October 21

What happened on October 21 in history

5 events fall on October 21, from 1805 to 1966. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

Guess where and when

Explore a 360° historical scene and place it on the map and the timeline. Free, no sign-up.

Play today's challenge

Events on October 21

  1. 1805

    The Battle of Trafalgar

    Nelson destroys the Franco-Spanish fleet and is killed in the fighting.

    Play the 19th century round

  2. 1854

    Nightingale sails for Scutari

    She leaves with thirty-eight nurses for the Crimean hospitals.

    Play the 19th century round

  3. 1879

    Edison tests a lasting light bulb

    A carbon filament lamp stays alight for more than thirteen hours in Menlo Park.

    Read about Edison's Light Bulb Demonstration, Menlo ParkPlay the 19th century round

  4. 1959

    The Guggenheim opens

    Wright's spiral museum receives its first visitors in New York.

    Play the 20th century round

  5. 1966

    The Aberfan disaster

    A colliery spoil tip slides onto a Welsh village school, killing 116 children.

    Play the 20th century round