Oct. 1, 1975 - "The Thrilla in Manila"; Muhammad Ali stops Joe Frazier in 14 rounds in Quezon City, the Philippines to retain his WBC/WBA heavyweight title

Oct. 3, 1863 - US President Abraham Lincoln formally establishes Thanksgiving as a National Holiday

Oct. 3, 2010 - Copiapó mining accident in Chile comes to a happy end as all 33 miners arrive at the surface after surviving a record 69 days underground

Oct. 10, 1899 - African-American inventor Issac R. Johnson patents the bicycle frame

Oct. 11 - Native American Indian Day - A public holiday or official state observance only in some states. However, it has been steadily growing in both scope and popularity. Some states celebrate it on the second Monday of October, while others have moved the celebration to different dates. 

Oct. 12, 1492 - Christopher Columbus' expedition makes landfall on a Caribbean island he names San Salvador ( likely Watling Island, Bahamas)

Oct. 13, 2019 - Simone Biles becomes the most decorated gymnast in history when she wins record 25th medal at the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany

Oct. 15, 1993 - Nelson Mandela and South African President F. W. de Klerk awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

Oct. 16, 1968 - Americans Tommie Smith (gold 19.83 WR) and John Carlos (bronze) famously give the Black Power Salute on the 200m medal podium during the Mexico City Olympics to protest racism and injustice against African-Americans

Oct. 20, 1998 - Comedian Richard Pryor is awarded the 1st ever Mark Twain Prize for American Humour

Oct. 27, 1960 - Singer Ben E. King records "Spanish Harlem" & "Stand By Me"

Oct. 28, 1492 - Christopher Columbus sights Cuba and claims it for Spain under the name "Juana"

Oct. 29, 1960 - Cassius Clay's [Muhammad Ali] 1st professional fight; beats Tunney Hunsaker on points in 6 rounds in Louisville, Kentucky