On this day, October 27 - Know what happened today in history

On this day, October 27, significant events across history have left their mark on political landscapes, national independence, and even public transit. From Armenia’s tragedy to Turkmenistan’s independence and the birth of the New York City subway, each event highlights pivotal changes. Below are some key historical moments from this day, along with notable births and deaths.

1999: Armenian Parliament Tragedy

In a shocking attack on Armenia’s National Assembly, armed gunmen stormed the building, killing eight individuals, including Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan and Speaker Karen Demirchyan. The assailants claimed they intended to overthrow the government, targeting Sargsyan specifically. The siege concluded after Armenian forces surrounded the parliament, and the gunmen surrendered, marking a dark day in Armenia's history.

1991: Turkmenistan Celebrates Independence from the Soviet Union

Turkmenistan declared its independence from the USSR on this day in 1991, ending its status as a Soviet republic since 1925. Under the leadership of Saparmurat Niyazov, who continued as “President for Life” until 2006, the country marked a new era. Independence Day is annually celebrated across Turkmenistan to honour this milestone.

1904: New York City Subway Makes its Debut

The New York City subway, the United States' oldest underground transit system, began operations on this day. Construction had started in 1902, leading to a new era of urban transit in the city. Today, New York’s subway remains one of the largest and busiest transit systems worldwide, crucial to the city’s daily life.

1838: Missouri’s Infamous Extermination Order

Governor Lilburn Boggs signed Missouri Executive Order 44 in response to the Battle of Crooked River, a conflict between Mormon forces and the state militia on October 24-25. The order declared that Mormons were to be considered enemies and expelled from Missouri for public peace. This led many members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints to migrate to Illinois, leaving a lasting impact on American religious history.

1682: Philadelphia, the Historic City, is Founded

The city of Philadelphia was founded by William Penn, an English entrepreneur who received the land as payment for a debt owed to his father by King Charles II. As the United States’ only UNESCO World Heritage City and once the nation’s capital, Philadelphia holds a prominent place in American history.

Births On This Day – October 27

• 1984: Irfan Pathan, talented Indian cricketer
• 1952: Francis Fukuyama, influential American philosopher
• 1932: Sylvia Plath, renowned American poet
• 1920: K. R. Narayanan, impactful Indian politician, 10th President of India
• 1858: Theodore Roosevelt, pioneering American politician, 26th President, Nobel laureate

Deaths On This Day – October 27

• 2013: Lou Reed, iconic American singer-songwriter
• 1975: Rex Stout, popular American author
• 1605: Akbar, celebrated Mughal Emperor
• 1553: Michael Servetus, influential Spanish theologian
• 939: Æthelstan, unifying English king