What Happened on October 14?
October 14 is National Dessert Day — celebrating sweet finales — on the same date William won at Hastings in 1066, Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947, and Winnie-the-Pooh was published in 1926.
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1066 — William of Normandy defeats King Harold at Hastings
On October 14, 1066, Norman forces led by William defeated King Harold II near Hastings — changing England forever. Read the full story →
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1912 — Theodore Roosevelt is shot but finishes his speech
On October 14, 1912, a would-be assassin shot Theodore Roosevelt in Milwaukee — yet he still delivered a lengthy campaign speech. Read the full story →
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1926 — A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh is published
On October 14, 1926, A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh introduced Pooh, Piglet, and the Hundred Acre Wood to readers. Read the full story →
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1947 — Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier
On October 14, 1947, U.S. Air Force pilot Chuck Yeager flew the X-1 faster than sound — the first confirmed level-flight supersonic breakthrough. Read the full story →
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1962 — A U-2 flight photographs Soviet missiles in Cuba
On October 14, 1962, an American U-2 spy plane photographed Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba — triggering the Cuban Missile Crisis. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969) · Roger Moore (1927–2017) · Usher (1978) · Natalie Maines (1974)
Days & observances
National Dessert Day · World Standards Day · National Be Bald and Free Day · National Raspberry Cream Pie Day