The Great Fire of Chicago erupted on October 8, 1871. Over 300 persons died and 90,000 left homeless as the fire leveled 3.5 square miles, destroying 17,450 buildings. According to legend, it started when Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern in her barn on DeKoven Street.
October 7, 1765 - The Stamp Act Congress convened in New York City with representatives from nine colonies meeting in protest to the British Stamp Act which imposed the first direct tax by the British Crown upon the American colonies.
On October 6, 1927, the first "talkie" opened in New York City. 'The Jazz Singer', starring Al Jolson, was the first full-length feature film using spoken dialogue.
On October 5, 1877, following a 1,700-mile retreat, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indians surrendered to U.S. Cavalry troops at Bear's Paw near Chinook, Montana. "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever," he declared.
On October 4, 1582, the Gregorian Calendar took effect in Catholic countries as Pope Gregory XIII decreed the day following October 4, 1582, would be October 15, 1582, correcting the Julian Calendar. Britain and the American colonies adopted the Gregorian Calendar in 1752.
On October 3, 1974, Frank Robinson was hired by the Cleveland Indians as baseball's first African American major league manager. Photo By Unknown Author - Manny's Baseball Land
The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack Newsletter for October 2026 is now available at https://t.co/D4kffGUOOc! Check out the Mid-Atlantic Regional weather forecasts, best days for gardening tasks, and farming activities. Sign up for the newsletter to be delivered every month!
The Hagerstown Town and Country Almanack invites you to evaluate its forecasting accuracy! Go to https://t.co/263IhWnqCq and click on THE ALMANACK REPORT CARD in the sidebar, to see the big weather events that The Almanack hit or missed so far this year.
Hagerstown Almanack Forecasts Drought to End, Warm Winter Ahead. As the calendar flips to October and daylight hours rapidly decline, winter is on the minds of many in the region. For the full Winter Forecast, go to https://t.co/iW2FiRNB65.
HOLIDAY SEASON FORCASTS NOW AVAILABLE!
Click on https://t.co/Vzwu4R44fE for the coming holiday weather predictions from Almanack Weather Prognosticator, Dr. Kelvin B. Merriweather.
On October 2, 1967, Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993) was sworn in as the first African American associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He served until 1991 and was known for opposing discrimination and the death penalty, and for championing free speech and civil liberties.
*SNOWFALL ALERT* The Hagerstown Almanack sees the first snowfall alerts for the season for interior New England right smack dab in mid-October! A killing frost will follow in all of the Northeast.
Happy International Coffee Day! ️ Let's raise our mugs to the rich aroma, bold flavor, and comforting warmth of this beloved beverage. Coffee brings people together in a tradition that spans cultures and generations. #InternationalCoffeeDay#CoffeeLoversUnite
On September 30, 1955, actor James Dean was killed while drivng his Porsche in California at age 24. Although he made just three major films, Rebel Without a Cause, East of Eden, and Giant, he remains one of the most influential actors.
September’s Full Moon is known as the HARVEST MOON. It's the Full Moon that's closest to the Autumnal Equinox. This year, the Autumnal Equinox occurs on Tuesday, September 22nd. The Full Moon closest to that occurs on Saturday, September 29th and is the HARVEST MOON of 2026.
September’s Full Moon is known as the HARVEST MOON. It is the Full Moon that is closest to the Autumnal Equinox. The Autumnal Equinox occurs on Tuesday, September 22nd. The Full Moon closest to that date will occur on Saturday, September 26th and is the HARVEST MOON of 2026.