U.S. Takes Possession of Alaska
On October 18, 1867, Alaska became part of America in a move dubbed “Seward’s Folly.”
This Day in History
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The 1916 5¢ Washington & Its Errors
On October 17, 1916, the US Post Office issued a 5¢ Washington stamp. The stamp had small changes from previous issues that went overlooked by collectors, so few were saved. Plus, this stamp spawned some famous errors…
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The Section of Painting and Sculpture
On October 16, 1934, Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Section of Panting and Sculpture (later known as the Section of Fine Arts). The Section, as it was called, invited artists across the country to beautify public buildings, including many post offices.
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Creation of First US National Lakeshore
On October 15, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation establishing the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior. It was the first national lakeshore in the United States.
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Birth of Olympian Ray Ewry
Raymond “Ray” Clarence Ewry was born on October 14, 1873, in Lafayette, Indiana. An eight-time gold medal winner, Ewry was one of the most successful Olympians of all time.
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Creation of the Continental Navy
On October 13, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized the creation of a Navy. The Continental Navy contributed to the American victory in the Revolutionary War, but was disbanded after the conflict ended.
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The First Oktoberfest
The first Oktoberfest began on October 12, 1810. Initially a celebration for the crowned prince’s wedding, it’s grown to become the largest folk festival in the world.
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Death of General Casimir Pulaski
On October 11, 1779, Polish General Casimir Pulaski died fighting in the American Revolution. During his two years fighting for the American cause, he earned the respect and admiration of men on both sides of the conflict.
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Birth of Thelonious Monk
Jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Sphere Monk was born on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Known for his unique improvisational style, he’s the second-most-recorded jazz composer following Duke Ellington.
