Fannie Lou Hamer was born on October 6, 1917, in Montgomery County, Mississippi. The youngest of 20 children in a family of sharecroppers, Hamer grew up in poverty but would later rise to become one of the most important voices of the civil rights movement. With her powerful speeches, unshakable courage, and belief in equality, she helped transform the struggle for voting rights in the United States.
Robert Hutchings Goddard, often called the “Father of Modern Rocketry,” was born on October 5, 1882, in Worcester, Massachusetts. From an early age, Goddard showed a restless curiosity about the world around him, asking questions and performing experiments that hinted at the groundbreaking discoveries he would one day make.
On October 4, 1927, work officially began on one of America’s most iconic monuments: the carving of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The project was led by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose vision and persistence transformed a simple idea into a towering symbol of national pride and unity.
On October 3, 1990, East and West Germany were officially reunited after decades of division. This event marked the end of one of the most striking symbols of the Cold War—the separation of a nation and its people. For Germans, it was not only a political event, but also an emotional and cultural homecoming that reshaped Europe.
On October 2, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation establishing Redwood National Park, protecting some of the most spectacular trees on Earth. This act was the result of decades of effort by conservationists who feared that these natural giants might vanish forever if logging continued unchecked. Today, the park stands not only as a refuge for the towering redwoods but also as a symbol of America’s growing awareness of the importance of preserving its natural treasures.
On October 1, 1885, the Special Delivery service was first available and the first stamp, US #E1, went on sale. The service provided the immediate delivery of a letter within one mile of any other Special Delivery post office.
On September 30, 1972, Roberto Clemente scored his 3,000th hit on the very last regular season at-bat of his career. He became just the 11th person at the time to reach this milestone. To date, more than 30 players have over 3,000 hits.
On September 29, 1899, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) was founded in Columbus, Ohio. It’s grown to become the largest organization for combat veterans in the United States.
On September 28, 1781, American forces launched the last major land battle of the Revolutionary War – the Siege of Yorktown. This decisive clash would lead to the surrender of British General Cornwallis and pave the way for American independence.