October 31 is a significant day in history, with events ranging from the origins of Halloween to political milestones. Here are 12 key moments from this day, including a look at the history behind Halloween.
835: Pope Gregory IV Establishes All Saints’ Day
On October 31, 835, Pope Gregory IV officially moved All Saints’ Day to November 1, a move that solidified the celebration of All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween) on October 31. This religious holiday was created to honor saints and martyrs, and it coincided with earlier pagan festivals.
“The saints are the true lights of the world.”
~ Pope Gregory IV
1517: Martin Luther Nails 95 Theses
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, sparking the Protestant Reformation. This act challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and changed the religious landscape of Europe.
“Peace if possible, truth at all costs.”
~ Martin Luther
1795: The Birth of John Keats
On October 31, 1795, John Keats, one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, was born in London, England. Keats’ works, such as Ode to a Nightingale, remain central to English literature.
“I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart’s affections and the truth of Imagination.”
~ John Keats
1864: Nevada Becomes a U.S. State
On October 31, 1864, Nevada was admitted as the 36th state of the United States. Known as the “Silver State” due to its rich silver mines, Nevada played a key role in the Union’s victory during the Civil War.
“The battle-born state is a symbol of strength in unity.”
~ Abraham Lincoln
1917: Battle of Beersheba
On October 31, 1917, during World War I, Australian and New Zealand mounted troops captured Beersheba from Ottoman forces. This victory was a crucial turning point in the Middle Eastern campaign.
“We faced insurmountable odds, but our courage and resolve won the day.”
~ General Sir Edmund Allenby
1926: Death of Harry Houdini
On October 31, 1926, legendary magician and escape artist Harry Houdini died in Detroit, Michigan. Known for his daring stunts and escape acts, Houdini became a cultural icon for pushing the limits of human endurance.
“No mortal man can keep a secret; if his lips are silent, he chatters with his fingertips.”
~ Harry Houdini
1941: Mount Rushmore Construction Completed
On October 31, 1941, construction on the Mount Rushmore National Memorial was completed after 14 years. Featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents, the monument symbolizes American democracy and ideals.
“The faces etched in stone represent the strength of a nation built on liberty.”
~ Gutzon Borglum, sculptor
1961: Stalin’s Body Removed from Lenin’s Mausoleum
On October 31, 1961, Joseph Stalin’s body was removed from Lenin’s Mausoleum in Red Square, Moscow. This act symbolized the Soviet Union’s distancing from Stalin’s brutal regime, following Nikita Khrushchev’s de-Stalinization efforts.
“The guilt of tyranny cannot be washed away by time alone.”
~ Nikita Khrushchev
1978: John Carpenter’s Halloween Premieres
On October 31, 1978, the horror classic Halloween, directed by John Carpenter, premiered. The film introduced audiences to Michael Myers and became a defining work in the slasher genre, shaping modern horror cinema.
“It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare.”
~ Laurie Strode (character in Halloween)
1984: Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi Assassinated
On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi, the prime minister of India, was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, sparking widespread unrest. Gandhi’s leadership and legacy remain central to Indian history.
“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.”
~ Indira Gandhi
1993: River Phoenix Dies
On October 31, 1993, actor and musician River Phoenix died of a drug overdose outside The Viper Room in Los Angeles. Phoenix, known for his roles in films like Stand by Me, left a lasting impact on Hollywood despite his short life.
“I’ve got a lot of responsibilities, but none greater than being true to myself.”
~ River Phoenix
2011: World Population Reaches 7 Billion
On October 31, 2011, the United Nations announced that the global population had reached 7 billion. This milestone underscored the importance of sustainable development and resource management.
“Our challenge is to ensure that we share this planet’s bounty equitably.”
~ Ban Ki-moon
Funny Story: The Ghost of Halloween Past – The Prank That Spooked Harvard
On October 31, 1994, Harvard University students pulled off one of the most memorable Halloween pranks. They arranged for eerie sounds and lights to be projected from the top of Widener Library, making it appear haunted. As students gathered, “ghostly” figures appeared in the windows, sending chills through the onlookers. The administration had to reassure the students the next day that the library wasn’t actually haunted.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say Harvard’s ghost finally decided to do some light reading!”
~ Harvard student prankster
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