This Day in History - Page 2

On this day in history, October 25, 1944, first kamikaze suicide pilots attack US Navy in World War II

October 25, 2024

On this day in history, October 25, 1944, first kamikaze suicide pilots attack US Navy in World War II

Imperial Japan sent its first wave of kamikaze suicide planes to the U.S. Navy off the coast of the Philippines on Oct. 25, 1944. Thousands were killed in the attacks by war's end.

On this day in history, October 24, 1861, transcontinental telegraph completed, connects coasts for first time

October 24, 2024

On this day in history, October 24, 1861, transcontinental telegraph completed, connects coasts for first time

The transcontinental telegraph was completed on Oct. 24, 1861, making possible instant communication between the coasts possible for the first time. It rendered the Pony Express obsolete.

On this day in history, October 23, 1925, late-night TV star and host Johnny Carson is born

October 23, 2024

On this day in history, October 23, 1925, late-night TV star and host Johnny Carson is born

Johnny Carson, born in Iowa on this day in history, Oct. 23, 1925, went on to become the iconic and Emmy Award-winning host of "The Tonight Show." Here's his story.

On this day in history, October 22, 1928, GOP nominee Herbert Hoover gives speech on 'rugged individualism'

October 22, 2024

On this day in history, October 22, 1928, GOP nominee Herbert Hoover gives speech on 'rugged individualism'

On this day in history, the nation's soon-to-be 31st U.S. president, Herbert Hoover, gave a speech in New York City mentioning "America's system of rugged individualism."

On this day in history, October 21, 1797, legendary warship USS Constitution is launched in Boston

October 21, 2024

On this day in history, October 21, 1797, legendary warship USS Constitution is launched in Boston

The USS Constitution was launched on Oct. 21, 1797, in Boston on this day in history. She went on to a legendary career in naval warfare, earning the famous moniker Old Ironsides.

On this day in history, October 20, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd bandmates killed in horrific plane crash

October 20, 2024

On this day in history, October 20, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd bandmates killed in horrific plane crash

Three members of the legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, and three other people, were killed in a plane crash on this day in history, Oct. 20, 1977.

On this day in history, October 19, 1789, John Jay sworn in as first Supreme Court chief justice

October 19, 2024

On this day in history, October 19, 1789, John Jay sworn in as first Supreme Court chief justice

Founding Father John Jay took his oaths as first chief justice of the Supreme Court on this day in history, Oct. 19, 1789. He served less than six years before resigning at age 49.

On this day in history, October 18, 1867, United States purchases Alaska from Russia for cool $7.2 million

October 18, 2024

On this day in history, October 18, 1867, United States purchases Alaska from Russia for cool $7.2 million

The United States formally secured the acquisition of the vast Alaska territory from Russia on Oct. 18, 1867. The data is celebrated as Alaska Day and is a statewide holiday today.

On this day in history, October 17, 1835, Texas Rangers formally proposed among settlers patrolling frontier

October 17, 2024

On this day in history, October 17, 1835, Texas Rangers formally proposed among settlers patrolling frontier

The Texas Rangers, a legendary law enforcement agency, was formally proposed after more than a decade of "ranging" across the frontier to protect settlers, on Oct. 17, 1835.

On this day in history, October 16, 1978, Pope John Paul II of Poland is elected head of Catholic Church

October 16, 2024

On this day in history, October 16, 1978, Pope John Paul II of Poland is elected head of Catholic Church

Pope John Paul II was elected to the papacy on this day in history, Oct. 16, 1978. The first Polish pope was also the first non-Italian elected pope in four centuries.