On This Day – November 11
Image credit: The GrayVine
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let’s look back at some of the most significant events in American history that happened on this day, starting with…
1620: The Mayflower Compact Was Signed
Aboard the Mayflower anchored off Cape Cod, Pilgrim settlers signed the Mayflower Compact—an agreement establishing self-governance in the New World and laying the foundation for future American democracy.
1675: Leibniz Demonstrated Integral Calculus
German mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz presented his method for calculating the area under a curve, marking the formal debut of integral calculus—a breakthrough in modern mathematics.
1745: Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Forces Invaded England
During the Jacobite uprising, Charles Edward Stuart—known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie”—led his army across the border in an attempt to reclaim the British throne for the House of Stuart.
1807: Washington Irving First Called New York “Gotham”
In his satirical periodical Salmagundi, author Washington Irving famously referred to New York City as “Gotham,” a nickname that endures more than two centuries later.
1880: Outlaw Ned Kelly Was Hanged
Australian folk hero and bushranger Ned Kelly was executed at Melbourne Gaol. His life and final stand inspired countless books, films, and legends across generations.
1918: World War I Ended at the Eleventh Hour
At 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, the Armistice was signed, ending World War I. The moment became known as Armistice Day—later honored in the United States as Veterans Day.
1925: Louis Armstrong Recorded With His Hot Five
In Chicago, jazz icon Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five began their first recording session at Okeh Records. These tracks helped define the sound of early jazz and cemented Armstrong’s legacy.
1946: The New York Knicks Played Their First Home Game
The Knicks played their first home game at Madison Square Garden as part of the Basketball Association of America, which later became the NBA. They lost to the Chicago Stags, 78–68, in overtime.
1975: Australia’s Prime Minister Was Dismissed
In an unprecedented constitutional crisis, Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam—marking the first time an Australian leader was removed from office by a royal representative.
1985: The First AIDS-Themed TV Movie Aired
NBC broadcast An Early Frost, the first American television movie to deal openly with HIV/AIDS. The program broke taboos, educated viewers, and won multiple Emmy Awards.
1992: The Church of England Approved Female Priests
The Church of England voted to allow the ordination of women as priests, ending centuries of male-only clergy and sparking both celebration and debate across the Christian world.
2004: Yasser Arafat’s Death Was Confirmed
Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat died in France after weeks of illness. Shortly after, Mahmoud Abbas was elected chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, reshaping Middle Eastern politics.
Do you remember any of these events? Or do you have more events (historical or not!) you'd like to share with the community? Post them below and let's reminisce together!
