Today in History graphic for October 31 featuring magician Harry Houdini, who died in Detroit on Halloween in 1926; the completion of Mount Rushmore in 1941; and the opening of Michigan's Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge in 1962.

October 31 in History: Houdini Dies in Detroit, Mount Rushmore Completed & Michigan’s International Bridge Opens

Scott Winters October 31, 2026

Discover what happened on October 31 in history as legendary figures made their final headlines, remarkable engineering projects transformed the landscape, historic breakthroughs changed the world, and unforgettable events left their mark on Halloween.

What Happened on October 31 in History?

On this day, Harry Houdini died in Detroit, Mount Rushmore was completed, the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge opened, the first crew launched to live aboard the International Space Station, and India mourned the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

OCTOBER 31: – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1517 – German theologian Martin Luther circulated his Ninety-Five Theses challenging the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church. Traditionally associated with October 31 and the door of Wittenberg’s Castle Church, the document helped spark the Protestant Reformation.

1864 – Nevada was admitted to the Union as the 36th U.S. state during the Civil War. Its admission came just days before President Abraham Lincoln’s reelection, earning Nevada the nickname “Battle Born State.”

1868 – Postmaster General Alexander W. Randall approved regulations establishing a standard uniform for American letter carriers. The uniforms helped make postal workers recognizable to the public as home mail delivery expanded.

1913 – The Lincoln Highway was formally dedicated as America’s first transcontinental automobile highway, stretching from New York City’s Times Square to San Francisco’s Lincoln Park. The ambitious route helped promote better roads and long-distance automobile travel.

1926 – Legendary magician and escape artist Harry Houdini died at Grace Hospital in Detroit, MI, at age 52 from peritonitis following a ruptured appendix. His death on Halloween added another eerie chapter to the story of one of the world’s most famous illusionists.

1941 – Work officially ended on Mount Rushmore in South Dakota after 14 years of carving. The massive mountainside monument features the faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, each approximately 60 feet tall.

1950 – Earl Lloyd became the first Black player to appear in an NBA regular-season game when he took the court for the Washington Capitols against the Rochester Royals. His debut marked an important milestone in the integration of professional basketball.

1952 – The United States conducted the Ivy Mike test, the world’s first full-scale thermonuclear explosion, at Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific. The blast occurred on November 1 locally, but on October 31 in the continental United States, marking a new and dangerous stage of the nuclear arms race.

1956 – A U.S. Navy aircraft landed at the geographic South Pole for the first time, carrying Rear Admiral George J. Dufek and other members of Operation Deep Freeze. The historic landing helped establish the modern era of Antarctic scientific exploration.

1961 – Soviet authorities removed Joseph Stalin’s body from Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow as part of the Soviet Union’s campaign to distance itself from Stalin’s rule. His remains were reburied near the Kremlin wall.

1962 – The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge opened, connecting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with Ontario, Canada. The nearly three-mile bridge provided an important international crossing over the St. Marys River near the famous Soo Locks.

1969 – Walmart’s growing chain of discount stores was incorporated as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., helping establish the corporate structure behind what would become one of the world’s largest retailers.

1984 – Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her bodyguards in New Delhi. Her death triggered widespread anti-Sikh violence and became a defining moment in modern Indian history.

1999 – EgyptAir Flight 990 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Massachusetts, killing all 217 people aboard. American and Egyptian investigators later disagreed over the cause of the disaster.

2000 – Napster announced an agreement with German media company Bertelsmann to develop a subscription-based music service. The deal represented an effort to turn the controversial file-sharing platform into a legal digital music business.

2000 – Soyuz TM-31 launched from Kazakhstan carrying Expedition 1, the first long-duration resident crew of the International Space Station. The three astronauts and cosmonauts arrived on November 2, beginning the station’s uninterrupted human occupation.

2002 – A federal grand jury indicted former Enron chief financial officer Andrew Fastow on dozens of criminal charges stemming from the energy company’s financial collapse. The case became a major chapter in one of America’s most notorious corporate accounting scandals.

2008 – Distribution Video Audio, one of America’s last major wholesalers of prerecorded VHS tapes, reportedly shipped its final batch to retailers. The milestone symbolized the end of an era as DVDs and digital video replaced the once-dominant home-video format.

2011 – The United Nations marked the world’s population reaching an estimated seven billion people, designating October 31 as “Seven Billion Day.” The milestone highlighted the extraordinary growth of the global population.

