October 26

What happened on October 26 in history

6 events fall on October 26, from 1440 to 1985. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

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Events on October 26

  1. 1440

    Gilles de Rais is executed

    The former companion of Joan of Arc is hanged for serial murder.

    Play the Medieval & Renaissance round

  2. 1825

    The Erie Canal opens

    A boat leaves Buffalo for New York City on the new waterway.

    The Erie Canal joined the Hudson River to Lake Erie across 363 miles of New York State, cut largely by hand. Freight that had taken weeks by wagon now moved in days at a fraction of the cost, and New York City became the gateway to the American interior. The towns along the route — Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo — grew up on the traffic.

    Source: US National Park Service — Erie Canalway

    Play the 19th century round

  3. 1863

    Football gets its rules

    The Football Association is founded in a London tavern.

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  4. 1881

    The gunfight at the OK Corral

    Thirty seconds of shooting in Tombstone, Arizona kills three men.

    Play the 19th century round

  5. 1955

    Austria declares neutrality

    The last occupying troops leave and the country commits to neutrality.

    Play the 20th century round

  6. 1985

    Back to the Future's date

    Marty McFly's first jump is set on this night in the film.

    Play the 20th century round