On This Day – November 15
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…
1492: Columbus Recorded the First Note of Tobacco
Christopher Columbus wrote in his journal about seeing men in the New World carrying burning “herbs,” marking the first known European record of tobacco use.
1777: The Articles of Confederation Were Adopted
The Continental Congress approved the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States. It established a loose confederation of sovereign states and served as America’s first framework of national government until the Constitution of 1789.
1837: Isaac Pitman Introduced His Shorthand System
British teacher Isaac Pitman published his phonetic shorthand system, revolutionizing speed writing and becoming a cornerstone of business and journalism for decades.
1884: The Berlin Conference Opened
European powers met in Berlin to divide Africa into colonial territories, marking the formal start of the “Scramble for Africa.” The agreements set rules for colonization and trade—shaping the continent’s borders for generations.
1904: The Safety Razor Was Patented
King Camp Gillette received a patent for his disposable razor blade, a revolutionary invention that transformed personal grooming and made shaving safer and more affordable.
1918: The Flu Pandemic Devastated Alaska
During the global influenza outbreak, a village in Alaska was nearly wiped out—one of countless tragedies during the 1918 pandemic that killed millions worldwide.
1948: William Lyon Mackenzie King Retired as Prime Minister of Canada
After serving for more than 21 years, Mackenzie King stepped down, holding the record as Canada’s longest-serving prime minister.
1964: Mickey Wright Set a Record in Women’s Golf
American golfer Mickey Wright shot a 62 at the Tall City Open in Texas—the lowest score recorded by a female professional at that time.
1969: Millions Marched Against the Vietnam War
An estimated two million Americans participated in the Vietnam Moratorium demonstrations nationwide, one of the largest antiwar protests in US history.
1979: A Soviet Spy Was Exposed in Britain
Art historian Sir Anthony Blunt, a former MI5 officer and art advisor to the Queen, was publicly named as a Soviet spy in Parliament. He was later stripped of his knighthood and academic honors.
1986: The Beastie Boys Released Their First Album
The Beastie Boys dropped Licensed to Ill, the first rap album to reach number one on the Billboard charts, breaking new ground for hip-hop in mainstream music.
2017: Salvator Mundi Sold for a Record Price
Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi sold for $450.3 million at Christie’s in New York—the highest price ever paid for a painting.
2020: Lewis Hamilton Tied Schumacher’s Record
British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton clinched his seventh World Drivers’ Championship at the Turkish Grand Prix, equaling Michael Schumacher’s all-time record.
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!
