Discover what happened on October 28 in history as iconic landmarks were unveiled, financial crises shook nations, scientific achievements changed everyday life, and historic events shaped the course of world history.
What Happened on October 28 in History?
On this day, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated, Black Monday devastated Wall Street, the Gateway Arch was completed, the Cuban Missile Crisis moved toward resolution, and Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica.
OCTOBER 28 – TODAY IN HISTORY:
1636 – The Massachusetts Bay Colony’s legislature voted to establish a college in Cambridge, laying the foundation for Harvard University. Named Harvard College in 1639, it became the oldest institution of higher education in what is now the United States.
1793 – Inventor Eli Whitney applied for a patent on his cotton gin, a machine that separated cotton fibers from seeds. Although it revolutionized cotton production, the invention also helped fuel the expansion of slavery in the American South.
1886 – President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, celebrating the monumental gift from France to the United States. Designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, Liberty Enlightening the World became an enduring symbol of freedom and opportunity.
1891 – A powerful earthquake struck central Japan, devastating communities in the Mino and Owari regions and killing more than 7,000 people. The disaster became an important event in the development of modern earthquake science.
1904 – The St. Louis Police Department reportedly began using fingerprints for criminal identification, reflecting the growing adoption of a technique that would transform law enforcement.
1919 – Congress overrode President Woodrow Wilson’s veto of the Volstead Act, establishing the legal framework for enforcing national Prohibition. The nationwide ban on alcoholic beverages took effect in January 1920 and ended in 1933.
1929 – Wall Street suffered a catastrophic sell-off on Black Monday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged nearly 13%. The collapse was one of the defining days of the 1929 stock market crash, which preceded the Great Depression.
1936 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt marked the 50th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty’s dedication with a ceremony in New York Harbor, celebrating the monument’s enduring symbolism for the United States.
1940 – Italian forces invaded Greece from neighboring Albania during World War II. Greek troops resisted the invasion and eventually pushed Italian forces back, delivering an important setback to Benito Mussolini’s military ambitions.
1942 – Construction crews completed the pioneering Alaska Highway route through Canada to Alaska, creating a vital overland military supply connection during World War II. The roughly 1,500-mile roadway was officially dedicated the following month.
1949 – Eugenie Anderson was sworn in as U.S. ambassador to Denmark, becoming the first American woman to serve as chief of a diplomatic mission with the rank of ambassador.
1956 – Elvis Presley received a widely publicized polio vaccination before appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show, helping encourage young Americans to get vaccinated against the disease.
1962 – The Cuban Missile Crisis began moving toward resolution when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev announced that Soviet nuclear missiles would be removed from Cuba. The agreement helped bring the United States and Soviet Union back from the brink of nuclear war.
1958 – Cardinal Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was elected pope by the College of Cardinals and chose the name John XXIII. He later convened the Second Vatican Council, which introduced major reforms to the Roman Catholic Church.
1965 – Construction of the 630-foot Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO, was completed when workers installed its final connecting section. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, the stainless-steel monument became an iconic symbol of America’s westward expansion.
1997 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average rebounded 337.17 points, recovering much of the previous day’s losses after the Asian financial crisis triggered a major Wall Street sell-off.
2001 – Pixar’s animated film Monsters, Inc. held its Hollywood premiere, featuring the voices of John Goodman and Billy Crystal. The movie became a major box-office success when it opened nationwide the following month.
2009 – Michael Jackson’s This Is It opened in theaters, featuring rehearsal footage from the pop superstar’s planned London comeback concerts. Released just months after his death, the film became one of the highest-grossing concert documentaries ever made.
2012 – The San Francisco Giants defeated the Detroit Tigers 4–3 in 10 innings at Comerica Park, completing a four-game sweep to win the World Series. The championship was San Francisco’s second in three seasons.
2014 – An uncrewed Antares rocket carrying a Cygnus resupply spacecraft exploded seconds after liftoff from Wallops Island, VA. The spectacular failure destroyed supplies intended for the International Space Station, but no one was injured.
