1886: Dedication of the Statue of Liberty
On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated in New York Harbor by President Grover Cleveland. A gift from the people of France, the statue stands as an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy. Constructed with iron and copper by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineer Gustave Eiffel, it was intended to celebrate the centennial of the American Revolution. The Statue of Liberty has since become a beacon of hope for immigrants arriving in the United States and a globally recognized icon of liberty.
Significance:
The dedication marked a powerful moment in FrancoAmerican relations and solidified the statue’s role in representing both nations’ shared ideals of liberty and democracy.
1636: Establishment of Harvard College
On this day in 1636, the Massachusetts General Court passed legislation to establish Harvard College, the first institution of higher education in what would become the United States. Named after its first major benefactor, John Harvard, the college initially aimed to educate clergy for the colonies. Harvard grew to become a prestigious university, shaping intellectual leadership in America.
Significance:
This foundational event set the stage for a legacy of American higher education that would promote critical thinking, innovation, and societal progress.
1858: Opening of Macy’s First Store in New York
Rowland Hussey Macy opened his first New York City store on October 28, 1858, at Sixth Avenue and 14th Street in Manhattan. Despite previous failures in retail, Macy’s bold new venture thrived by offering a moneyback guarantee, fixed prices, and advertising innovations. Macy’s would go on to redefine American department stores and establish a legacy in retail, including the worldfamous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Significance:
Macy’s early success reflected the emerging consumer culture in America, eventually setting standards for customer service and holiday celebrations in American retail.
1919: Passage of the Volstead Act
On October 28, 1919, Congress enacted the Volstead Act over President Woodrow Wilson’s veto, paving the way for Prohibition’s enforcement. The act defined “intoxicating liquors” and outlined the process for enforcement. However, the policy ultimately led to widespread illegal alcohol production and organized crime, demonstrating the challenges of legislating morality.
Significance:
The Volstead Act shaped a transformative period in U.S. history, fueling debates on personal freedoms and government intervention while leaving a lasting impact on American law and society.
1922: Mussolini’s Rise to Power in Italy
October 28, 1922, marked the onset of Italian fascism as Benito Mussolini marched on Rome and seized control of the Italian government. Mussolini’s dictatorship would lead to alliances with other fascist powers, ultimately pulling Italy into World War II. His regime was characterized by aggressive nationalism, censorship, and repression.
Significance:
Mussolini’s rise to power marked the beginning of European fascism, influencing the political landscape across the continent and contributing to the tensions that led to World War II.
1962: Cuban Missile Crisis Resolution
On this day in 1962, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev informed the U.S. that he had ordered the dismantling of missile bases in Cuba, effectively ending the Cuban Missile Crisis. In a secret agreement, the U.S. pledged to remove its own nuclear missiles from Turkey. This diplomatic exchange averted a nearcertain nuclear conflict and marked a turning point in Cold War diplomacy.
Significance:
The peaceful resolution of the crisis highlighted the need for open communication and restraint between nuclear powers, leading to future arms control agreements and deescalation efforts during the Cold War.
2016: FBI Investigation Announcement in U.S. Election
On October 28, 2016, the FBI publicly announced the reopening of an investigation involving Hillary Clinton’s emails, focusing on a device owned by former Congressman Anthony Weiner. This announcement, made days before the U.S. presidential election, sparked significant media attention and debate regarding its impact on the election’s outcome.
Significance:
This event underscored the influence of law enforcement and media on political campaigns, as well as the ongoing scrutiny over digital security and classified information in government.
Today in History: December 20
A Look Back At Today, December 20
The Louisiana Purchase was completed.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater.
The United States launched Operation Just Cause.
The United States Space Force was established.
Today in History: December 19
Today in History: December 19
In 1777, General George Washington led an army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge.
In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, concluding the Apollo program.
In 2011, North Korean announced the death of Kim Jong Il and proclaimed Kim Jong Un as the leader.
In 2022, the House Jan. 6 Committee urged the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against the previous president
Today in History: December 18
Today in History: December 18
In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was proclaimed in effect.
In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.
In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)
In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nearly nine-year war.
Today in History: December 17
Today in History: December 17
In 1903 The Wright brothers’ flight redefined the possibilities of travel and opened the skies to human exploration.
In 1933 The first NFL championship laid the foundation for professional football’s evolution into a national pastime.
In 1989 “The Simpsons” redefined animated television, blending humor with social commentary to leave an indelible mark on entertainment.
In 1992 NAFTA reshaped North American trade, fostering economic ties while sparking debates on globalization.
In 2014 The U.S.-Cuba rapprochement signaled a pivotal moment in the post-Cold War world, rekindling hopes for reconciliation.
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