On this day: October 28
October 28, 1492 – Christopher Columbus lands in Cuba
On October 28, 1492, Christopher Columbus and his crew landed in Cuba during his first voyage to the Americas. This marked a significant moment in history as it was the first time that Europeans had set foot on the island. Columbus believed that he had reached the East Indies, but in reality, he had discovered a new continent.
October 28, 1886 – Statue of Liberty dedicated
The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, was dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue was a gift from the people of France to the United States and was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. It has since become one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, welcoming immigrants to America.
October 28, 1919 – Prohibition begins in the United States
On October 28, 1919, the Volstead Act was passed, which enforced the prohibition of alcohol in the United States. This marked the beginning of the Prohibition era, which lasted until 1933. The ban on alcohol was intended to reduce crime and improve public health, but it ultimately led to the rise of organized crime and bootlegging.
October 28, 1962 – Cuban Missile Crisis ends
The Cuban Missile Crisis, a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union, came to an end on October 28, 1962. The crisis was sparked when U.S. spy planes discovered that the Soviets were building missile sites in Cuba. After tense negotiations, the two superpowers reached a deal in which the Soviets agreed to remove their missiles from Cuba in exchange for the U.S. promising not to invade the island.
October 28, 2007 – Cristina Fernández de Kirchner elected President of Argentina
On October 28, 2007, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was elected as the first female President of Argentina. She succeeded her husband, Néstor Kirchner, who had served as President from 2003 to 2007. Fernández de Kirchner’s presidency was marked by economic growth and social reforms, but also faced criticism for corruption allegations and authoritarian tendencies.
October 28, 2021 – TBD
Stay tuned for updates on any significant events that may occur on October 28, 2021.
