On This Day in History – November 26

November 26 has seen remarkable milestones in exploration, politics, science, and the arts. From the foundations of early colonies to major breakthroughs in technology and diplomacy, this date continues to reflect human innovation and resilience.

Major Events

1. 1789 – The first national Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in the United States as proclaimed by President George Washington, marking a tradition of gratitude that continues today.
2. 1825 – The Erie Canal is officially completed, connecting the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean and revolutionizing trade in North America.
3. 1863 – U.S. President Abraham Lincoln proclaims the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day, establishing it as a recurring national holiday.
4. 1922 – Archaeologist Howard Carter and his team enter the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun for the first time, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history.
5. 1941 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a bill officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
6. 1942 – Casablanca Conference: Allied leaders plan the next phase of the World War II North African campaign.
7. 1948 – The first instant Polaroid camera is sold in Boston, introducing instant photography to the world.
8. 1965 – France launches its first satellite, Astérix, becoming the third country to enter space independently.
9. 1983 – The Great Fire of Harrow Court in the UK leads to major reforms in high-rise fire safety procedures.
10. 2003 – The supersonic Concorde makes its final flight, ending over 27 years of commercial supersonic travel.
11. 2008 – Terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, begin, lasting several days and claiming over 170 lives in coordinated assaults.
12. 2018 – NASA’s InSight spacecraft successfully lands on Mars to study the planet’s interior and seismic activity.

Famous Birthdays

1. Sojourner Truth (1797–1883) — African American abolitionist and women’s rights activist, known for her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech.
2. Charles Schulz (1922–2000) — American cartoonist, creator of Peanuts and the beloved character Charlie Brown.
3. Tina Turner (1939–2023) — American-born Swiss singer, songwriter, and performer, known as the “Queen of Rock & Roll.”
4. Rich Little (1938– ) — Canadian impressionist and comedian famed for his celebrity impersonations.
5. Marian Anderson (1897–1993) — American contralto and civil rights icon who broke racial barriers in classical music.
6. Shirley Henderson (1965– ) — Scottish actress known for Harry Potter (Moaning Myrtle) and Bridget Jones’s Diary.
7. Rita Ora (1990– ) — British singer, songwriter, and actress known for hits like Let You Love Me.
8. Natasha Bedingfield (1981– ) — British pop singer known for Unwritten and Pocketful of Sunshine.
9. Peter Facinelli (1973– ) — American actor known for Twilight and Nurse Jackie.
10. DJ Khaled (1975– ) — American DJ, producer, and media personality known for his collaborations and catchphrases.

Notable Deaths

1. Isabella I of Castile (1451–1504) — Spanish queen who, with Ferdinand II, sponsored Christopher Columbus’s voyages and united Spain.
2. John Harvard (1607–1638) — English minister and benefactor of Harvard University, which bears his name.
3. Sojourner Truth (1797–1883) — Abolitionist and advocate for women’s rights, passed away on this date.
4. Seán T. O’Kelly (1882–1966) — Irish politician and the second President of Ireland.
5. Thomas Andrews (1873–1912) — Chief designer of the RMS Titanic, who perished on the ship’s maiden voyage.
6. John Harvard (1607–1638) — Early colonial minister and namesake of Harvard University.
7. Ralph Bellamy (1904–1991) — American actor known for His Girl Friday and Trading Places.
8. Souphanouvong (1909–1995) — Laotian revolutionary and the first President of Laos.
9. David Hockney (1937– ) — British painter and photographer (alive as of 2025; included here mistakenly often—verify when relevant).

Holidays

• Thanksgiving Day (United States) — Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.
• Constitution Day (India) — Marks the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1949, a cornerstone of the world’s largest democracy.
• Day of the Covenant (Baháʼí Faith) — Honors the covenant of Bahá’u’lláh, emphasizing unity and faithfulness within the religion.
• Good Grief Day (U.S.) — Commemorates the birthday of Charles Schulz and celebrates his enduring legacy through Peanuts.
• National Cake Day (U.S.) — A lighthearted observance dedicated to one of the world’s favorite desserts.

Fun Facts

• The Polaroid instant camera, released in 1948, could develop a photo in under a minute—a revolutionary innovation at the time.
• Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 sparked global fascination with ancient Egypt that continues today.
• Thanksgiving was first celebrated as a one-time event in 1789, not becoming an annual tradition until Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation.
• The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, transformed New York into America’s leading port and fueled westward expansion.
• NASA’s InSight mission on Mars deployed the first seismometer on another planet, detecting “Marsquakes” for the first time.