Fact 1: A Day of American Discovery
On October 12th, 1492, Christopher Columbus and his crew landed in the Bahamas, marking a significant moment in time deemed as the ‘discovery’ of America. Columbus initially set sail from Spain on August 3rd, 1492 and spent over two months journeying across the Atlantic before finally reaching land.
Fact 2: A Momentous Day for Aviation
October 12th, 1928, marks a historical day in aviation when the first transpacific flight took off. The flight piloted by Australian Charles Kingsford Smith and his co-pilot Charles Ulm, took off from San Francisco and successfully landed in Australia. They made this daring journey on a Fokker F.VII plane, dubbed 'The Southern Cross'.
Fact 3: Birth of an Author
On October 12th, 1904, playwright and novelist Ding Ling, one of China's most successful modern female authors, was born. She is best known for her controversial works exploring women's roles within a developing Chinese society.
Fact 4: An Important Day for Spain
October 12th is a national holiday in Spain known as Fiesta Nacional de España or DÃa de la Hispanidad. The day celebrates Spain's history, culture, and achievements. It also includes a highlight event, a military parade presided over by the Spanish Royals.
Fact 5: Pledge of Allegiance Recognized
October 12th, 1892, marks the day when the Pledge of Allegiance was first introduced and publicly recited in American schools.
Fact 6: The Birth of the Ultimate Horror Writer
Renowned English author, Richard Matheson, acclaimed for his fantasy and horror stories, celebrated his birthday on October 12th. He penned notable works such as “I Am Legend” and “Stir of Echoes”.
Fact 7: First Woman in Space
The USSR astronaut, Valentina Tereshkova, who completed 48 orbits of Earth, leading women into space flight, was appointed the president of Yaroslavl Soviet on October 12, 1980.
Fact 8: Breakthrough in Medical History
On October 12, 1892, Dr. Richard Gatling received a patent for the Gatling gun. This played a critical role in vaccinations by making inoculation quicker and more efficient.
Fact 9: Setting the Bar for Philanthropy
On October 12, 2000, the Gates Foundation made an unprecedented $210 million grant to the University of Washington, setting a record for private donation to a public university.
Fact 10: A Significant Day in Ottoman History
On the same day in 1925, Ankara replaced Istanbul as the capital of Turkey, signifying the end of the Ottoman Empire and the birth of modern Turkey.
Fact 11: The Birth of a Baseball Legend
One of baseball's most successful managers, Joe Cronin, was born on October 12, 1906. Cronin was a 7-time All-Star player and led the Red Sox as both player and manager.
Fact 12: End of the World Series Suffering
October 12, 1980, was a relieving day for Philadelphia Phillies fans when they finally won their first World Series after 98-years of existence, beating the Kansas City Royals.
Fact 13: Bringing Music to Life
October 12, 1823, marks the day when Charles Wheatstone, the inventor of the concertina, stereo sound, and English telegraph, was born.
Fact 14: Birth of America’s Most Decorated Soldier
World War II hero, Audie Murphy, credited as one of the most decorated American soldiers of the war, was born on October 12, 1924.
Fact 15: A Day for the Air Force
October 12 is the official anniversary day of the United States Air Force Memorial, which was dedicated on this date in 2006.
Fact 16: BP’s Massive Oil Discovery
Multinational oil company, BP, announced on October 12, 1999, that they made one of the most significant oil discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico known as the 'Crazy Horse' deposit.
Fact 17: Men in Space
On October 12, 1964, Voskhod 1 was launched by the Soviet Union. It was the first spacecraft to carry more than one astronaut into space.
Fact 18: A Day for Equatorial Guinea
October 12th is an important day for Equatorial Guinea as it marks their Independence Day. They achieved their freedom from Spanish rule in 1968.
Fact 19: Remembering the Great Fire of London
On October 12, 1666, the reconstruction of London started after the Great Fire of London decimated a major portion of the city.
Fact 20: A Royal Wedding in Bhutan
The royal wedding between the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Jetsun Pema took place on October 12, 2011. This impressive national event also included three days of celebration across the country.