Harvard College Founded: A Look Back at October 28 Events
Today, October 28, marks the anniversary of significant historical events, including the founding of Harvard College in 1636. Established by the General Court of Massachusetts, this institution has become synonymous with academic excellence and leadership.
Key Historical Events on October 28
On this day, a variety of notable moments unfolded across centuries. In 1858, Rowland Hussey Macy opened his first store in New York, located at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and 14th Street, laying the foundation for what would become the Macy’s department store chain.
The year 1886 saw the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. This iconic monument, a gift from France, was unveiled by President Grover Cleveland and has since become a symbol of freedom and democracy.
Fast forward to 1919, when the U.S. Congress passed the Volstead Act, enabling the enforcement of Prohibition. This legislative move occurred despite a veto from President Woodrow Wilson, marking a significant moment in American social policy.
In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt rededicated the Statue of Liberty on its 50th anniversary, reaffirming the statue’s enduring significance.
The geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically in 1962 when Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev informed the United States of his decision to dismantle missile bases in Cuba. This decision coincided with a secret agreement in which the U.S. would remove its own nuclear missiles from Turkey, effectively easing tensions stemming from the Cuban missile crisis.
October 28 is also remembered for natural disasters, including the formation of “The Perfect Storm” in 1991. This intense storm impacted the northeastern United States and tragically resulted in the loss of six crew members from the fishing vessel Andrea Gail.
In 2001, families of the victims from the September 11 attacks gathered at Ground Zero in Manhattan, commemorating their loved ones with a memorial service that resonated with collective grief and resilience.
The San Francisco Giants achieved a historic win in 2012, clinching their second World Series title in three years by defeating the Detroit Tigers in a four-game sweep. This sporting triumph is part of a rich tapestry of events associated with this date.
In 2018, the Boston Red Sox secured the World Series title against the Los Angeles Dodgers, completing the series in five games and further solidifying Boston’s reputation as a powerhouse in baseball.
Recent notable events include Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announcing a rebranding of the company to Meta in 2021, aiming to reflect a broader vision for virtual reality. Following a protracted legal battle, Elon Musk took control of Twitter for $44 billion in 2022, subsequently rebranding the platform as X in 2023.
Notable Birthdays and Recent Events
Today also marks the birthdays of several prominent individuals. Basketball Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens turns 88, while actor Jane Alexander celebrates her 86th birthday. Other notable figures include Caitlyn Jenner, who turns 76, and actor Julia Roberts, who is now 58.
In more recent news, the attack on Paul Pelosi, husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in 2022 highlighted ongoing issues of political violence and public safety. This incident occurred just weeks before Speaker Pelosi announced her decision to step down from her leadership position.
Additionally, in 2024, the Pentagon reported that North Korea had sent approximately 10,000 troops to Russia for training and potential engagement in Ukraine, an action that has raised concerns about escalating geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
As history unfolds, October 28 remains a day filled with reflections on both triumphs and tragedies, reminding us of the complexities of our shared past.
