On This Day in History
November 12
Death of Norman Mailer, American Novelist
Norman Mailer, Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for works blending fiction and journalism, died in New York.
Space Shuttle Discovery Launches Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission
NASA launched Space Shuttle Discovery on a mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, extending its operational life and capabilities.
Shanghai Stock Exchange Reopens After 41 Years
The Shanghai Stock Exchange reopened after being closed for 41 years, marking China's shift toward a market-oriented economy.
Yuri Andropov Becomes Leader of the Soviet Union
Yuri Andropov succeeded Leonid Brezhnev as General Secretary of the Communist Party, becoming the leader of the Soviet Union.
Apollo 12 Launched, Second Manned Moon Mission
NASA launched Apollo 12, the second crewed mission to land on the Moon, achieving a precise landing near Surveyor 3.
Death of Jawaharlal Nehru's Daughter, Indira Gandhi, Becomes Indian Congress Leader
Indira Gandhi was elected president of the Indian National Congress, setting her path to become India’s first female Prime Minister.
Death of Harry Warner, Co-founder of Warner Bros.
Harry Warner, one of the founding brothers of Warner Bros. Studios, died, leaving a legacy in the film industry.
Ellis Island Closes as Immigration Entry Point
Ellis Island, the primary immigration station for millions entering the United States, officially closed after 62 years of operation.
Opening of San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge opened to traffic, becoming a major infrastructure achievement in California.
Birth of Grace Kelly, Actress and Princess of Monaco
Grace Kelly, Hollywood actress who became Princess of Monaco, was born in Philadelphia.
First Official Speed Limit Introduced in UK
The United Kingdom raised the speed limit for motor vehicles to 14 mph, marking a milestone in automotive regulation.
First Football Match Played Under Floodlights in England
The first football match under electric floodlights was played at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, marking a new era in sports entertainment.
Birth of Sun Yat-sen, Father of Modern China
Sun Yat-sen, revolutionary leader and founding father of the Republic of China, was born in Guangdong Province.
Death of Elizabeth Gaskell, English Novelist
Elizabeth Gaskell, known for novels like *North and South* depicting Victorian society, died suddenly in Hampshire.
Birth of Auguste Rodin, Master Sculptor
Auguste Rodin, renowned French sculptor known for works like *The Thinker* and *The Gates of Hell*, was born in Paris.
Leonid Meteor Storm Observed Across North America
The spectacular Leonid meteor storm lit up skies across North America, inspiring scientific interest in meteor showers.
Death of composer J.G. Albrechtsberger, Beethoven's Teacher
Johann Georg Albrechtsberger, renowned Austrian composer and teacher of Beethoven, died in Vienna.
Death of Elizabeth I’s Advisor, Sir Thomas Gresham
Sir Thomas Gresham, English merchant and founder of the Royal Exchange in London, died, leaving a legacy in finance and commerce.
First Crusade Captures Ma'arrat al-Numan
During the First Crusade, Crusaders captured the Syrian city of Ma'arrat al-Numan, a siege infamous for reports of cannibalism due to starvation.
Scottish King Macbeth Killed in Battle
Macbeth, King of Scotland and later immortalized by Shakespeare, was killed in battle by forces of Malcolm III.