Every day in history carries its own significance, and October 10 is no exception. This day has witnessed pivotal events that have left an indelible mark on politics, culture, science, and society. As we look back, let’s explore the Major Historical Events that unfolded on October 10 and changed the course of history forever.
Major Historical Events on October 10- Today in History
- U.S. Naval Academy Established – 1845 AD
- Discovery of Triton by William Lassell – 1846 AD
- Birth of R.K. Narayan – 1906 AD
- The Wuchang Uprising Ignites Chinese Revolution – 1911 AD
- Thelonious Monk: A Jazz Pioneer is Born – 1917 AD
- United Airlines Boeing 247 Explodes – 1933 AD
- Porgy and Bess Debuts on Broadway – 1935 AD
- Birth of Nora Roberts – 1950 AD
- The World Premiere of Giant – 1956 AD
- From Russia with Love Premieres in London – 1963 AD
- Brett Favre is Born – 1969 AD
- Fiji Gains Independence from Britain – 1970 AD
- Spiro T. Agnew Resigns as Vice President – 1973 AD
- World Mental Health Day – 1992 AD
- Dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles – 2010 AD
U.S. Naval Academy Established – 1845 AD
In 1845, George Bancroft, then U.S. Secretary of the Navy, founded the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The institution aimed to improve midshipmen training and has since become a premier naval education facility.
Discovery of Triton by William Lassell – 1846 AD
In 1846, English astronomer William Lassell discovered Triton, Neptune’s largest moon, only 17 days after the planet itself was identified. Triton stands out for its retrograde orbit, meaning it orbits Neptune in the opposite direction of the planet’s rotation.
Birth of R.K. Narayan – 1906 AD
Renowned Indian author R.K. Narayan, famous for his creation of the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, was born on October 10, 1906. His novels, including Swami and Friends and The Guide, are widely regarded as literary classics.
The Wuchang Uprising Ignites Chinese Revolution – 1911 AD
On October 10, 1911, revolutionaries in Wuchang, China, initiated an uprising that marked the formal start of the Chinese Revolution. This event eventually led to the overthrow of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.
Thelonious Monk: A Jazz Pioneer is Born – 1917 AD
Born on October 10, 1917, Thelonious Monk became one of the first creators of modern jazz. His innovative compositions and unique piano style made him a defining figure in the bebop movement.
United Airlines Boeing 247 Explodes – 1933 AD
One of the first-ever unsolved airline bombing cases occurred on October 10, 1933, when a United Airlines Boeing 247 en route from Newark to Oakland exploded mid-air near Chesterton, Indiana, killing all seven people aboard. The cause of the explosion remains a mystery.
Porgy and Bess Debuts on Broadway – 1935 AD
George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess premiered on Broadway in 1935. The production, featuring an all-Black cast, is regarded as one of America’s greatest contributions to opera, blending classical and jazz elements.
Birth of Nora Roberts – 1950 AD
Nora Roberts, one of the most prolific and beloved romance authors in modern literature, was born on October 10, 1950. Her works, known for their compelling characters and engaging plots, have sold over 500 million copies worldwide.
The World Premiere of Giant – 1956 AD
On October 10, 1956, the American classic Giant had its world premiere. The film is famously remembered as the final movie of James Dean, whose untimely death in a car accident occurred just after filming wrapped.
From Russia with Love Premieres in London – 1963 AD
The British spy film From Russia with Love, the second installment in the James Bond series, premiered in London in 1963. Widely considered one of the best Bond films, it solidified Sean Connery’s portrayal of the iconic spy.
Brett Favre is Born – 1969 AD
On October 10, 1969, legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre was born. Favre became a football icon, breaking numerous NFL career passing records and leading the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory.
Fiji Gains Independence from Britain – 1970 AD
Fiji officially gained its independence from Great Britain on October 10, 1970. The Pacific island nation became a sovereign state after nearly a century of British colonial rule.
Spiro T. Agnew Resigns as Vice President – 1973 AD
On October 10, 1973, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned from office amid accusations of corruption. Agnew pleaded no contest to charges of tax evasion related to his time as governor of Maryland.
World Mental Health Day – 1992 AD
World Mental Health Day was first observed on October 10, 1992, raising awareness of mental health issues worldwide and promoting support for mental health care. It has since become a global movement for mental health advocacy.
Dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles – 2010 AD
On October 10, 2010, the Netherlands Antilles was officially dissolved. The group of Caribbean islands, once an autonomous region of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was reorganized into separate entities with different relationships to the kingdom.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on October 9- Today in History
