On This Day - October 26th
October 26th is more than just another stepping stone on the way toward Halloween here in the West. It’s a big day for all kinds of historical events, and it’s also very popular with Scorpios, too. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the most popular and important events that took place on this day heading back decades and centuries. If it’s your birthday today, we also share a few facts about some famous birthdays.
On this day
Hamilton Smith got an important patent.
In 1858, Hamilton Smith gained the patent for a rotary washing machine over in Pittsburgh, US. His invention, although it has been adapted many times since, basically sits in most homes today!
The Red Cross first started.
In 1863, Geneva played host to an international conference with the goal of improving medical conditions on battlefields. It was the beginning of what we now know as the Red Cross.
The Gunfight at OK Corral took place.
In 1884, the most infamous shootout in the Wild West took place between lawmen, including the world-famous Wyatt Earp. Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers were killed during the shootout.
Itō Hirobumi was killed.
In 1909, Itō Hirobumi, the Resident-General of Korea and former Prime Minister of Japan, was shot and killed by An Jung-geun, a Korean nationalist. He was killed in Harbin, China.
Margaret Sanger was arrested.
In 1916, American sex educator Margaret Sanger was arrested for obscenity. She was advocating birth control – and while we live in more enlightened times in some ways, there are still some laws that restrict women’s bodies that are worth raising awareness about.
Special Days Falling on October 26th
October 26th is just as much about the celebrations and commemorations as it is about its history. Here are some of the most important events taking place around the world today.
Accession Day
For the people of India, October 26th is always Accession Day. The day commemorates the anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh ceremoniously signing what’s known as the Instrument of Accession with the Government of India. With the signing of the document, Jammu and Kashmir was made a member of the Dominion of India.
Austrian National Day
Austrian National Day is celebrated every year on October 26th. On this very day, Austria adopted the Federal Constitutional Law on the Neutrality of Austria. That is to say that it is the day Austria stated its neutrality and declared it would not be involved in any military alliances and wouldn’t allow any military bases to be established on its land. This day is also celebrated as the Day of the Austrian Flag!
National Day of the Deployed
This special day honors the service people all over the world, defending their countries, protecting peace, and risking their lives every day to do so. Today, take the time to thank the service people you know and see what you can do to help support them.
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This page was last modified on October 24, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
US President Richard Nixon infamously fired William Ruckleshaus and Archibald Cox in the middle of the Watergate scandal in 1973. This event would go down as the Saturday Night Massacre, with Elliot Richardson, then-Attorney General, resigning during the melee. The firings led to protests and demands that Nixon be impeached.
Famous Birthdays on October 26th
If you were born on October 26th…
…you’re a Scorpio! You’re smart, loyal, determined, and very ambitious. No one should step in your way lest they be stung! Scorpios know what they want out of life and are more than happy to help their loved ones be part of that journey. A Scorpio is a great friend, partner, and ally to have on your side – they’ll help you fight your battles provided you’re loyal in return.
Now’s the time to look at our Scorpio facts page for the complete lowdown!
