A Balinese woman married a snake after claiming it seduced her in a dream
In a traditional Hindu ceremony witnessed by thousands, the woman wed a python she'd found in her rice field. Local spiritual leaders insisted the mar...
October 1 in History
Significant events that happened on this day.
Historical Events
2005
1994
Palau became the world's newest nation, ending its status as the last UN trust territory
After decades under US administration, the Pacific island nation of Palau gained full independence. With a population under 20,000, it's one of the wo...
1989
Denmark became the first country in the world to legally recognize same-sex unions
Danish law allowed registered partnerships for gay couples, granting most of the rights of marriage except adoption and church weddings. Eleven couple...
1988
Mikhail Gorbachev became the Soviet head of state, consolidating his power to push reforms
Gorbachev added 'President of the Soviet Union' to his titles, giving him authority to implement his glasnost and perestroika policies. His reforms wo...
1979
The United States returned full control of the Panama Canal Zone to Panama
After 65 years of American control, the Canal Zone officially became Panamanian territory, though the US retained control of the canal itself until 19...
1975
Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier in the 'Thrilla in Manila,' one of boxing's most brutal fights
MajorIn sweltering heat in the Philippines, Ali and Frazier beat each other for 14 rounds in what many call the greatest boxing match ever. Frazier's corne...
1971
Walt Disney World opened its gates to the public for the first time in Orlando, Florida
MajorFive years after Walt Disney's death, his dream of an East Coast theme park became reality. The Magic Kingdom welcomed its first guests with tickets c...
1962
Johnny Carson took over as host of The Tonight Show, beginning a 30-year reign
Carson's first show featured guests Groucho Marx, Joan Crawford, and Tony Bennett. He went on to host nearly 5,000 episodes and became a cultural inst...
1958
NASA officially began operations as America's space agency
MajorBorn from Cold War competition, NASA absorbed the earlier NACA and took on the mission to win the Space Race. Within 11 years, they'd put humans on th...
1949
Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing
MajorAfter decades of civil war, Mao Zedong stood at Tiananmen Square and declared the establishment of the People's Republic of China. This moment reshape...
1946
Nazi leaders were sentenced at the Nuremberg Trials, establishing modern war crimes law
The International Military Tribunal handed down verdicts against 22 Nazi leaders for crimes against humanity. Twelve received death sentences, includi...
1908
Henry Ford introduced the Model T automobile, revolutionizing personal transportation
MajorPriced at $825, the Model T made cars affordable for average Americans through assembly line production. Ford famously said customers could have any c...
1880
John Philip Sousa became the leader of the US Marine Band, beginning his career as 'The March King'
At age 25, Sousa took over the Marine Band and transformed it into America's premier military ensemble. He went on to compose 136 marches, including '...