October 9

Leif Eriksson Day

When the Vikings ventured far out into the Atlantic Ocean, Leif Eriksson sailed west from Greenland and landed in Newfoundland. Although Eriksson is not officially credited with discovering America, Congress has declared October 9 Leif Eriksson Day.

October 13, 1893

The copyright for the melody "Happy Birthday to You" was registered.

October 16, 1758

Noah Webster's Birthday

Noah Webster was the author of the very first American dictionary. In 1828, Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language was published.

October 18

Alaska Day

Alaska Day marks the anniversary of the formal transfer of the Alaska Territory from Russia and the raising of the U.S. flag at Sitka in 1867.

October 21, 1879

Thomas Edison successfully tested for the first time a carbon-filament incandescent light bulb.

October 26, 2003

At a Farmers Market in Windsor, California, a record-setting pumpkin pie, weighing 418 pounds, was served. (The record was beaten in 2010.).

October 31

Halloween (All Hallows' Eve)

October 31 was Samhain for the ancient Celts--the death night of the old year. Druids (priests) lit huge bonfires, while people dressed as demons and witches paraded noisily through the streets to frighten off the roving souls believed to be seeking new homes for the new year.