✦ DateLore

On This Day · The 286th day of the year

October 13

A look at October 13 through the almanac — historic events, famous birthdays including Paul Simon and Margaret Thatcher, and the day's notable deaths and observances.

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Events

10 notable moments
  1. 2016

    Maldives

    The Maldives announces its decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth of Nations.

    Island country in South
  2. 1972

    Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571

    Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashes in the Andes mountains. Twenty-eight survive the crash. All but 16 succumb before rescue on December 23.

    1972 aviation accident in
  3. 1923

    Ankara

    Ankara becomes the capital of Turkey.

    Capital of Turkey
  4. 1917

    Miracle of the Sun

    The "Miracle of the Sun" is witnessed by an estimated 70,000 people in the Cova da Iria in Portugal.

    Purported miracle in 1917
  5. 1911

    Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn

    Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, becomes the first Governor General of Canada of royal descent.

    British prince, son of
  6. 1792

    White House

    In Washington, D.C., the cornerstone of the United States Executive Mansion (known as the White House since 1818) is laid.

    Residence and workplace of
  7. 1332

    Rinchinbal Khan

    Rinchinbal Khan becomes the Khagan of the Mongols and Emperor of the Yuan dynasty, reigning for only 53 days.

    Emperor of Yuan dynasty
  8. 1307

    Knights Templar

    Hundreds of the Knights Templar in France are arrested at dawn by King Philip the Fair, and later confess under torture to heresy.

    Catholic military order, 1118
  9. 1269

    Westminster Abbey

    The present church building at Westminster Abbey is consecrated.

    Church in London, England
  10. 54

    AD 54

    Roman emperor Claudius dies from poisoning under mysterious circumstances. He is succeeded by his adopted son Nero, rather than by Britannicus, his son with Messalina.

    Calendar year
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Famous birthday twins

Born on October 13

Paul Simon

b. 1941

American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Margaret Thatcher

b. 1925

English chemist and politician, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Maria Cantwell

b. 1958

American lawyer and politician

Sacha Baron Cohen

b. 1971

English comedian, actor, and screenwriter

Dési Bouterse

b. 1945

Surinamese general and politician, 9th President of Suriname

Annegret Richter

b. 1950

German sprinter

Kurt Reidemeister

b. 1893

German mathematician connected to the Vienna Circle

Rudolf Virchow

b. 1821

German physician, biologist, and politician

Deaths

  • 2016Dario Fo, Italian playwright, actor, director, and composer Nobel Prize laureate
  • 1961Louis Rwagasore, Burundi politician, Prime Minister of Burundi
  • 1822Antonio Canova, Italian sculptor
  • 1812Isaac Brock, English general and politician, Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada
  • 982Emperor Jingzong of Liao, emperor of the Liao Dynasty
  • 54AD 54, Roman emperor (born 10 BC)

Holidays & observances

  • —Azerbaijani Railway Day (Azerbaijan)
  • —Christian feast day: Blessed Alexandrina of Balasar
  • —Christian feast day: Daniel and companions, of Ceuta
  • —Christian feast day: Edward the Confessor (translation)
  • —Christian feast day: Gerald of Aurillac
  • —Christian feast day: Blessed Maddalena Panattieri (OP)
  • —Christian feast day: Theophilus of Antioch
  • —Christian feast day: October 13 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

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