October 22

In 1746, the College of New Jersey was chartered by New Light Presbyterians seeking an institution of higher learning in the American colonies. Classes initially met in a simple log cabin before the college acquired land in Princeton and built Nassau Hall. The charter emphasized academic freedom and governance by both faculty and students. Early professors and trustees included influential figures who later became Founding Fathers. The college quickly gained a reputation for excellence in theology, philosophy, and the liberal arts. Princeton alumni played significant roles in the American Revolution and the early republic. Today, Princeton University is renowned for its scholarly achievements and historic campus.

On October 22, 1844, adherents of the Millerite movement, led by Baptist preacher William Miller, gathered in expectation of the Second Advent of Christ. Based on Miller’s calculations, they believed the world would end that day, triggering a wave of religious fervor. Thousands across the eastern United States sold possessions and prepared for the apocalypse. When October 22 passed without incident, followers experienced profound disillusionment, later termed the “Great Disappointment.” The event deeply affected the American religious landscape, spurring new Adventist denominations and influencing eschatological thought. Despite the setback, the movement laid groundwork for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and modern Millerite offshoots.

On October 22, 1983, two correctional officers at USP Marion were brutally murdered by inmates during an unattended moment in the prison yard. The shocking violence exposed serious lapses in security procedures at federal penitentiaries. In response, the Bureau of Prisons developed a new high-security framework known as Supermax to house the most dangerous inmates in near-total isolation. The Supermax design emphasized strict control, limited inmate movement, and round-the-clock surveillance. Marion became the first institution to fully implement these measures, transforming the approach to managing violent offenders. While the Supermax model aimed to enhance safety, it also sparked debates over human rights and the psychological effects of extreme confinement. This event thus reshaped U.S. corrections policy and prison architecture for decades to come.

On October 22, 1997, Danish national Steen Christensen, serving a prison sentence in Finland, executed a daring escape from custody in the Ullanlinna district of Helsinki. Armed and desperate, Christensen encountered Chief Constable Eero Holsti and Senior Constable Antero Palo, both of whom he tragically shot dead. The incident sent shockwaves through Finland and Denmark, prompting law enforcement agencies to review extradition agreements and prisoner transport procedures. Christensen evaded capture for several hours before being apprehended, raising concerns about security protocols during transfers. The dual homicides led to a high-profile trial in Finland, where the fugitives' background and motives were scrutinized in court. The case remains a stark reminder of the risks faced by officers and the complexities of cross-border criminal justice. It also influenced subsequent reforms in prisoner transport and international cooperation in criminal matters.

On October 22, 2013, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) enacted the Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013, granting same-sex couples the right to marry locally. The legislation represented Australia's first legal recognition of same-sex marriage at a subnational level. It received royal assent on November 22 but was short-lived. In December, the federal High Court ruled the ACT law invalid, stating only the Commonwealth Parliament could legislate on marriage. Despite its overturn, the Act marked a pivotal moment in Australia's journey toward marriage equality. It fueled public debate and influenced the national decision to legalize same-sex marriage in 2017.

On October 22, 2019, the UK Parliament's Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act took effect, triggering the legalisation of same-sex marriage and decriminalisation of abortion in Northern Ireland. As the Assembly failed to reconvene, provisions automatically applied these changes. Same-sex couples gained the right to marry, and abortions up to 12 weeks became lawful. These reforms aligned Northern Ireland's laws with the rest of the UK and ended its unique status. Implementation began in early 2020 with the first ceremonies and licensed clinics following soon after. The measures underscored debates over devolution, human rights, and regional autonomy.