What Happened on October 28?

October 28 is National Chocolate Day — and International Animation Day — on the same date the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in 1886, Harvard College was founded in 1636, Czechoslovakia declared independence in 1918, and the Gateway Arch was topped out in 1965.

• 1492 — Columbus lands on Cuba during his first voyage

  On October 28, 1492, Christopher Columbus reached the island of Cuba, which he explored believing he was near Asia. Read the full story →

• 1636 — Harvard College is founded in Massachusetts

  On October 28, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony's Great and General Court voted to found a college — the institution that became Harvard University. Read the full story →

• 1886 — The Statue of Liberty is dedicated in New York Harbor

  On October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland dedicated France's gift of Liberty Enlightening the World — the Statue of Liberty — before huge crowds. Read the full story →

• 1918 — Czechoslovakia declares independence

  On October 28, 1918, Czech and Slovak leaders proclaimed an independent Czechoslovakia as World War I ended the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Read the full story →

• 1919 — Congress overrides a veto to pass the Volstead Act

  On October 28, 1919, Congress enacted the Volstead Act over President Wilson's veto — setting rules to enforce nationwide Prohibition. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Jonas Salk (1914–1995) · Bill Gates (1955) · Julia Roberts (1967) · Joaquin Phoenix (1974)

Days & observances

National Chocolate Day · International Animation Day · Independent Czechoslovak State Day · Statue of Liberty Dedication Anniversary