22 fun facts for November, 3
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
November 3 is a day full of important historical events, celebrations, and milestones. From Panama's independence and Sputnik 2's launch to the birth of the sandwich and the start of the Rosetta spacecraft's successful comet landing, this day has made a significant impact on the world, in a variety of ways. Culture Day in Japan, King Dedication Day in Morocco, and the foundation of the General Electric Company also mark this date.
22 Fun facts
- Panama declared its independence from Colombia on November 3, 1903. The United States quickly recognized the new nation and provided military support, allowing Panama to break free and eventually sign the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty, leading to the construction of the Panama Canal.
- On November 3, 1957, the USSR launched Sputnik 2, carrying the first living creature to orbit Earth, a dog named Laika. Unfortunately, Laika did not survive the mission, but her journey paved the way for future human spaceflight.
- November 3 is Sandwich Day, celebrated to honor the birth of John Montagu, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich. He reportedly invented the sandwich so he could continue to eat while playing cards, without getting his hands greasy.
- The General Electric Company was formed on November 3, 1892. It is one of the oldest and most successful companies in the world, having been founded by a group of inventors and businessmen, including Thomas Edison, the inventor of the lightbulb.
- On November 3, 1868, Ulysses S. Grant was elected the 18th President of the United States. Grant was a former Union Army general and one of the key figures in the American Civil War before his presidency.
- November 3, 1964, marks the date when the first "Buffalo Wings" were created by Teressa Bellissimo, owner of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. These famous chicken wings are now enjoyed by people all over the world.
- November 3rd is Cliché Day, a day dedicated to using and celebrating clichés. It's a day when people are encouraged to use as many clichés as possible in their conversations and writing, just for fun.
- In 1956, The Wizard of Oz was first televised on November 3. The film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's classic novel, starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, became an iconic movie in American culture.
- The United States Congress first met on November 3, 1789, in New York City, marking the beginning of the federal government in the United States. The first session saw Congress adopt the Bill of Rights, which would later be ratified by the states.
- On November 3, 2014, The European Space Agency's Philae lander was successfully deployed from the Rosetta spacecraft, eventually landing on the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. This was the first time a spacecraft had landed on a comet.
- November 3, 1973, marked the launch of Mariner 10, a NASA spacecraft that became the first to fly by Mercury and Venus. Its mission and discoveries helped scientists better understand the atmospheres and geology of the two planets.
- Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist and playwright, Michael Cunningham, was born on November 3, 1952. He is best known for his 1998 novel, The Hours, which was later adapted into an Oscar-winning film starring Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Julianne Moore.
- November 3, 1960, saw the opening of the first Playboy Club in Chicago. Founded by Hugh Hefner, the club featured "bunny" waitresses and quickly became a symbol of sexual liberation and sophistication in America.
- King Dedication Day is celebrated on November 3rd in Morocco. This day recognizes the King's devotion to the country, and nationwide, people pay their respects by attending events, ceremonies, and religious prayers.
- November 3 is known as Culture Day in Japan. It is a national holiday that promotes cultural activities, arts, and academic endeavors, including ceremonies, parades, and exhibitions throughout the country.
- In 1936, on November 3, Franklin D. Roosevelt won the presidential election, becoming the first United States president to be re-elected for a second term after serving a full four-year term.
- The Lincoln Highway, the first coast-to-coast highway in the United States, was dedicated on November 3, 1913. It stretches from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco.
- On November 3, 1911, Chevrolet, one of America's most iconic automobile brands, was officially founded by William C. Durant and Louis Chevrolet, both pioneers in the automotive industry.
- The first electronic, automated traffic light was introduced on November 3, 1927, in Los Angeles, California. It brought significant change to the control of traffic intersections and improved road safety.
- Lucille Ball, an iconic American actress, comedian, and television producer, made her television debut on November 3, 1948, in an episode of "The Ed Wynn Show."
- In 2012, November 3 was recognized as "National Writing Day" across the United States. The observance was created to celebrate and support writing in all its forms, encouraging people of all ages to engage with the written word.
- On November 3, 1956, The Nat King Cole Show premiered on NBC. It made television history as the first national television show hosted by an African American.