On this day: November 2
November 2, 1755 – The Great Lisbon Earthquake
On this day in 1755, one of the deadliest earthquakes in history struck Lisbon, Portugal. The earthquake, estimated to have a magnitude of 8.5 to 9.0, caused widespread destruction throughout the city, with thousands of buildings collapsing and fires breaking out in the aftermath. The earthquake and its resulting tsunami killed an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 people, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in European history.
November 2, 1889 – North Dakota and South Dakota Become States
On November 2, 1889, North Dakota and South Dakota were admitted to the United States as the 39th and 40th states, respectively. The two states were admitted simultaneously, making them the first states to be admitted to the union on the same day. North Dakota is known as the “Peace Garden State,” while South Dakota is known as the “Mount Rushmore State.”
November 2, 1947 – The Hughes H-4 Hercules “Spruce Goose” Flies
On this day in 1947, the Hughes H-4 Hercules, also known as the “Spruce Goose,” made its first and only flight. The massive wooden aircraft, designed and built by Howard Hughes, had a wingspan of 320 feet and was intended to be used during World War II. However, the war ended before the aircraft was completed, and it only flew once, for a distance of one mile at an altitude of 70 feet.
November 2, 1983 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day Established
On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday to honor the civil rights leader’s legacy. The holiday, observed on the third Monday of January each year, is a time for Americans to reflect on Dr. King’s contributions to the fight for racial equality and social justice.
November 2, 2000 – The First Crew Arrives at the International Space Station
On this day in 2000, the first crew arrived at the International Space Station, marking the beginning of continuous human presence in space. The crew, consisting of American astronaut William Shepherd and Russian cosmonauts Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalev, spent over four months aboard the space station conducting scientific experiments and maintenance tasks.
November 2, 2016 – The Chicago Cubs Win the World Series
On November 2, 2016, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series for the first time in 108 years, defeating the Cleveland Indians in a dramatic Game 7. The Cubs, known for their long history of futility and “curse,” finally broke through to win their third World Series title in franchise history, bringing joy to generations of Cubs fans.
