23 fun facts for October, 31
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
October 31st is filled with notable events, such as the observance of World Cities Day, the birth of several influential people, including Juliette Gordon Low, Edith Head, and Dan Rather, and the death of Harry Houdini. Additionally, it marks the completion of monumental projects like Mount Rushmore, the Thames Barrier, and the opening of the New York City Subway.
23 Fun facts
- World Cities Day: Established by the United Nations General Assembly, World Cities Day is observed every year on October 31st to promote the international community's interest in global urbanization and to address challenges faced by cities.
- The Birth of Juliette Gordon Low: Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, was born on October 31, 1860. The organization remains active today, empowering girls and teaching them valuable life skills.
- Martin Luther's 95 Theses: On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of All Saints' Church in Wittenberg, Germany, sparking the Protestant Reformation and leading to the creation of the Lutheran Church.
- Nevada Day: On October 31, 1864, Nevada became the 36th state of the United States. Nevada Day is an annual state holiday in Nevada, celebrated on the last Friday of October each year.
- The First US Income Tax: On October 31, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Revenue Act of 1913 into law, introducing the first income tax in the United States.
- Magician Harry Houdini's Death: Harry Houdini, the famous magician and escape artist, died on October 31, 1926, from complications resulting from a ruptured appendix.
- Mount Rushmore Dedication: On October 31, 1941, the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial was completed and dedicated in South Dakota, showcasing the image of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
- Italian Earthquake Disaster: On October 31, 2002, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 struck Italy, killing 29 people and leaving thousands homeless.
- The Birth of National Geographic Magazine: On October 31, 1888, the National Geographic Society was founded in Washington, D.C., and began publishing its iconic magazine.
- Edith Head's Birthday: Edith Head, an influential American costume designer who won eight Academy Awards for her work in film, was born on October 31, 1897.
- Henry VIII's Marriage: On October 31, 1537, King Henry VIII of England married his fifth wife, Catherine Howard.
- Sir Walter Raleigh's Execution: Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer, was executed on October 31, 1618, after being convicted of treason.
- First Highway in the USA: On October 31, 1913, the first section of the Lincoln Highway, the first coast-to-coast highway in the United States, was dedicated.
- Michael Landon's Birthday: Michael Landon, an American actor best known for his roles in "Bonanza," "Little House on the Prairie," and "Highway to Heaven," was born on October 31, 1936.
- The Completed Thames Barrier: On October 31, 1982, the Thames Barrier, located in London, England, was completed. It is the world's second-largest movable flood barrier.
- New York City Subway: On October 31, 1904, the New York City Subway opened, becoming one of the largest public transportation systems in the world.
- The Birth of Dan Rather: Dan Rather, a well-known American journalist, was born on October 31, 1931.
- Estonia's Independence: On October 31, 1918, Estonia declared its independence from Russia, leading to the formation of the Republic of Estonia.
- First Scheduled Transcontinental Flight: On October 31, 1956, Pan American World Airways began the first regularly scheduled transcontinental jetliner service in the United States.
- Great Storm of the North Sea: On October 31, 1570, the deadliest Atlantic storm in history, known as "The All Saints Flood," occurred in the North Sea, killing about 20,000 people in the Netherlands, England, and Scotland.
- The Birth of Vanilla Ice: Robert Van Winkle, better known as rapper Vanilla Ice, was born on October 31, 1967.
- Death of Federico Fellini: Italian film director Federico Fellini, known for his distinct style, died on October 31, 1993.
- Death of River Phoenix: Actor River Phoenix, known for his roles in "Stand by Me" and "My Own Private Idaho," died tragically from a drug overdose on October 31, 1993.