✦ DateLore

On This Day · The 291st day of the year

October 18

A look at October 18 through the almanac — historic events, famous birthdays including Robert Harting and Chuck Berry, and the day's notable deaths and observances.

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Events

10 notable moments
  1. 1991

    Azerbaijan

    The Supreme Council of Azerbaijan adopts a declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.

    Country in Eastern Europe
  2. 1963

    Félicette

    Félicette, a black and white female Parisian stray cat, becomes the first cat launched into space.

    Only cat launched into
  3. 1945

    Argentina

    Argentine military officer and politician Juan Perón marries actress Eva Duarte.

    Country in South America
  4. 1945

    Venezuela

    A group of the Venezuelan Armed Forces, led by Mario Vargas, Marcos Pérez Jiménez and Carlos Delgado Chalbaud, stages a coup d'état against president Isaías Medina Angarita, who is overthrown by the end of the day.

    Country in South America
  5. 1944

    World War II

    World War II: Soviet Union begins the liberation of Czechoslovakia from Nazi Germany.

    1939–1945 global conflict
  6. 1887

    Johannes Brahms

    Johannes Brahms conducts the premiere of his Double Concerto, composed for violinist Joseph Joachim and cellist Robert Hausmann.

    German composer and pianist
  7. 1775

    American Revolutionary War

    American Revolutionary War: The Burning of Falmouth (now Portland, Maine).

    1775–1783 conflict in North
  8. 1561

    Japan

    In Japan the fourth Battle of Kawanakajima is fought between the forces of Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen, resulting in a draw.

    Country in East Asia
  9. 1356

    1356 Basel earthquake

    Basel earthquake, the most significant historic seismological event north of the Alps, destroys the town of Basel, Switzerland.

    6.0–7.1 MW earthquake in
  10. 320

    Pappus of Alexandria

    Pappus of Alexandria, Greek philosopher, observes an eclipse of the Sun and writes a commentary on The Great Astronomer (Almagest).

    4th-century Greek mathematician (c.
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Famous birthday twins

Born on October 18

Robert Harting

b. 1984

German discus thrower

Chuck Berry

b. 1926

American singer-songwriter and guitarist

Pierre Trudeau

b. 1919

Canadian lawyer, academic, and politician, 15th Prime Minister of Canada

Zhu Xi

b. 1130

Chinese philosopher

Lindsey Vonn

b. 1984

American skier

Beatrice Worsley

b. 1921

Mexican-Canadian computer scientist and academic

Eric Stuart

b. 1967

American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and voice actor

Stuart Law

b. 1968

Australian cricketer and coach

Deaths

  • 1931Thomas Edison, American engineer and businessman, invented the phonograph
  • 1921Ludwig III of Bavaria, King of Bavaria from 1913 to 1918
  • 1744Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, English noblewoman, courtier and politician
  • 707AD 707, Calendar year
  • 325Emperor Ming of Jin, Emperor of the Jin dynasty from 323 to 325
  • 31AD 31, Roman politician (born 20 BC)

Holidays & observances

  • —Alaska Day (Alaska, United States)
  • —Christian feast day: Asclepiades of Antioch
  • —Christian feast day: Isaac Jogues
  • —Christian feast day: Luke the Evangelist
  • —Christian feast day: Peter of Alcantara, can also be celebrated on October 19.
  • —Christian feast day: October 18 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
  • —Day of Restoration of Independence (Azerbaijan), celebrates the independence of Azerbaijan from the Soviet Union in 1991.
  • —Necktie Day (Croatia)

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