October 28 has been a day marked by significant historical moments across politics, exploration, and cultural milestones. Here are 12 key events from this day in chronological order.
1492: Christopher Columbus Discovers Cuba
On October 28, 1492, Christopher Columbus reached the shores of Cuba during his first voyage to the New World. Mistakenly believing he had found mainland China, Columbus claimed the island for Spain, paving the way for European colonization in the Caribbean.
The land before us is unlike anything we have ever seen. It is a world of untold riches and wonder, one that will change the course of history
~ Christopher Columbus
1636: Harvard University Founded
On October 28, 1636, Harvard University was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by the Massachusetts Bay Colony. As the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, Harvard became one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
The advancement of learning and perpetuation thereof is of great importance to the prosperity of this commonwealth
~ Massachusetts Bay Colony charter
1886: Statue of Liberty Dedicated
On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York Harbor by U.S. President Grover Cleveland. A gift from France, the statue became a symbol of freedom and democracy, welcoming millions of immigrants to American shores.
We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home; nor shall her chosen altar be neglected
~ President Grover Cleveland
1918: Czechoslovakia Declares Independence
On October 28, 1918, Czechoslovakia declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire following the end of World War I. The new nation was formed as part of the post-war dissolution of empires in Europe.
A new nation is born, one that will stand as a beacon of democracy and unity in the heart of Europe
~ Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk
1922: Mussolini’s March on Rome
On October 28, 1922, Benito Mussolini and his Fascist Party began their March on Rome, which led to Mussolini’s appointment as Prime Minister of Italy. This event marked the rise of fascism in Europe and the start of Mussolini’s dictatorship.
Either the government will be given to us or we shall seize it by marching on Rome
~ Benito Mussolini
1940: Greece Rejects Italy’s Ultimatum in World War II
On October 28, 1940, Greece rejected an ultimatum from Italy to allow Axis forces to occupy the country. This defiance led to Greece’s entry into World War II, and the day is celebrated annually as Ohi Day (No Day) in Greece.
Greeks fight like heroes, and their defiance will be remembered by history
~ Winston Churchill
1943: The Philadelphia Experiment
On October 28, 1943, the Philadelphia Experiment allegedly took place, where the U.S. Navy reportedly conducted tests to make the USS Eldridge invisible. Though considered a hoax, the event became part of conspiracy theories about military experimentation.
Science can lead to the most incredible discoveries, but also to the wildest imaginations
~ Skeptic historian
1955: Bill Gates Born
On October 28, 1955, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the wealthiest people in the world, was born in Seattle, Washington. Gates played a crucial role in the personal computing revolution and later became a prominent philanthropist.
Don’t compare yourself with anyone in this world. If you do so, you are insulting yourself
~ Bill Gates
1962: Cuban Missile Crisis Ends
On October 28, 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis ended when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev agreed to dismantle Soviet missile installations in Cuba in exchange for a U.S. pledge not to invade the island. This marked the conclusion of the Cold War’s most dangerous confrontation.
The lesson of this crisis is clear: that peace must be maintained not through force, but through negotiation and compromise
~ John F. Kennedy
1965: Gateway Arch Completed in St. Louis
On October 28, 1965, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, was completed. Standing at 630 feet tall, it became the world’s tallest man-made monument at the time and a symbol of westward expansion in the United States.
The Gateway Arch is not just a monument; it is a symbol of the limitless possibilities that lie beyond the horizon
~ Architect Eero Saarinen
1998: Michael Jordan Announces Retirement from Basketball
On October 28, 1998, Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, announced his second retirement from the NBA after leading the Chicago Bulls to six championships. Jordan’s legacy as an athlete and cultural icon remains unmatched.
I have always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come
~ Michael Jordan
2005: Civil Partnerships Act Passed in the United Kingdom
On October 28, 2005, the Civil Partnerships Act was passed in the United Kingdom, allowing same-sex couples to legally register their partnerships. This landmark legislation was a major step forward in LGBTQ+ rights in the UK.
Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community
~ Barbara Gittings
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