November 2023 – Historic Moments Today

November 30th: Oil Giants, Exxon & Mobil United As One

30Nov

By HistoricNewsNo Comments

November 30th: Oil Giants, Exxon & Mobil United As One

What Happened On November 30th? Exxon and Mobil Merged (1999) On November 30, 1999, the business world witnessed a seismic shift as two of the largest and most iconic names in the oil industry, Exxon and Mobil, announced their merger. This colossal union was not only the creation of the world's largest publicly traded oil and gas company but also a strategic move that would reshape the global energy landscape. The day of the Exxon-Mobil merger brought together two industry giants and sent ripples through the realms of business, finance, and energy. The new entity became the largest publicly traded oil and gas company in the world, boasting a market capitalization that dwarfed its competitors. Exxon Mobil's formidable presence extended across the entire energy spectrum, from exploration a...

November 29th: 1st Commercially Successful Video Game Launched

29Nov

By Dr. Sylvia K. Crawford, MA in JournalismNo Comments

Arts & Culture

November 29th: 1st Commercially Successful Video Game Launched

What Happened On November 29th? In the world of electronic entertainment, there are moments that stand out as pivotal, forever altering the landscape of gaming. One such transformative day occurred on November 29, 1972, when Atari released Pong – a simple yet groundbreaking arcade game that marked the dawn of the video game era. This release not only laid the foundation for an industry that would eventually become a global phenomenon but also introduced the concept of interactive digital entertainment to a wide audience. Pong was elegantly simple yet astonishingly engaging. Two players controlled paddles on either side of the screen, volleying a pixelated ball back and forth. The objective was clear – score points by successfully getting the ball past your opponent. With its minimalist de...

November 28th: Jeffrey Dahmer Murdered In Jail

28Nov

By HistoricNewsNo Comments

U.S. History

November 28th: Jeffrey Dahmer Murdered In Jail

What Happened On November 28th? The End of a Notorious Chapter: Jeffrey Dahmer's Death (1994) On November 28, 1994, the world learned of the death of one of the most infamous criminals in modern history, Jeffrey Dahmer. Known as the "Milwaukee Cannibal" or the "Milwaukee Monster," Dahmer gained notoriety for his heinous crimes involving the murders and dismemberment of 17 young men. On the morning of November 28, 1994, Dahmer met his end at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wisconsin. He and another inmate, Jesse Anderson, were attacked by a fellow inmate, Christopher Scarver, in the prison bathroom. Scarver, armed with a metal bar, assaulted Dahmer and Anderson, leading to their deaths.

November 27th: Milk & Moscone Shot Dead In San Francisco

27Nov

By Dr. Charles E. Whitman, Jr., Historian at LargeNo Comments

World History

November 27th: Milk & Moscone Shot Dead In San Francisco

What Happened On November 27th? The Assassination of Harvey Milk and George Moscone (1978) November 27, 1978 stands as a somber date in the history of San Francisco and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. On this tragic day, two public servants—Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, and Mayor George Moscone—were assassinated in the hallowed halls of San Francisco City Hall. These tragic shootings create a dark chapter in American history, shaking the foundations of political and social progress. Today is a day for us to reflect on the day Harvey Milk and George Moscone were assassinated and the lasting impact of their untimely deaths. The Day Alfred Nobel Signed His Last Will (1895) On November 27, 1895, in Paris, Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and a prominent...

November 26th: America Celebrated Its First Official Thanksgiving

26Nov

By Professor Gregory J. Hayes, Ph.D. in Art HistoryNo Comments

U.S. History

November 26th: America Celebrated Its First Official Thanksgiving

What Happened On November 26th? The Birth of Thanksgiving: A Day of Gratitude and Unity (1863) On November 26, 1863, the nation observed its first official Thanksgiving Day. While the celebrations varied across different regions, the common theme was one of gratitude and reflection. Families, communities, and even soldiers on the battlefield paused to give thanks for the blessings they could find amidst the hardships of the time. Responding to author, Sarah Josepha Hale's persistent efforts and recognizing the need for a collective expression of gratitude, President Lincoln issued a proclamation on October 3, 1863, officially designating the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving. In his proclamation, Lincoln urged Americans to come together to "solemnly, reverently,...

