Statues, Satellites, and Scary Standoffs!
Welcome to History's Not Boring! October 28th is a day packed with massive moments. We’re talking about world-changing statues, the founding of one of America’s coolest old schools, and a time the world held its breath during a superpower showdown! Get ready to travel through centuries in just a few quick facts.
Did you know that on this date, the world got a gigantic symbol of freedom, while just a few years later, the world stepped back from the edge of a major war? Plus, we look at a moment when ancient exploration met the modern world with a landing on another planet. Talk about a busy day!
What Happened on This Day
Columbus Reaches Cuba on His Voyage
Back in the Age of Exploration, Christopher Columbus and his crew finally spotted land on October 28, 1492. They thought they had landed in Asia, maybe even Japan! Instead, they had found the island of Cuba. Imagine being on a tiny ship for months and finally seeing green land! Columbus claimed it for Spain, thinking he was opening a new trade route to the East. It was a huge moment for the [age-of-exploration-for-kids].
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Harvard College: America's Oldest School Founded
Way back when America was just a few colonies, the leaders in the Massachusetts Bay Colony decided they needed a college to train new thinkers and preachers. On October 28, 1636, they voted to create a 'Theological College,' which later got the name Harvard after a big donation from a man named John Harvard. It’s been teaching awesome people for almost 400 years! Talk about a long history class!
Lady Liberty Arrives and is Dedicated!
The Statue of Liberty, a giant gift from France to the USA, officially got her grand opening on October 28, 1886! President Grover Cleveland gave a big speech as people cheered. She was named 'Liberty Enlightening the World,' a massive copper sculpture meant to welcome visitors and celebrate freedom. Think of her as the world's biggest, greenest, welcoming statue, holding up a giant torch like she’s saying, 'Welcome to the party!'
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Italy Invades Greece: Ohi Day!
In 1940, during World War II, Italy demanded that Greece let Italian troops march through their country. The Greek Prime Minister, facing down a giant like a boss, famously replied with a defiant 'No!'—or 'Ohi!' (pronounced 'Oh-hee') in Greek. This rejection sparked Italy’s invasion and is still celebrated every year in Greece as Ohi Day! It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, standing up for yourself is the most important thing you can do.
The Cuban Missile Crisis Ends Peacefully
Imagine two giant superpowers, the USA and the Soviet Union, having a huge argument, and everyone on Earth is worried about a massive fight! This was the Cuban Missile Crisis. On October 28, 1962, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev finally agreed to take his missiles out of Cuba. This was a massive sigh of relief for the whole world, proving that sometimes talking things out, even when it's super scary, is the way to go!
Learn moreFun Facts About October 28
- Harvard University started with only nine students and was first called 'The College at Newtowne'!
- The Statue of Liberty was actually a gift from the people of France to the people of the U.S.!
- The US police first started using fingerprints to solve crimes in 1904 on this day!
- NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity landed on Mars on October 28, 2004!
A Look Back in Time
October 28th is a fascinating mix of beginnings and endings! In the 17th century, it marked the start of higher learning in America, setting the stage for future thinkers and scientists. The 19th century gave us Lady Liberty, a beacon of hope for immigrants sailing into the busy New York Harbor. Then, fast-forward to the Cold War, where the world watched a tense standoff that could have ended badly, but diplomacy won the day in 1962. It shows how quickly things can change—from a quiet college vote to a global crisis!
Born on This Day
Bill Gates
This guy co-founded Microsoft, one of the biggest computer software companies ever! He helped bring computers into homes and offices all over the world. Now, he focuses a lot of his energy on making the world a better place through his massive foundation.
Julia Roberts
She's a super famous movie star known for having one of the most famous smiles in Hollywood! You might have seen her in movies like 'Pretty Woman' or 'Erin Brockovich.' She’s won tons of awards for her acting.
Jonas Salk
A real-life hero! Dr. Salk was the scientist who developed the first successful vaccine to fight off the terrible disease Polio. His vaccine saved countless children from paralysis and is a huge reason why Polio is nearly gone today.
Desiderius Erasmus
Erasmus was a super smart writer and philosopher during the Renaissance. He believed strongly in education and peace. He wrote clever, funny books that made people think deeply about life and the world around them.