US Supreme Court…
3. Willie Gillis
Norman Rockwell’s fictional soldier, Willie Gillis, debuted on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in October of 1941…
4. Battle of Perryville
In 1862, the Battle of Perryville marked the final major skirmish in Kentucky. The Union victory helped to stabilize battle lines between the two armies…
5. The Black Sox Scandal
After the 1919 World Series, eight members of the Chicago White Sox team were accused of intentionally losing the series…
Week 2
6. The Cloquet Fire
In October 1918, the Cloquet fire, a massive forest fire, burned part of Northern Minnesota and caused massive damage…
7. George Eastman
In October 1884, George Eastman would receive a US Patent for photographic film ensuring his influence on photography…
8. Wayne Gretzky
In October 1989, Wayne Gretzky, a Canadian-born NHL player, broke the NHL point record while playing for the Los Angeles Kings…
9. Tommie Smith and John Carlos
During the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos were ejected from the US Olympic team…
10. Phillis Wheatley
In October 1775, Phillis Wheatley gained her freedom. She was one of the first African American authors in US History…
Week 3
11. Battle of Yorktown
In October 1781, the siege of Yorktown ended. The American victory signified
the end of major land battles during the American Revolution…
12. The Light Bulb
In October 1879, American inventor Thomas Edison filed for a patent that improved upon existing designs of the incandescent light bulb…
13. iPod
In October 2001, the iPod began to replace the walkman and compact CD player as the preferred personal music player…
14. Annie Edson Taylor
Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to go over Niagra Falls in a barrel in October 1901…
15. Wyatt Earp
In October 1881, a fight erupted at the O.K. Corral between the lawmen of Tombstone, Arizona and members of the Cowboy group…
Week 4
16. Mt. Hood
In late October 1792, a large mountain was spotted near the Willamette River, the mountain was named in honor of Samuel Hood, 1st Viscount Hood…
17. Jackie Robinson
In late October 1945, Jackie Robinson signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers marking a very important event for baseball history…
18. Eagle Squadrons
In October 31, 1940, the Battle of Britain ended with a British victory. Individuals from around the world flew in that battle including nine Americans…
19. Juliana
In 1811, the Juliana, a steam-powered ferry, completed its first run between New York and New Jersey symbolizing industrialization…
20. Puerto Rico
In October 1898, Puerto Rico’s colonial status was transferred from Spain to the United States as a result of the Spanish American War…