2018 – The Boston Red Sox defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5–1 in Game 5 of the World Series, winning their fourth championship since 2004.
2025 – Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, bringing destructive winds, severe flooding, and widespread devastation. It ranked among the most intense Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded at landfall.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON OCTOBER 28:
Charles A. Gargano – 92 years old (1934) – Diplomat, businessman and government official
Dave Budd – 88 years old (1938) – Basketball player
Jane Alexander – 87 years old (1939) – Actress and producer
Andy Bey – 87 years old (1939) – Singer and pianist
Susan Harris – 86 years old (1940) – Screenwriter and producer
Dennis Franz – 82 years old (1944) – Actor
Don Iverson – 81 years old (1945) – Golfer
Telma Hopkins – 78 years old (1948) – Singer and actress
Dwight Davis – 77 years old (1949) – Basketball player
Caitlyn Jenner – 77 years old (1949) – Decathlete and actress
Joe R. Lansdale – 75 years old (1951) – Martial artist and author
Annie Potts – 74 years old (1952) – Actress
Desmond Child – 73 years old (1953) – Musician, songwriter, and producer
Bill Gates – 71 years old (1955) – Businessman and philanthropist, co-founded Microsoft
Indra Nooyi – 71 years old (1955) – Indian-American businesswoman
Zach Wamp – 69 years old (1957) – Businessman and politician
Randy Wittman – 67 years old (1959) – Basketball player and coach
Landon Curt Noll – 66 years old (1960) – Computer scientist and mathematician
Daphne Zuniga – 64 years old (1962) – Actress
Lauren Holly – 63 years old (1963) – Actress
Sheryl Underwood – 63 years old (1963) – Comedian, actress, and talk show host
Jami Gertz – 61 years old (1965) – Actress
Steve Atwater – 60 years old (1966) – Football player
Chris Bauer – 60 years old (1966) – Actor
Matt Drudge – 60 years old (1966) – Blogger and activist, founded the Drudge Report
Andy Richter – 60 years old (1966) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter
Julia Roberts – 59 years old (1967) – Actress and producer
John Romero – 59 years old (1967) – Video game designer, co-founded Id Software
Chris Broussard – 58 years old (1968) – Journalist and sportscaster
Jeremy Davies – 57 years old (1969) – Actor
Ben Harper – 57 years old (1969) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Greg Eagles – 56 years old (1970) – Voice actor and producer
Terrell Davis – 54 years old (1972) – Football player and sportscaster
Brad Paisley – 54 years old (1972) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Trista Sutter – 54 years old (1972) – Reality star
Montel Vontavious Porter – 53 years old (1973) – Wrestler and actor
Braden Looper – 52 years old (1974) – Baseball player
Joaquin Phoenix – 52 years old (1974) – Actor and producer
Justin Guarini – 48 years old (1978) – Singer-songwriter and actor
Jawed Karim – 47 years old (1979) – Computer scientist
Christy Hemme – 46 years old (1980) – Wrestler and ring announcer
Nate McLouth – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player
Jeremy Bonderman – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player
Anthony Lerew – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player
Jarrett Jack – 43 years old (1983) – Basketball player
Finn Wittrock – 42 years old (1984) – Actor
Troian Bellisario – 41 years old (1985) – Actress
Anthony Fantano – 41 years old (1985) – Music critic
Frank Ocean – 39 years old (1987) – Singer-songwriter
Devin Ebanks – 37 years old (1989) – Basketball player
Lexi Ainsworth – 34 years old (1992) – Actress
Andrew Harrison – 32 years old (1994) – Basketball player
Jae'Sean Tate – 31 years old (1995) – Basketball player
Jasmine Jessica Anthony – 30 years old (1996) – Actress
Jack Eichel – 30 years old (1996) – Ice hockey player
Stetson Bennett – 29 years old (1997) – Football player
Taylor Fritz – 29 years old (1997) – Tennis player
Nolan Gould – 28 years old (1998) – Actor
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR OCTOBER 28:
- National Chocolate Day: With so many different varieties of this delicious treat, it can be so hard to pick a favorite. What will you choose to indulge your sweet tooth?
