1406day.year
Chen Yanxiang, the only person from Indonesia known to have visited dynastic Korea, reaches Seoul after having set out from Java four months before.
In 1406, Chen Yanxiang from Java reached Seoul after a four-month voyage, becoming the only known Indonesian visitor to dynastic Korea.
Chen Yanxiang embarked on an extraordinary maritime journey in 1406, sailing from Java and arriving in Seoul four months later. His voyage stands out as a rare example of early Southeast Asian contact with the Korean peninsula during the Joseon dynasty. The journey highlights the extensive sea routes and trade networks that connected distant cultures in the pre-modern era. Accounts suggest Chen was welcomed by Korean court officials, illustrating Korea’s engagement with foreign merchants. His visit remains a unique chapter in the shared history of Indonesia and Korea, underscoring the surprising connections forged across the seas.
1406
Chen Yanxiang
Seoul
Java
1492day.year
Christopher Columbus's first expedition makes landfall in the Caribbean, specifically on San Salvador Island. (Julian calendar)
On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on San Salvador Island in the Caribbean during his first transatlantic voyage.
Christopher Columbus set sail in August 1492 under the patronage of the Spanish crown to find a westward route to Asia. On October 12 (Julian calendar), he made landfall on an island he named San Salvador, marking the first documented European encounter with the Caribbean. Columbus’s arrival opened the Americas to sustained European exploration and colonization. His journals describe lush landscapes and the unfamiliar peoples he called "Indians." The landing triggered waves of migration, trade, and often tragic cultural clashes. Columbus’s voyage remains a pivotal milestone in world history, reshaping global interactions forever.
1492
Christopher Columbus
first expedition
Caribbean
San Salvador Island
Julian calendar
1773day.year
America's first insane asylum opens.
In 1773, North America’s first dedicated institution for the mentally ill opened its doors, marking a milestone in psychiatric care.
The opening of America’s first insane asylum in 1773 represented a new approach to mental health treatment, moving away from imprisonment and neglect. This facility sought to provide care and supervision for individuals deemed mentally ill under standards of the time. Staffed by physicians and attendants, the asylum aimed to offer humane conditions compared to previous practices. While treatment methods were rudimentary by modern standards, the institution laid the groundwork for the evolution of psychiatric medicine in the United States. Over time, this pioneering effort influenced the establishment of similar facilities across the young nation.
1773
first insane asylum
1792day.year
The first celebration of Columbus Day is held in New York City.
New York City hosts the inaugural Columbus Day celebration in 1792 to honor Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage to the Americas.
In 1792, New York City organized the first Columbus Day event to mark the 300th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s historic arrival. The celebration featured parades, orations, and public gatherings emphasizing national pride and maritime exploration. Sponsored by civic leaders, it aimed to unite citizens under a common heritage. Over time, Columbus Day observances spread across the United States, evolving into a federal holiday. Today, the day remains both a cultural festivity and a focal point for discussions on historical legacy.
1792
Columbus Day
1793day.year
The cornerstone of Old East, the oldest state university building in the United States, is laid at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The cornerstone of Old East, the first building of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the oldest state university structure in the US, is laid in 1793.
In 1793, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill laid the cornerstone of Old East, marking the beginning of America’s first public university. Designed in the Georgian architectural style, the building set a precedent for higher education facilities in the young nation. Old East served as both classrooms and student housing, reflecting the university’s integrated academic life. Over two centuries later, the structure remains a centerpiece of the Chapel Hill campus. Its continuous use and historical significance make it a cherished symbol of public higher education in the United States.
1793
Old East
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
1810day.year
The citizens of Munich hold the first Oktoberfest in celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Louis of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.
Munich hosts the inaugural Oktoberfest in 1810 to celebrate the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese.
On October 12, 1810, Munich held the first Oktoberfest to commemorate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The festivities included horse races, music, and elaborate communal feasts on the fields outside the city gates, later named Theresienwiese in honor of the bride. The event proved so popular that it became an annual tradition, expanding into a world-famous beer and cultural festival. Over the centuries, Oktoberfest has grown to attract millions of visitors, showcasing Bavarian heritage through music, food, and traditional dress. It remains a vibrant celebration of local customs and community spirit.
