On This Day - October 31
Image source: The GrayVine
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let's look back at some of the most significant events in history that happened on this day, starting with...
1517: Martin Luther’s Ninety-five Theses
German theologian Martin Luther sent his Ninety-five Theses to Albert of Brandenburg, Archbishop of Mainz, igniting debate that precipitated the Protestant Reformation.
1864: Nevada Joined the Union
Nevada became the 36th state of the US, admitted during the Civil War to strengthen President Abraham Lincoln’s reelection prospects and support the Union cause.
1926: Death of Harry Houdini
Legendary magician and escape artist Harry Houdini died of peritonitis in Detroit, stemming from a ruptured appendix after a stomach injury.
1941: Mount Rushmore Completed
After nearly 15 years of carving, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota was completed, featuring the colossal heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
1950: NBA Integration Milestone
Earl Lloyd made history as the first Black player to take the court in an NBA game, debuting for the Washington Capitols.
1962: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Released
The American psychological thriller What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? premiered in theaters, marking a late-career triumph for stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.
1968: US Halted Bombing in North Vietnam
US President Lyndon B. Johnson ordered a complete halt to the bombing of North Vietnam, a move aimed at advancing peace talks to end the Vietnam War.
2018: Statue of Unity Unveiled
India unveiled the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, a 182-meter monument honoring independence leader Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — the tallest statue in the world.
2020: Passing of Sean Connery
Scottish-born actor Sean Connery, best known for portraying superspy James Bond, died at age 90, leaving behind an enduring cinematic legacy.
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!
