October 27

What happened on October 27 in history

5 events fall on October 27, from 1275 to 1971. 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 27

  1. 1275

    Amsterdam's traditional founding

    A toll privilege is the first document to mention the settlement.

    Play the Medieval & Renaissance round

  2. 1904

    The New York subway opens

    The first underground line carries 150,000 passengers on day one.

    Play the 20th century round

  3. 1961

    Standoff at Checkpoint Charlie

    American and Soviet tanks face each other across the Berlin crossing.

    Play the 20th century round

  4. 1962

    Vasili Arkhipov refuses to fire

    A Soviet officer refuses to arm a nuclear torpedo during the missile crisis.

    Play the 20th century round

  5. 1971

    Congo becomes Zaire

    Mobutu renames the country.

    Play the 20th century round