November 25th: The Day Diego Maradona Left the Field

25Nov

By Dr. Sylvia K. Crawford, MA in JournalismNo Comments

Sports History

November 25th: The Day Diego Maradona Left the Field

What Happened On November 25? Remembering a Legend: Diego Maradona (2020) November 25, 2020 is a somber day for the world of football as news broke of the passing of one of the greatest players to have ever graced the pitch – Diego Maradona. The Argentine football icon, whose skill and charisma paved the way for the sport, bid farewell to the world, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Diego Maradona's legacy extends far beyond the goals he scored and the trophies he won. His influence on the game can be seen in the countless players who have tried to emulate his style and flair. From Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo, today's footballing superstars owe a debt to the trailblazer who showed them what was possible on the pitch. O.J. Simpson's Record-Breaking Thanksgiving (...

November 24th: Lee Harvey Oswald Shot In The Basement

24Nov

By HistoricNewsNo Comments

U.S. History

November 24th: Lee Harvey Oswald Shot In The Basement

What Happened On November 24th? The Shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald (1963) On November 24, 1963, just two days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, another shocking and pivotal moment occurred in the basement of the Dallas Police Headquarters. Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged assassin of President Kennedy, was shot and killed by Jack Ruby, a nightclub owner with ties to the criminal underworld. On the morning of November 24, 1963, a televised event unfolded as Lee Harvey Oswald was being transferred from the Dallas Police Headquarters to the county jail. The police, attempting to avoid a large crowd at the front entrance, decided to move Oswald through the basement. As Oswald was being led through the basement by law enforcement officers, Jack Ruby, a Dallas nightclub owner,...

November 23rd: How Dolphin Man’s Dive Broke Records

23Nov

By Dr. Sylvia K. Crawford, MA in JournalismNo Comments

Arts & Culture

November 23rd: How Dolphin Man’s Dive Broke Records

What Happened On November 23rd? Dolphin Man's Dive to 100 Meters Below the Sea (1976) On November 23, 1976, history was made beneath the waves as Jacques Mayol, famously known as the "Dolphin Man," became the first person to dive to a depth of 100 meters (328 feet) in the open sea. Mayol's remarkable achievement not only pushed the boundaries of human capability but also revolutionized the world of freediving. On that fateful day in 1976, off the coast of Elba, Italy, Jacques Mayol embarked on a daring mission to descend to 100 meters below the sea's surface. Armed with unparalleled determination and a deep understanding of the art of freediving, Mayol achieved what many thought was impossible. The dive, witnessed by a team of support divers and scientists, was a testament to Mayol's phy...

November 22nd: 35th President JFK, Assassinated

22Nov

By Dr. Charles E. Whitman, Jr., Historian at LargeNo Comments

U.S. History

November 22nd: 35th President JFK, Assassinated

What Happened On November 22nd? Assassination of John F. Kennedy: A Nation in Shock (1963) On November 22, 1963, the entire nation was left in shock as President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. This tragic event not only shook America but also reverberated across the globe. Kennedy was an influential figure, known for his charisma, progressive policies, and his iconic challenge to "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." The assassination proved to be a pivotal moment in American history, leading to heightened security measures for future presidents. It also sparked conspiracy theories that continue to generate interest and debate to this day. The nation mourned the loss of a promising leader, and his untimely death left an inde...

November 21st: North Carolina Became The 12th American State

21Nov

By Dr. Sylvia K. Crawford, MA in JournalismNo Comments

U.S. History

November 21st: North Carolina Became The 12th American State

What Happened On November 21st? The Birth of the Tar Heel State (1789) North Carolina, on November 21st, 1989, officially joined the union, becoming the twelfth state to ratify the United States Constitution. The journey to statehood was a complex and deliberative process, reflecting the state's unique historical, political, and economic circumstances. The admission of North Carolina into the early fledgling United States contributed to the diversity and growth of the Union. The journey to statehood was shaped by the challenges of the Revolutionary War, the deliberations over the Constitution, and the resilience of a people determined to be part of a more perfect union. The Loss of the Steamer 'Phoenix' on Lake Michigan (1847) Lake Michigan became the haunting backdrop for a maritime tra...