October 27th takes us closer toward the end of October, and for fans of trick-or-treating in the West, we’re one day closer to Halloween. However, there’s lots to look forward to on October 27th – and if you’re already celebrating today, now’s the chance to celebrate even more with some fantastic facts. We’ll also spill the beans on some famous people you might share a birthday with, too.
On this day
1The Federalist Papers were published.
In 1787, the Federalist Papers started appearing in New York newspapers under the pseudonym “Publius.” The papers were written by James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton.
2The New York subway opened.
October 27th was a big day for New York commuters, as it marks the day that the very first segment of Lower Manhattan to Broadway Harlem was opened to the public via subway. To ride the line, all you needed was a nickel – how things change!
3Empress Zauditu secured her throne.
In 1916, the Battle of Segale took place. Negus Mikael marched on the Ethiopian capital in support of his son, Emperor Iyasus V. He was defeated by Fitawrari abte Giyorgis, which helped secure the throne for Empress Zauditu.
4The League of Nations moved to Geneva.
In 1920 the League of Nations moved its headquarters from London to Geneva, in neutral Switzerland. The League was replaced by the United Nations in 1946, but Geneva is still home to the UN’s European headquarters and many international organisations.
5China announced a population of one billion.
On 27 October 1982, China announced that its population had passed one billion. It reached about 1.41 billion, but it began to shrink in 2022, and India has since overtaken China as the world’s most populous country.
Special Days Falling on October 27th
Not everyone feels the need to celebrate or commemorate October 27th, but for others, it’s a day worth marking. Here are some of the most important events taking place around the world today.
St Vincent and the Grenadines Independence Day
On 27 October 1979, St Vincent and the Grenadines became independent from Britain. The country remains a member of the Commonwealth with King Charles III as head of state; in 2009 voters rejected a new constitution that would have made it a republic.
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
Every 27 October is UNESCO’s World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. It highlights the importance of preserving films, radio and TV recordings, and sound archives, many of which are at risk of being lost as old formats decay.
Navy Day in the United States
In the United States, 27 October is Navy Day. It was chosen in 1922 because it was the birthday of President Theodore Roosevelt, a great supporter of the navy, who was born on 27 October 1858.
This month in history
Scottish inventor John Logie Baird first gave us all a glimpse of television – with his first-ever demonstration of moving images on a screen in October 1925. Yes, believe it or not, we’ve been watching TV for around a century now!
Famous Birthdays on October 27th
- Mary Moser, English painter, born 1744
- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States of America, born 1858
- Dylan Thomas, Welsh poet, born 1914
- Sylvia Plath, American poet, born 1932
- John Cleese, English actor and Monty Python, born 1939
If you were born on October 27th…
…you’re a Scorpio! You are the definition of stoic. You’re the rock those around you lean on and the one your enemies fear! Power to you! You’re also deeply passionate about the things you love and the people who matter most to you. You’re a bundle of ambition and fire all rolled into one.
Head over to our Scorpio facts page to learn more about what makes you so special!
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