On This Day - October 12
Image credit: The GrayVine
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let's look back at some of the most significant events in America and beyond that happened on this day, starting with...
1492: A Landfall in the Caribbean
During Christopher Columbus's historic voyage, a lookout on the ship Pinta sighted land in the Caribbean, an event that marked the European discovery of the New World.
1810: The First Oktoberfest
The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich, Germany, featuring a horse race to celebrate the marriage of the Bavarian crown prince.
1901: The Executive Mansion Got a New Name
President Theodore Roosevelt officially renamed the Executive Mansion, giving the presidential residence its enduring name: The White House.
1968: Independence for Equatorial Guinea
The nation of Equatorial Guinea officially gained its independence from Spain.
1990: A Shift in Recognition
South Dakota became the first state to officially rename Columbus Day as Native American Day, honoring the first inhabitants of the Americas.
1997: The Loss of a Musical Icon
Singer-songwriter and humanitarian John Denver died at the age of 53 when his experimental aircraft crashed off the coast of California.
1999: A Basketball Legend Passed
Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most dominant offensive players in basketball history, died at the age of 63.
2001: A Centennial Peace Prize
The United Nations and its Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on the award's 100th anniversary.
Do you have more events (historical or not!) you'd like to share with the community? Post them below and let's reminisce together!
