The first steamboat on the Ohio River departs from Pittsburgh to New Orleans, marking a significant advancement in river transportation.
The first U.S. college fraternity to have its own house is founded, initiating the tradition of fraternity housing in American colleges.
The Wall Street stock market crashes on "Black Tuesday," triggering the onset of the Great Depression.
The first commercially made ballpoint pens go on sale at Gimbels in New York for $12.50 each, revolutionizing writing instruments.
Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, wins his first professional boxing match, beginning his legendary career.
Edgar Kaufmann Jr. donates Fallingwater, the iconic house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
Don Cockroft of the Cleveland Browns kicks a remarkable 57-yard field goal, showcasing his exceptional skill as a kicker.
Hurricane Mitch makes landfall in Honduras, becoming one of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes in history.
Space Shuttle Discovery launches on STS-95 with 77-year-old John Glenn aboard, making him the oldest person to travel into space.
The Archimedes' Palimpsest, containing lost works by the ancient mathematician, sells at auction for $2 million, preserving a significant piece of intellectual history. Read Post →
LeBron James makes his NBA debut, starting a career that would establish him as one of basketball's greatest players.
Delta Air Lines merges with Northwest Airlines, forming the world's largest airline and reducing U.S. legacy carriers to five.
Hurricane Sandy makes landfall in New Jersey, causing 110 deaths, $50 billion in damage, and forcing the New York Stock Exchange to close.
Publishing giants Penguin and Random House merge to form the world's largest publishing company.
China announces the end of its 35-year-old one-child policy, allowing families to have two children.
Lion Air Flight JT 610 crashes into the sea shortly after takeoff near Jakarta, Indonesia, killing all 189 people on board.
1.5 million Californians lose power as utilities shut off electricity to prevent wildfires amid high winds and dry conditions.
A deadly crowd surge during Halloween festivities in Seoul, South Korea, results in 155 deaths.