ON THIS DAY
What happened on October 8?
October 8 brings together a city-changing fire, a regional war, the birth of an air force, a singular sporting achievement, a long-running musical, a devastating earthquake and recognition for peaceful dissent.
7 moments shown
The Great Chicago Fire began
A fire that started on Chicago’s southwest side spread rapidly through the city, burning for two days and destroying thousands of buildings.
The First Balkan War began
Montenegro declared war on the Ottoman Empire, with its Balkan League allies entering the conflict soon afterward.
The Indian Air Force was established
The Indian Air Force was formally established under legislation passed during British rule, initially as an auxiliary air force.
Don Larsen pitched a World Series perfect game
New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen retired all 27 Brooklyn Dodgers batters in Game 5 of the World Series.
Cats opened on Broadway
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats opened at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York after its successful London debut.
A devastating earthquake struck Kashmir
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near Muzaffarabad, causing widespread destruction across Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.
Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to Chinese writer and activist Liu Xiaobo for his long, nonviolent struggle for fundamental human rights.
No moments match that year range yet. Choose another range to keep exploring.
A LIVING COLLECTION
This date can keep growing.
History is wider than any first selection. We can add well-sourced events, people and perspectives while keeping every entry in chronological order.
Suggest a correction or addition