What Happened on October 8?

October 8 is National Pierogi Day — on the same date the Great Chicago Fire began in 1871, Don Larsen pitched a World Series perfect game in 1956, and more.

• 1871 — The Great Chicago Fire begins

  On the evening of October 8, 1871, fire broke out in Chicago and burned for days, destroying much of the city. Read the full story →

• 1871 — The Peshtigo Fire devastates Wisconsin the same night as Chicago's blaze

  On October 8, 1871, a massive forest fire destroyed the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin — deadlier than the famous Chicago Fire the same night. Read the full story →

• 1918 — Alvin York's Argonne Forest heroics

  On October 8, 1918, Corporal Alvin C. York led an attack in France's Argonne Forest that captured scores of German soldiers. Read the full story →

• 1956 — Don Larsen pitches a World Series perfect game

  On October 8, 1956, New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen threw the only perfect game in World Series history. Read the full story →

• 1967 — Che Guevara is captured in Bolivia

  On October 8, 1967, Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara was captured by Bolivian forces backed by the CIA; he was killed the next day. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Frank Herbert (1920–1986) · Jesse Jackson (1941) · Bella Thorne (1997) · Matt Damon (1970)

Days & observances

National Pierogi Day · World Octopus Day · National Fluffernutter Day · National American Touch a Foot Day