1810
Munich
Oktoberfest
Louis of Bavaria
Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen
1890day.year
Uddevalla Suffrage Association is formed.
The Uddevalla Suffrage Association is established in Sweden in 1890 to campaign for women’s voting rights.
In 1890, activists in the Swedish city of Uddevalla founded the Uddevalla Suffrage Association to advocate for women’s enfranchisement. The organization organized public meetings, petitions, and lectures to raise awareness about gender equality in political representation. As one of the early local chapters, it inspired similar groups across Sweden. The association’s efforts contributed to national debates that eventually led to women gaining municipal voting rights in 1919 and full suffrage in 1921. Its legacy underscores the grassroots activism that shaped Sweden’s democratic reforms.
1890
Uddevalla Suffrage Association
1892day.year
The Pledge of Allegiance is first recited by students in many US public schools.
On October 12, 1892, students in many U.S. public schools first recited the Pledge of Allegiance, beginning a lasting patriotic tradition.
On October 12, 1892, students in many U.S. public schools first recited the Pledge of Allegiance, beginning a lasting patriotic tradition.
The Pledge was originally composed by Francis Bellamy to instill national pride and unity among schoolchildren.
The inaugural recitation took place during the National Public School Celebration of Columbus Day in Philadelphia.
Over time, the text has been amended, notably with the addition of 'under God' in 1954.
Today, the Pledge remains a daily ritual in many American schools and public ceremonies.
1892
Pledge of Allegiance
1998day.year
Matthew Shepard, a gay student at University of Wyoming, dies five days after he was beaten outside of Laramie.
Matthew Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student, succumbs to injuries from a hate crime attack, galvanizing LGBT rights activism.
On October 6, 1998, Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten and left tied to a fence outside Laramie, Wyoming in a hate-motivated crime. He remained unconscious until discovered and was transported to a hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. After five days on life support, Shepard died on October 12. His death drew international attention to hate crimes against the LGBTQ community. The tragedy inspired activists to push for federal hate crime legislation in the United States. In 2009, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law. Shepard's legacy continues to influence education, memorials, and ongoing civil rights efforts.
1998
Matthew Shepard
University of Wyoming
2010day.year
The Finnish Yle TV2 channel's Ajankohtainen kakkonen current affairs program airs controversial Homoilta episode (literally "gay night"), which leads to the resignation of almost 50,000 Finns from the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
A Finnish TV debate on homosexuality prompts nearly 50,000 church members to resign from the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
On October 12, 2010, Yle TV2 aired 'Homoilta,' a special episode of the program Ajankohtainen kakkonen that focused on LGBTQ issues and same-sex marriage. The broadcast featured passionate discussions between activists, religious leaders, and public figures. The episode sparked national controversy, leading to an unprecedented wave of resignations—almost 50,000 people left Finland’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in protest. The event highlighted deep societal divides over sexuality and religion in Finland. It also fueled further public debate on LGBT rights and the church’s role in modern society.
2010
Yle TV2
Ajankohtainen kakkonen
Homoilta episode
Finns
Evangelical Lutheran Church
2018day.year
Princess Eugenie marries Jack Brooksbank at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
In 2018, Princess Eugenie wed Jack Brooksbank in a royal ceremony at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
On October 12, 2018, Princess Eugenie, the younger daughter of Prince Andrew, wed Jack Brooksbank.
The ceremony took place in the historic St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, adorned with autumn flowers.
Guests included members of the royal family, celebrity friends, and charitable patrons.
Princess Eugenie chose a bespoke gown that proudly revealed her scoliosis scar, symbolizing openness and strength.
The event was watched by millions worldwide and celebrated as a modern royal affair.
The couple directed charitable donations from the ceremony towards anti-slavery and wildlife conservation organizations.
2018
Princess Eugenie
marries
Jack Brooksbank
St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle