Did you know that October 10th is one of the most important dates of the year for many people around the world? It might not feel like a day that really leaps off the calendar unless you’re celebrating it in some way, but there are plenty of great reasons to take time and mark in your diary. Here are some of the most interesting things to know about October 10th!
On this day
1The Great Chicago Fire came to an end.
In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire was finally extinguished after three days of burning the city down. Approximately 300 people died, 100,000 were left homeless, and more were injured.
2Fiji became a British colony.
On 10 October 1874, Fijian chiefs led by Ratu Seru Cakobau signed a deed handing Fiji to Britain. Exactly 96 years later, on 10 October 1970, Fiji became independent.
3Barnard was founded.
In 1889, the famous Barnard College was founded in New York City on this very day. Interestingly, it was founded after Columbia University refused to accept women into the establishment – a major step forward for women’s rights around the turn of the century!
4A folding bicycle frame was patented.
On 10 October 1899, the African-American inventor Isaac R. Johnson received a US patent for a bicycle frame that could be taken apart and folded for storage. It was an early forerunner of the folding bikes used by commuters today.
5Emmeline Pankhurst created an important union.
In 1903, Emmeline Pankhurst created the Women’s Social and Political Union. The union was created to fight for women’s rights in Britain. Seems October 10th is a very important date in gender equality history!
Special Days Falling on October 10th
For countries around the world, October 10th is one of the most important days of the year. It seems to be a pretty important day for independence, and here’s why!
Cuba's Independence Day
On 10 October 1868, the plantation owner Carlos Manuel de Céspedes freed his slaves and called for Cuban independence from Spain, starting the Ten Years’ War. Cubans mark the date as the beginning of their struggle for independence, which finally came in 1902.
Curaçao Day
October 10th is also Curaçao Day! The day honors the anniversary of the island becoming a nation within the Dutch Kingdom. The island, which is located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, deals with its own affairs as an autonomous nation, with the Kingdom having rule only over specific things (such as defense, for example). And, today is the perfect day to celebrate that autonomy!
Fiji Day
Every 10 October, Fiji celebrates Fiji Day, the anniversary of both the islands becoming a British colony in 1874 and gaining independence in 1970. Celebrations include a week of festivals, music and traditional ceremonies.
This month in history
Harvard was founded. On 28 October 1636, the legislature of the Massachusetts Bay Colony voted to set up a college, the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It was named after John Harvard, a young clergyman who left it his library and half his estate in 1638.
Famous Birthdays on October 10th
- Giuseppe Verdi, Italian opera composer, born 1813
- Fridtjof Nansen, Norwegian Arctic explorer, born 1861
- Charles Dance, English actor, born 1946
- Amanda Burton, Northern Irish actor, born 1956
- MARINA, Welsh musician, born 1985
If you were born on October 10th…
…you’re a Libra! You’re smart, loyal, and kind. You’re a great friend and partner to have. You’re also perfect at restoring peace as you have a great sense of justice – pretty fitting, then, considering you’re represented by the scales in the Western Zodiac!
If you’re just getting into your horoscopes and are fascinated to know more about what being a LIbra is all about, take a look over at our facts page.
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