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Explore the historical events that shaped our world on October 21st. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese navigator sponsored by Spain discovers and enters the Straight that now bears its name, sailing through the dangerous passage which separate the South American mainland from the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, and becoming the first European explorer to reach the Pacific Ocean from the Atlantic by sailing through the dangerous straits. More
The USS Constitution is launched in Boston. She was one of the six original frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794 and it is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. It was designed by Joshua Humphreys, and built at Hartt's Shipyard in Boston.
It's famous for its role in the War of 1812, earning the nickname "Old Ironsides" after successfully weathering British cannon fire. The USS Constitution also played a key role in protecting American merchant ships and engaging in battles during the Quasi-War with France and the Barbary Wars. It remains in active service and also serves as a popular tourist destination.
The Battle of Trafalgar takes place during the Napoleonic Wars. It was a decisive naval engagement between the British Royal Navy led by Admiral Lord Nelson and the combined fleets of the French and Spanish navies under Admiral Pierre Villeneuve and Federico Gravina.
The British achieved a resounding victory, although Admiral Nelson was fatally wounded during the battle. More
The fourth and final presidential debate between Vice President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy, before the 1960 U.S. presidential election takes place at the ABC studios in New York City, New York.
The debate was moderated by Quincy Howe of ABC with Frank Singiser, John Edwards, Walter Cronkite and John Chancellor as panelists. The questions were related to Foreign affairs. More
A catastrophic collapse of a pile of accumulated coal waste slides and engulfs a school in Aberfan, South Wales, killing 116 children and 28 adults. The pile had been created on a mountain slope above the Welsh village near Merthyr Tydfil, and overlaid a natural spring.
Heavy rain led to a build-up of water within the tip which caused it to suddenly slide downhill and engulfed the Pantglas Junior School and a row of houses. Many of the village's residents developed medical problems as a result of the disaster, and half the survivors have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder at some time in their lives.
By Unknown - Original publication: UnknownImmediate source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/57578811@N06/5304448493/, Fair use,
