October 12: Facts & Historical Events On This Day - The Fact Site

October 12th observes Old Farmers Day and International Moment of Frustration Scream Day.

Today is the 285th day of the year, and there’s only 80 days remaining of the year in 2026.

If today’s your birthday or you just want to know more about the day, then you’ll love these historical events, both good and bad that made this day so special.

Did you know that on this day, October 12, 1999, the six billionth living human being was estimated to be born? The United Nations suggested this was the date, although some population experts disagreed.

Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about October 12th in history!

Historical Events

What memorable events happened on October 12 in history? Keep reading to find out!

2025

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina fled the country after the military sided with Gen Z-led protestors.

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2019

The state of California became the first to ban fur products.

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2016

The cosmetics company CoverGirl featured their first-ever boy on the cover.

James Charles, an online influencer, was 17 at the time.

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1999

The six billionth living human being was born.

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1984

The Provisional Irish Republican Army attempted to assassinate British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Patrick Magee, a member of the IRA, planted a time-delay bomb in the hotel that was to host a Conservative Party conference. The bomb went off as planned and caused an immense amount of destruction. Five people died in the attack, but the assassination attempt failed, with Thatcher walking away uninjured.

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1979

The world’s strongest storm ever was recorded.

The so-called Typhoon Tip storm reached an unfathomable wind speed of 190 miles per hour across the Western Pacific. But what really made this the strongest storm on Earth was its Diameter of Circulation, which covered 1,380 miles, equivalent to the distance from New York City to Dallas!

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1972

Mariner IX took two photos of Mars’ north pole.

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1964

The USSR’s Voskhod 1 spacecraft became the first spaceflight with multiple crew members.

Voskhod 1 broke quite a few records in its flight. It was also the first flight to carry either a physician or an engineer into orbit and the first flight where the crew did not wear spacesuits.

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1931

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, unveiled its iconic Christ The Redeemer statue.

The statue, including the pedestal, is 124 ft (38 m) tall, and its arms are 91.8 ft (28 m) wide. It sits at the peak of Corcovado Mountain, which creates some jaw-dropping views.

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1901

President Theodore Roosevelt changed the name of the “Executive Mansion” to “The White House.”

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1900

The USS Holland (SS-1) became the first modern submarine commissioned for the United States Navy.

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1892

The Pledge of Allegiance was first recited in American schools.

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1810

A royal wedding occurred in Munich, which is considered to be the first-ever Oktoberfest event.

Nowadays, millions of people enjoy Oktoberfest gatherings each year, not just in Germany. The largest Oktoberfest event outside of Germany is in Ontario, Canada, which alone attracts 700,000 people.

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1792

Organized by the Columbian Order, the first recorded “Columbus Day” was celebrated on this day.

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1492

Christopher Columbus claimed he first saw land at present-day Bahamas.

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Famous Births

Are you celebrating your birthday today? If so, did you know that you share the same birthday as Hugh Jackman? See what other famous people were born on this day.

1968

Hugh Jackman

Australian Actor

Age

57 years old

Born IN

New South Wales, Australia

1992

Josh Hutcherson

American Actor

Age

33 years old

Born IN

Kentucky, USA

2002

Iris Apatow

American Actress

Age

23 years old

Born IN

California, USA

1960

Hiroyuki Sanada

Japanese Actor

Age

65 years old

Born IN

Tokyo, Japan

Birthday & Zodiac

Everyone who was born on this day shares the same star sign, Libra.

Since Libras love being in the spotlight, it can be tempting for them to share other people’s secrets. However, they love to take an objective viewpoint and find fair solutions to any issues.

All those born in October have the Pink Tourmaline birthstone. Tourmaline comes in nearly every shade you could imagine, making it a popular stone in recent years.

If your birthday falls on October 12th, you would’ve likely been conceived around January 19th in the same year.

A baby that is conceived on this day will likely be born around July 5, 2027.

Quotes

Here are the most famous or noteworthy quotes said on this day throughout history.

2015

“[Multitasking is] a joke for me. When I try to do that, I don’t do anything well.”

Oprah Winfrey

(American TV Host)

Special Holidays

Looking for a reason to celebrate? Well, here's a few! These unique holidays are sure to bring some enjoyment to your day.

United States

National Farmer’s Day

National Farmer’s Day celebrates the old farming techniques of yesteryear. It takes place in October, as by this time in the old days, farmers would be able to kick back and relax knowing that the harvest is completed. Take part today by checking out the produce at a farmer’s market.

International

International Moment of Frustration Scream Day

Look, we get it - life can sometimes be frustrating. The good news is that we now have a day dedicated to letting out all that frustration in one go! Celebrate today and let it all out by stepping outside and screaming all your frustration away - it’s pretty cathartic!

Fact Of The Day

Stan Lee served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945 after hearing about the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Check out our daily facts page for fresh, random facts updated every day!

Days Until

Your countdown to 2026's upcoming special days!

• Halloween

  19 days

• Veterans Day

  30 days

• Christmas Day

  74 days

• New Year's Day

  81 days