From the launch of “Old Ironsides” to the opening of the New York City subway, this week is packed with milestones that shaped the world. Political standoffs, bold inventions, and moments of courage mark the days ahead—each a reminder of how far we’ve come and how history continues to influence our present. Here are some of the most notable events that occurred between October 21 and October 27.
October 21
- 1797: The USS Constitution, known as “Old Ironsides,” was launched in Boston Harbor.
- 1879: Thomas Edison successfully tested his first practical incandescent light bulb, which burned for more than 13 hours.
October 22
- 1962: President John F. Kennedy announced a naval blockade of Cuba, marking the start of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- 1976: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned Red Dye No. 4 after it was found to cause cancer in lab animals.
October 23
- 1983: A suicide truck bomb destroyed the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 American servicemen.
- 1942: The Second Battle of El Alamein began, signaling a major turning point in World War II’s North African campaign.
October 24
- 1929: “Black Thursday” hit Wall Street as panic selling began, triggering the Great Depression.
- 1945: The United Nations officially came into existence when the charter was ratified by its founding members.
October 25
- 1854: The Charge of the Light Brigade took place during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War.
- 1983: U.S. forces invaded Grenada to restore order following a military coup.
October 26
- 1825: The Erie Canal officially opened, linking the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean.
- 1881: The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral erupted in Tombstone, Arizona, between lawmen and outlaws.
October 27
- 1904: The New York City subway opened, carrying its first passengers from City Hall to Harlem.
- 1978: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts toward peace in the Middle East.