2014 – Virgin Galactic’s experimental SpaceShipTwo spacecraft broke apart during a test flight over the Mojave Desert, killing copilot Michael Alsbury and seriously injuring pilot Peter Siebold. The accident was a major setback for commercial space tourism.

2017 – A terrorist drove a rented truck onto a crowded bicycle path in Lower Manhattan, killing eight people and injuring several others. The Halloween attack became one of New York City’s deadliest acts of terrorism since September 11, 2001.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON OCTOBER 31:

Dan Rather – 95 years old (1931) – Journalist

David Harvey – 91 years old (1935) – English-American geographer and academic

Tom Paxton – 89 years old (1937) – Folk music singer-songwriter and guitarist

Ron Rifkin – 87 years old (1939) – Actor

Elliott Forbes-Robinson – 83 years old (1943) – Race car driver

Paul Frampton – 83 years old (1943) – English-American physicist and academic

Brian Doyle-Murray – 81 years old (1945) – Actor and comedian

Deidre Hall – 79 years old (1947) – Actress

Frank Shorter – 79 years old (1947) – Runner and sportscaster

Bob Siebenberg – 77 years old (1949) – Drummer

Jane Pauley – 76 years old (1950) – Journalist

Antonio Taguba – 76 years old (1950) – Filipino-American general

Nick Saban – 75 years old (1951) – Football player and coach

Dave Trembley – 75 years old (1951) – Baseball player, coach, and manager

Joe West – 74 years old (1952) – Baseball umpire

John Lucas II – 73 years old (1953) – Basketball player and coach

Ken Wahl – 72 years old (1954) – Actor and screenwriter

Susan Orlean – 71 years old (1955) – Journalist and author

Bruce Bawer – 70 years old (1956) – Poet and critic

Brian Stokes Mitchell – 69 years old (1957) – Singer and actor

Robert Pollard – 69 years old (1957) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Neal Stephenson – 67 years old (1959) – Author

Mike Gallego – 66 years old (1960) – Baseball player and coach

Alonzo Babers – 65 years old (1961) – Runner and pilot

Kate Campbell – 65 years old (1961) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Jonathan Borden – 64 years old (1962) – Neurosurgeon and academic

Anna Geifman – 64 years old (1962) – Historian, author, and academic

John Giannini – 64 years old (1962) – Basketball player and coach

Fred McGriff – 63 years old (1963) – Baseball player

Dermot Mulroney – 63 years old (1963) – Actor

Rob Schneider – 63 years old (1963) – Actor and comedian

Frank Bruni – 62 years old (1964) – Journalist and critic

Darryl Worley – 62 years old (1964) – Country music singer-songwriter and guitarist

Blue Edwards – 61 years old (1965) – Basketball player

Ad-Rock – 60 years old (1966) – Rapper, producer, and actor

Mike O'Malley – 60 years old (1966) – Actor and comedian

Vanilla Ice – 59 years old (1967) – Rapper, television personality, and real estate investor

Buddy Lazier – 59 years old (1967) – Race car driver

Antonio Davis – 58 years old (1968) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Christopher Bevins – 53 years old (1973) – Voice actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

Tim Byrdak – 53 years old (1973) – Baseball player

David Dellucci – 53 years old (1973) – Baseball player and sportscaster

Beverly Lynne – 53 years old (1973) – Actress

Roger Manganelli – 52 years old (1974) – Brazilian-American singer-songwriter and bass player

Keith Jardine – 51 years old (1975) – Mixed martial artist and actor

Johnny Whitworth – 51 years old (1975) – Actor and producer

Piper Perabo – 50 years old (1976) – Actress and producer

Samaire Armstrong – 46 years old (1980) – Model, actress, and fashion designer

Alondra de la Parra – 46 years old (1980) – Mexican-American pianist and conductor

Eddie Kaye Thomas – 46 years old (1980) – Actor and voice artist

Steven Hunter – 45 years old (1981) – Basketball player

Frank Iero – 45 years old (1981) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Mike Napoli – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player

Adam Bouska – 43 years old (1983) – Photographer and activist, founded the NOH8 Campaign

Pat Murray – 42 years old (1984) – Football player

Kerron Clement – 41 years old (1985) – Hurdler and sprinter

Cole Aldrich – 38 years old (1988) – Basketball player

Scott McGough – 37 years old (1989) – Baseball player

JID – 36 years old (1990) – Rapper

Vanessa Marano – 34 years old (1992) – Actress

Sydney Park – 29 years old (1997) – Actress and comedian

Holly Taylor – 29 years old (1997) – Canadian-American actress

Danielle Rose Russell – 27 years old (1999) – Actress

Willow Smith – 26 years old (2000) – Singer, actress, and dancer

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR OCTOBER 31:

