October 26 has seen historic gunfights, national symbols unveiled, and pivotal moments in world conflicts.
Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and Doc Holliday fought the Clanton and McLaury gangs in a 30-second gunfight in Tombstone, Arizona. The legendary shootout became the most famous incident of the American Wild West.
The Erie Canal, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River, opened for traffic. The 363-mile waterway transformed New York City into America's commercial capital.
Norway peacefully dissolved its union with Sweden, becoming fully independent. The peaceful separation was a rare example of national independence achieved without bloodshed.
Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession to India as Pakistani-backed tribesmen invaded. The conflict over Kashmir continues to this day between India and Pakistan.
South Korean President Park Chung-hee was assassinated by his own intelligence chief. Park had ruled South Korea as a dictator for 18 years while overseeing rapid economic industrialization.
The International Red Cross was formally established in Geneva, Switzerland. The humanitarian organization has since provided aid in conflicts and disasters worldwide.
The last known natural case of smallpox was diagnosed in Somalia. The successful eradication of smallpox, declared official in 1980, remains the greatest triumph of global public health.