What Happened on October 31?

Trick-or-treat day also marks a monk nailing ideas to a church door, the Nevada statehood vote, and a famous magician's last act.

1517 — Martin Luther posts his Ninety-five Theses

A German monk challenged church practices by publishing ninety-five debate points, sparking the Protestant Reformation. Read the full story →
1864 — Nevada becomes the 36th state

Nevada joined the Union just days before Abraham Lincoln's reelection, earning its nickname Battle Born. Read the full story →
1926 — Harry Houdini performs his final magic show

The world's most famous magician and escape artist gave his last performance in Detroit on Halloween night. Read the full story →
1952 — United States tests its first hydrogen bomb

The massive Ivy Mike explosion over a Pacific island proved thermonuclear weapons were possible, changing global politics. Read the full story →
2011 — UN marks world population reaching seven billion

The United Nations chose October 31 as the symbolic birthday of Earth's seven billionth person. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

John Keats (1795–1821) · Vanilla Ice (1967) · Ethel Waters (1896–1977) · Peter Jackson (1961)

Halloween · Reformation Day · National Caramel Apple Day · UNICEF Day (Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF tradition)