Thomas Edison Tests his First Motion Picture
Adding to his long list of inventions, Thomas Edison tested his first motion picture film on October 6, 1889.
American History
Surrender of Chief Joseph
On October 5, 1877, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce surrendered to American forces just 40 miles from the safety of the Canadian border. Chief Joseph was famous for his war strategy, as well as his courage, honor, and the consideration he showed his enemies.
Thanksgiving Day Proclamations
On October 3, 1789 and 1863, two sitting presidents called on Americans to celebrate a day of Thanksgiving in November.
Happy Birthday Cordell Hull
America’s longest-serving secretary of State, Cordell Hull, was born on October 2, 1871, in Olympus, Overton County (now Pickett County), Tennessee. Hull was also a driving force behind the the creation of the UN sometimes referred to as the “Father of the United Nations.”
Babe Ruth’s 60th Home Run
On September 30, 1927, Babe Ruth became the first baseball player in US history to hit 60 home runs. His record would stand for 34 years, but it remains a historic moment in sports history.
Birth of Gwen Ifill
Gwendolyn L. Ifill was born on September 29, 1955, in Jamaica, Queens. The first African American woman to host a national political show and moderate a vice presidential debate, she was widely known and respected for her integrity and ability to remain unbiased.
Birth of Frances Willard
Frances Elizabeth Caroline Willard was born on September 28, 1839, in Churchville, New York. She was a leading figure in the temperance and women’s suffrage movements in the late 1800s, though she wouldn’t live to see the passage of the 18th and 19th Amendments that achieved her goals.
Happy Birthday Johnny Appleseed
John Chapman, popularly known as Johnny Appleseed, was born on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts. A popular figure in American folklore, he planted countless apple seeds, helping the fruit to prosper in America.
Birth of William Faulkner
Celebrated American author William Faulkner was born on September 25, 1897, in New Albany, Mississippi. Known for using a wide range of styles, Faulkner explored America’s geography, history, economy, and social and moral life in his writing.