This Day in History: What Happened Today in History – 30 October

Every day has its story. Every calendar date carries echoes of triumphs, discoveries, controversies and turning points. As we turn to 30 October, we pause to ask: what threads of history does this date weave through time? From political upheavals to cultural landmarks, from scientific leaps to human dramas, this day offers a rich tapestry. On 30 October we’ll explore moments that changed nations and shifted the course of events: the crowning of a monarch, the detonation of the largest bomb ever, a radio broadcast that sparked panic, a legendary boxing match, and more. Let’s step into the past and uncover what made this date memorable.

What Happened On This Day—October 29?

Here's what happened in history on October 30:

1735 – John Adams Is Born

• On October 30, 1735, John Adams was born in Braintree, Massachusetts.
• He was the son of a farmer and descended from the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock.
• Adams graduated from Harvard University at 16, taught school, and studied law before entering politics.
• He became America's second president and played a key role in the nation's early years.

1811 – "Sense and Sensibility" Is Published

• On October 30, 1811, Jane Austen's novel Sense and Sensibility was published anonymously.
• The title page simply read "By a Lady".
• The book's wit and insight into English society made it an instant success.
• Later, Austen's identity became known, and she gained recognition as one of England's greatest novelists.

1864 – The City of Helena, Montana, Is Founded

• On October 30, 1864, four gold miners discovered gold at "Last Chance Gulch" and decided to form a town.
• A meeting was held to plan the settlement and elect commissioners.
• They named the new town Helena, which later became the capital of Montana.
• The discovery transformed the remote area into a thriving community.

1896 – Amy Beach's "Gaelic Symphony" Premieres

• On October 30, 1896, the Boston Symphony Orchestra debuted Amy Beach's Gaelic Symphony.
• It was the first symphony by an American woman composer to receive public acclaim.
• Beach said the piece was inspired by “the simple, rugged, and unpretentious beauty” of Irish Melodies.
• Her success opened doors for future generations of women composers.

1905 – George Bernard Shaw's Mrs Warren's Profession Premieres

• On October 30, 1905, Shaw's controversial play Mrs Warren's Profession opened in New York.
• The play, which dealt openly with prostitution, was banned in Britain.
• After just one performance in New York, authorities shut it down.
• The cast and producer were arrested the next day, making it one of Broadway's earliest scandals.

1908 – "Queen of American High Society" Dies

• On October 30, 1908, Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, the wife of businessman William Astor, Jr, died at 78.
• Known simply as "Mrs Astor", she was considered the queen of New York society.
• Her influence defined the city's social elite during the Gilded Age.
• Even after her death, her name remained synonymous with wealth and prestige.

1918 – Ottoman Empire Signs Armistice With Allies

• On October 30, 1918, the Ottoman Empire signed the Armistice of Mudros with the Allies.
• The signing took place aboard the British battleship Agamemnon in the port of Mudros, Lemnos.
• It marked the end of the Ottoman Empire's role in World War I.
• The treaty paved the way for dramatic political and territorial changes across the Middle East.

1938 – Orson Welles Broadcasts The War of the Worlds

• On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles's radio adaptation of H. G. Wells's The War of the Worlds aired on CBS.
• Presented as breaking news, it described a Martian invasion of New Jersey.
• Many listeners believed it was real and panicked, though later reports said the chaos was overstated.
• The broadcast made Welles famous and showed the power of media storytelling.

1948 – Killer Smog Strikes Donora, Pennsylvania

• On October 30, 1948, a thick smog settled over Donora, Pennsylvania.
• The toxic fog, caused by pollution from nearby mills, lasted five days.
• It killed 20 people and made thousands ill.
• The tragedy led to stronger air-quality laws in the United States.

1974 – Muhammad Ali Wins "The Rumble in the Jungle"

• On October 30, 1974, Muhammad Ali fought George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire.
• Ali knocked out the younger champion in the eighth round to reclaim the heavyweight title.
• He used his famous "rope-a-dope" strategy to tire Foreman out.
• The victory cemented Ali's status as one of boxing's greatest legends

1991 – "Perfect Storm" Batters the North Atlantic

• On October 30, 1991, a massive storm intensified off the coast of New England and Canada.
• The system produced giant waves and hurricane-force winds.
• The fishing boat Andrea Gail and its six-member crew were lost at sea.
• The event inspired the 2000 film The Perfect Storm.

1995 – Quebec Separatists Narrowly Defeated

• On October 30, 1995, Quebec voted in a referendum on independence from Canada.
• The vote was extremely close — 50.6% chose to remain, while 49.4% wanted separation.
• The result kept Quebec within the Canadian federation.
• The campaign reignited debates over national unity and identity.

Which Famous Personalities Were Born and Died on October 30?

October 30 marks notable birthdays and deaths of influential figures throughout history, celebrating legacies in the arts, science, and sports.

Born on October 30

1939 – Grace Slick

• Born on October 30, 1939.
• American singer, songwriter, and counterculture icon.
• Lead vocalist for Jefferson Aeroplane, known for hits like Somebody to Love and White Rabbit.
• Became a symbol of the 1960s rock era.

1945 – Henry Winkler

• Born on October 30, 1945.
• American actor best known for playing “The Fonz” on Happy Days.
• Won several awards for acting and producing.
• Known for his warmth and humour both on and off screen.

1987 – Ashley Graham

• Born on October 30, 1987.
• American model and body-positivity advocate.
• In 2016, she became the first plus-size model to appear on Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit cover.
• Has used her platform to promote self-acceptance and diversity in fashion.

Notable Deaths on October 30:

1965 – Arthur M. Schlesinger Sr.

• On October 30, 1965, Arthur M. Schlesinger Sr, an American historian and author, died.
• Born in 1888, he wrote extensively on U.S. social and political history.
• His work became foundational for later generations of historians.

1979 – Barnes Wallis

• On October 30, 1979, Barnes Wallis, an English scientist and engineer known for inventing the "bouncing bomb" during World War II, died.
• Born in 1887, his invention played a key role in the Dambusters Raid.
• His legacy lives on in military engineering and aviation history.

1987 – Joseph Campbell

• On October 30, 1987, Joseph Campbell, an American mythologist, scholar and author best known for The Hero with a Thousand Faces, died.
• Born in 1904, he explored universal patterns in myth and storytelling, influencing writers, filmmakers, and philosophers.
• His phrase "Follow your bliss" has become widely quoted.

2000 – Steve Allen

• On October 30, 2000, Steve Allen, a pioneering American television personality, comedian, musician and author, died at the age of 78.
• Born in 1921, he was the first host of The Tonight Show and created many variety-programme formats.
• His work helped shape late-night television and talk-show culture.