- International Animation Day: International Animation Day brings the world together to celebrate the magic of animation on October 28th every year. This special day marks the anniversary of the first-ever public performance of animation by Charles-Émile Reynaud in Paris in 1892. It's a day when everyone, from kids to adults, can enjoy the creativity...
- National First Responders Day: Paramedics, ambulance drivers, firefighters and EMTs all deserve a little bit of love and affection every day! But National First Responders Day offers a special opportunity for showing thanks and appreciation to these men and women who are ready to play a crucial part in saving lives whenever the need...
- Wild Foods Day: Exploring nature's pantry, discovering wild treasures, and connecting with the earth through gathering natural sustenance.
- Chucks-N-Pearls Day: Chucks-N-Pearls Day is a lively celebration honoring Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States. People across the country join in by wearing Chuck Taylor sneakers and pearl accessories, reflecting Harris' signature style. The combination of casual sneakers and elegant pearls represents a unique fashion statement that...
- Dysautonomia Awareness Month: Join or host a fundraising event, do your research, and help raise awareness about dysautonomia, a class of diseases affected the autonomic nervous system.
- National Immigrants Day: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…. I lift my lamp beside the golden door! – Statue of Liberty, New York City, USA History of National Immigrants Day Celebrating the ‘melting pot’ that is the United States, National Immigrants Day brings to light the uniqueness...
- Red Ribbon Week: Touching millions of people around the world since its inception, Red Ribbon Week encourages everyone, particularly high school and college students, to celebrate a lifestyle that is drug-free! History of Red Ribbon Week Red Ribbon Week is an initiative that started back in 1985 when it was launched in California. Eventually...
- Plush Animal Lover’s Day: Did you know there's a special day just for cuddling your stuffed animals tighter? That's right! Plush Animal Lover's Day wraps its arms around the idea of cherishing those fluffy friends who've seen us through thick and thin. Celebrated on October 28th each year, it's not just a day for...
- National Internal Medicine Day: Have you ever wondered who manages complex health issues with expertise? Internal medicine physicians, often called internists, are the specialists who diagnose and treat a wide range of adult diseases. They handle everything from common illnesses to chronic conditions, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care. Their deep understanding of the human...
- Czech Independence Day: Czech Independence Day holds great significance for the Czech Republic. It marks a moment of pride and unity, celebrating the nation's freedom and identity. This day symbolizes the beginning of self-governance, reflecting the country's journey towards establishing its state. The celebrations and events associated with this day foster a sense...
- Ace Week: Raising understanding and recognition for a diverse orientation, asexual awareness fosters inclusivity and validation in society.
- Digital Parenting Week: Digital Parenting Week highlights the crucial role parents play in guiding their children through the digital world. The event emphasizes the importance of being aware of online risks and developing strategies to protect children. In today's tech-driven society, this week serves as a reminder that digital literacy and safe internet...
- Bat Appreciation Week: Did you know that bats are not just Halloween symbols but fascinating creatures that play a crucial role in our ecosystem? Bat Appreciation Week, celebrated annually from October 24th to 31st, highlights bats' importance and promotes their conservation. Bats are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. They help control insect populations, pollinate...
- Respiratory Care Week: National Respiratory Care Week has been celebrated for more than 40 years, bringing attention and awareness to this critical healthcare role! How to Celebrate National Respiratory Care Week Thank a Respiratory Therapist Whether a friend, family member or colleague, show some appreciation to a respiratory therapist during this important week. Say...
- National Massage Therapy Awareness Week: More than just making a person feel relaxed, massage therapy can have all sorts of positive effects on a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Whether it’s a short armchair massage to relieve stress or a full-body deep-tissue massage for healing after illness, this therapeutic practice can work on its...
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