This Day in History

Governor Gray Davis

California voters remove Democratic governor Gray Davis from office in the state’s first successful recall of a sitting governor (only the second successful recall of a governor in US history); a Republican candidate, bodybuilder/actor Arnold Schwarzenegger wins the election to replace Davis 17 days later.

Operation Enduring Freedom

The U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan, known as Operation Enduring Freedom, commenced in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Achille Lauro

Four Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) terrorists hijacked the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro on October 7th, an event that garnered global attention.

Anwar el-Sadat is Assassinated

Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat is assassinated in Cairo by Islamic fundamentalists. He is succeeded by Vice President Hosni Mubarak.

Surprise Attack

Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel, marking the beginning of the Yom Kippur War on October 6th, a conflict with significant geopolitical implications.

The First Train Robbery

The Reno brothers–Frank, John, Simeon and William–commit the country’s first train robbery near Seymore, Indiana netting $10,000.

“Love Me Do”

The Beatles’ first single, “Love Me Do,” was released in the United Kingdom, marking the beginning of a musical revolution that would sweep the world.

White House Address

The first televised White House address was delivered by President Harry S. Truman, ushering in a new era of communication between the President and the American public.

Broadcasting the World Series

Tommy Cowan was heard on WJZ Radio in Newark, N.J., on October 5, 1921. The station had officially gone on the air four days earlier and management wanted to make a big splash by being the first station to broadcast a World Series game. The Series competitors were the New York Giants and New York […]

Pope Paul VI

Pope Paul VI arrives in New York, the first Pope ever to visit the US and the Western hemisphere.