What Happened on October 1?
October 1 is International Day of Older Persons — honoring elders worldwide — on the same date the Model T went on sale in 1908, Yosemite became a national park in 1890, the first World Series game was played in 1903, the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, NASA began in 1958, and Roger Maris hit his 61st home run in 1961.
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1890 — Yosemite becomes a U.S. national park
On October 1, 1890, Congress created Yosemite National Park — protecting granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and waterfalls in California's Sierra Nevada. Read the full story →
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1903 — The first modern World Series game is played
On October 1, 1903, the Boston Americans faced the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 1 of baseball's first modern World Series. Read the full story →
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1908 — Ford's Model T goes on sale to the public
On October 1, 1908, the Ford Motor Company put the Model T on sale — a sturdy, affordable car that would put America on wheels. Read the full story →
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1949 — The People's Republic of China is proclaimed
On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong announced the founding of the People's Republic of China from Beijing's Tiananmen Gate. Read the full story →
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1958 — NASA begins operations
On October 1, 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration officially opened — launching America's civilian space agency. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Jimmy Carter (1924–2024) · Julie Andrews (1935) · William Rehnquist (1924–2005) · Zach Galifianakis (1969)
Days & observances
International Day of Older Persons · World Vegetarian Day · National Homemade Cookies Day · National Fire Pup Day