What Happened on October 27?

October 27 is National Black Cat Day — and Navy Day in the United States — on the same date New York's subway opened in 1904, the first Federalist Paper appeared in 1787, nylon stockings debuted in 1939, the Red Sox ended an 86-year drought in 2004, and Pinckney's Treaty secured Mississippi River rights in 1795.

• 1682 — William Penn arrives in Pennsylvania

  On October 27, 1682, Quaker leader William Penn reached his new colony, promoting religious freedom and fair dealings that shaped Pennsylvania. Read the full story →

• 1787 — The first Federalist Paper is published

  On October 27, 1787, the first essay of The Federalist — later called the Federalist Papers — appeared, arguing for ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Read the full story →

• 1795 — The United States and Spain sign Pinckney's Treaty

  On October 27, 1795, the United States and Spain signed Pinckney's Treaty (Treaty of San Lorenzo), securing U.S. navigation rights on the Mississippi River. Read the full story →

• 1904 — New York City's first subway line opens to the public

  On October 27, 1904, Mayor George McClellan drove the inaugural subway train under Manhattan — and that evening more than 100,000 riders paid a nickel each. Read the full story →

• 1939 — Nylon stockings go on sale to the American public

  On October 27, 1939, shoppers rushed stores as nylon stockings — made from DuPont's new synthetic fiber — first went on nationwide sale. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) · Sylvia Plath (1932–1963) · John Cleese (1939) · Fran Lebowitz (1950)

Days & observances

National Black Cat Day · Navy Day (United States) · World Day for Audiovisual Heritage · National American Beer Day