National Magic Day: Abracadabra! From card tricks to disappearing acts, magic never fails to captivate and leave us in awe. It's simply enchanting!
World Savings Day: Thinking about the future and making financial plans is a wise practice. And making a plan by putting a few dollars aside on a regular basis is what World Savings Day is all about. How to Celebrate World Savings Day It’s fun – and also rather lucrative – to be...
Muddy Dog Day: The joy of sharing photos of your muddy dog lies in the earthy, carefree moments that capture their playful spirit.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: Ensuring safety by responsibly disposing of expired prescription drugs for a healthier and secure community environment.
Girl Scout Founder’s Day: With more than 100 years of history, the Girl Scouts of the USA have been encouraging girls to grow in their skills, cooperation and passions. With an emphasis on investing in girls and young women who can lead well into the future, the founding of the Girl Scouts has made...
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 Knock Knock Joke Day: Every October 31st, people everywhere celebrate National Knock Knock Joke Day. This day shines a light on one of the simplest yet most beloved forms of humor. Knock-knock jokes, with their unique call-and-response format, have tickled funny bones for ages. They are easy to tell and understand, making them perfect...
World Cities Day: World Cities Day is a day that focuses on the future of urbanization and its impact on our lives. It's a time to reflect on the role cities play in creating a sustainable world where everyone can live in harmony and prosperity. The United Nations established World Cities Day to highlight the...
Hug A Sheep Day: There's something incredibly heartwarming about embracing these fluffy, gentle creatures, connecting with nature in a most serene and endearing way.
National Trick or Treat Day: Have you ever wished Halloween could last longer? National Trick or Treat Day makes that dream come true. It's a special occasion that gives families more time to enjoy costumes, candy, and community fun. Setting aside an extra day allows everyone to join in the spooky festivities without the rush...
National Caramel Apple Day: That delightful combo of sticky sweetness covering crisp fruit on a stick, it's like a carnival treat that puts smiles on faces.
Saci Day: Saci Day celebrates a mischievous figure from Brazilian folklore, Saci-Pererê, who stirs up fun and magic with his legendary antics. Known for his red cap and one-legged leaps, this playful character is beloved across Brazil. On this day, communities embrace their rich folklore, filled with mythical creatures like Saci. It's...
Lutefisk Day: Crack open the door to any Scandinavian community hall in winter, and you might catch a whiff of something unforgettable. That’s the Lutefisk dish and Lutefisk Day celebrates its unique appeal. It’s dried white fish—usually cod—brought back to life through a curious process involving water and lye. After plenty of rinsing...
Books For Treats Day: Books For Treats Day is a sweet little twist on tradition. Instead of tossing candy into trick-or-treat bags, people hand out books—yep, real stories with pages to flip and characters to meet. It’s like giving a mini-adventure instead of a sugar rush. Kids still get that thrill of surprise, but...
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...
National Doorbell Day: National Doorbell Day celebrates the familiar chimes that announce visitors at our doors. This observance highlights the role of doorbells in our daily lives, especially during festive times when they ring more than usual. It's a day to appreciate how this simple device connects us with friends, family, and neighbors. The...
Halloween: Get ready for a spooky good time this Halloween! Dress up in your favorite costume and indulge in sweet treats, creepy decorations, and thrilling scares. Don't miss out on the fun!
National Unity Day: National Unity Day, known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, celebrates the spirit of unity in India. This day honors Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure in the country's history. Patel, known as the 'Iron Man of India,' played a crucial role in uniting the nation's princely states. The day is marked...
Reformation Day: Reformation Day marks a momentous shift in the religious landscape. It highlights a turning point when ideas about faith and worship changed dramatically. The day stands as a reminder of those who challenged established norms, leading to lasting changes. This event stirred people across Europe, eventually reaching around the globe...
Ace Week: Raising understanding and recognition for a diverse orientation, asexual awareness fosters inclusivity and validation in society.
Samhain: Samhain is a vibrant festival that marks the end of the harvest and the onset of winter. Samhain is celebrated from October 31 to November 1. It is a time when the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be at its thinnest. During Samhain, people believed...
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...