Fact 1: The Yellowstone National Park was Officially Opened on October 8
On this day in 1871, the US Congress officially opened the world's first national park, Yellowstone. It's located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, though it also extends into Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone is hailed globally for its wildlife and its many geothermal features, especially Old Faithful geyser.
Fact 2: American First Ladies were Born on October 8
Eleanor Roosevelt, the 32nd First Lady of the United States, was born on October 8, 1884. She held the position from 1933 to 1945 during her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms in office, making her the longest-serving First Lady of the United States.
Fact 3: The Great Chicago Fire Began on October 8
On October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire started, which if you're a Chicago resident, you definitely know about! The fire destroyed an estimated 3.3 square miles of Chicago, Illinois, killing approximately 300 people and leaving 100,000 homeless.
Fact 4: The Moon was Discovered by Galileo on October 8
October 8th has a special significance in astronomy as it was the day when Galileo Galilei made his first detailed observations of the moon in 1609. He observed it through his telescope and this changed our perception of the universe forever.
Fact 5: 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' was Released on October 8
Mariah Carey's iconic Christmas tune "All I Want For Christmas Is You" was released on October 8, 1994. Fast forward to today, it has become one of the best-selling singles of all time and an essential Christmas tune worldwide.
Fact 6: Oktoberfest Tradition Kicks Off
Oktoberfest, an important German festival, often kicks off on or around October 8 every year. The festival, which runs for 16-18 days in Munich, started as a royal wedding celebration in the early 19th century.
Fact 7: The Battle of Britain Ended on October 8
The Battle of Britain, one of the decisive confrontations of World War II, officially ended on October 8, 1940. It was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces.
Fact 8: World Octopus Day
Yes, you read that right! October 8 is also recognized as World Octopus Day, a day to celebrate one of the most distinctive creatures living on the planet today.
Fact 9: The Eighth Planet was Discovered on October 8
On October 8, 1846, the eighth planet in our solar system, Neptune, was discovered. Astronomers Johann Gottfried Galle and Heinrich Louis d'Arrest spotted the planet at the Berlin Observatory.
Fact 10: International Lesbian Day
October 8th is also International Lesbian Day, or Lesbian Visibility Day. This day is celebrated around the world and honors lesbians and lesbian culture.
Fact 11: American Author R.L. Stine was Born on October 8
On October 8, 1943, Robert Lawrence Stine, more commonly known as R.L. Stine, was born. He is best known for his horror fiction novels for children, especially the Goosebumps series.
Fact 12: October 8 and Nobel Prize in Literature
The date October 8 has seen the announcement of many Nobel Laureates in Literature. For example, Harold Pinter was announced as the 2005 Nobel Laureate in Literature on October 8, 2005.
Fact 13: India Celebrates Air Force Day on October 8
On October 8 each year, India marks Indian Air Force Day. The services celebrates their official establishment on October 8, 1932 by the British Empire as the Royal Indian Air Force.
Fact 14: The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was Founded on October 8
Britain's public service broadcaster, the BBC, was founded on October 8, 1922. Over the years, it has played a fundamental role in broadcasting and setting standards for broadcast journalism.
Fact 15: October 8 is National Fluffernutter Day in the USA
Fluffernutter, the gooey sandwich filled with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, is celebrated on October 8 in the USA with its own national day.
Fact 16: Chester A. Arthur Became 21st U.S. President on October 8
Following the death of President James A. Garfield, Vice President Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the 21st President of the United States on October 8, 1881.
Fact 17: Radiotelegraph Convention on October 8
On this day in 1906, the first conference on wireless telegraphy, the "International Radiotelegraph Convention," was held, leading to the establishment of mandatory 24/7 radiotelegraph watches at sea.
Fact 18: Walter Chrysler Founded His Company on October 8
On October 8, 1924, Walter Chrysler, the American automotive industry executive and founder of Chrysler Corporation, launched his company.
Fact 19: Soviet Writer and Nobel Prize Winner was born on October 8
On October 8, 1895, famous Russian-Soviet novelist, Ivan Bunin, was born. Bunin was the first Russian writer awarded with the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1933.
Fact 20: First International Beauty Contest on October 8
The first international beauty contest was held in Spain on October 8th, 1888. The contest was not just based on beauty, but also included presentations of various talents and even cooking skills!