What Happened on November 7?
November 7 is National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day — a rich candy celebration — on the same date Bolsheviks seized power in 1917, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed in 1940, and Eleanor Roosevelt's remarkable life ended in 1962.
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1665 — The London Gazette, Britain's official newspaper, is first published
On November 7, 1665, the Oxford Gazette (soon London Gazette) began — still published as the UK's official public record. Read the full story →
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1874 — Thomas Nast's elephant cartoon popularizes the GOP symbol
On November 7, 1874, Harper's Weekly published a Thomas Nast cartoon that helped fix the elephant as the Republican Party symbol. Read the full story →
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1917 — Bolsheviks seize power in Petrograd (October Revolution)
On November 7, 1917 (Gregorian calendar), Bolshevik forces led by Lenin seized key points in Petrograd — launching Soviet rule. Read the full story →
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1940 — The Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapses in high winds
On November 7, 1940, Washington's Tacoma Narrows Bridge twisted and fell — a famous engineering failure nicknamed Galloping Gertie. Read the full story →
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1962 — Eleanor Roosevelt dies — ending a life of public service
On November 7, 1962, former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt died in New York after decades as a humanitarian and diplomat. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Marie Curie (1867–1934) · Albert Camus (1913–1960) · Billy Graham (1918–2018) · Joni Mitchell (1943)
Days & observances
National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day · Hug a Bear Day · National Canine Lovers Day · International Inuit Day