October 11 in History: Teddy Roosevelt Takes Flight, Apollo 7 Launches & “SNL” Debuts

Discover what happened on October 11 in history as pioneering achievements transformed transportation and space exploration, cultural milestones changed television and entertainment, historic events reshaped society, and Michigan moments helped shape the world we know today.

What Happened on October 11 in History?

On this day, Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S. president, current or former, to fly in an airplane, Vatican II opened in Rome, Apollo 7 launched as the first crewed Apollo mission, and Saturday Night Live made its television debut.

OCTOBER 11 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1811 – Inventor John Stevens put the Juliana, the world’s first commercially operated steam-powered ferry, into service between New York City and Hoboken, NJ.

1869 – Thomas Edison filed a patent application for an electric vote recorder designed to quickly tally votes in legislatures. It became Edison’s first patented invention, but lawmakers showed little interest in using it.

1881 – Inventor David Henderson Houston received an early patent for a camera designed to use photographic film carried on a roll, technology that helped pave the way for roll-film cameras.

1890 – The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in Washington, DC, to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism.

1899 – Michigan aviation pioneer Augustus Moore Herring, of St. Joseph, made an experimental powered flight in a compressed-air-powered glider at Dune Park, IN. Herring’s experiments came four years before the Wright brothers’ historic 1903 flight, although historians debate whether his machine achieved sustained, controlled flight.

1899 – Baseball’s Western League was renamed the American League. Two years later, it declared itself a major league and became the rival of the established National League.

1907 – The first World Series game ever played in Detroit took place at Bennett Park, where 11,306 fans watched the Chicago Cubs defeat the Detroit Tigers 6-1. Chicago went on to win the Series the following day.

1910 – Former President Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S. president, current or former, to fly in an airplane when aviator Arch Hoxsey took him for a flight lasting about three minutes at Kinloch Field near St. Louis, MO.

1929 – J.C. Penney opened its 1,252nd store in Milford, DE, giving the retailer locations in all 48 states then in the Union.

1932 – Political campaigning entered the television age when one of the earliest televised political broadcasts was transmitted in New York City.

1939 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt received a letter signed by physicist Albert Einstein warning that Nazi Germany might be developing an atomic bomb and urging the United States to investigate the military potential of uranium. The warning helped lead to expanded U.S. atomic research.

1950 – The Federal Communications Commission approved CBS’s color television system as the first color TV standard authorized for commercial broadcasting in the United States.

1958 – NASA launched Pioneer 1 toward the Moon, the agency’s first spacecraft launch. A rocket malfunction prevented it from reaching the Moon, and the spacecraft fell back to Earth two days later.

1962 – Pope John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council, commonly known as Vatican II, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The four-year council brought sweeping changes to the Roman Catholic Church, including reforms to worship and the Church’s relationship with other Christian denominations, religions and the modern world.

1968 – Apollo 7 blasted into orbit with astronauts Wally Schirra, Donn Eisele and Walter Cunningham aboard. It was the first crewed Apollo mission and the first American space mission to broadcast live television from orbit.

1975 – Saturday Night Live debuted on NBC with comedian George Carlin as its first host and Billy Preston and Janis Ian as musical guests. Originally titled NBC’s Saturday Night, the show introduced audiences to cast members including Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman and Gilda Radner.

1975 – Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham were married at their home in Fayetteville, AR. Bill Clinton later became the 42nd President of the United States, while Hillary Clinton became a U.S. Senator and Secretary of State.

1983 – One of America’s last hand-cranked telephone systems passed into history when 440 customers in Bryant Pond, ME, switched to modern direct-dial telephone service.

1984 – Hockey legend Mario Lemieux made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins and scored his first career goal on his very first shot.

1984 – Space Shuttle Challenger astronaut Kathryn Sullivan became the first American woman to perform a spacewalk when she ventured outside the shuttle during the STS-41-G mission.

1987 – The world’s largest pizza was made. It had 94,248 slices.

1991 – Anita Hill testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas had sexually harassed her while they worked together. The nationally televised hearings became one of the most contentious Supreme Court confirmation battles in U.S. history.

2000 – Space Shuttle Discovery launched on STS-92, marking the 100th flight of NASA’s Space Shuttle program. During the nearly 13-day mission, astronauts installed major structural components on the International Space Station.

2001 – Polaroid Corporation, once famous for revolutionizing instant photography, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after struggling to adapt to the growing popularity of digital photography.

2002 – The Beltway sniper attacks continued when another victim was shot and killed while pumping gas near Fredericksburg, VA. The series of shootings terrorized the Washington, DC, region for three weeks.

2006 – 30 Rock, starring Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin, premiered on NBC. The comedy ran for seven seasons and won numerous Emmy Awards, including three consecutive awards for Outstanding Comedy Series.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON OCTOBER 11:

James M. McPherson – 90 years old (1936) – Historian and author

Gene Watson – 83 years old (1943) – Singer-songwriter and producer

Daryl Hall – 80 years old (1946) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Thomas Boswell – 79 years old (1947) – Journalist and author

Lawrence Tanter – 77 years old (1949) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Catlin Adams – 76 years old (1950) – Actress

William R. Forstchen – 76 years old (1950) – Historian and author

Patty Murray – 76 years old (1950) – Educator and politician

Bruce Bartlett – 75 years old (1951) – Economist, historian, and author

Jon Miller – 75 years old (1951) – Sportscaster

Paulette Carlson – 74 years old (1952) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

David Morse – 73 years old (1953) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

David Michaels – 72 years old (1954) – Epidemiologist and politician

Norm Nixon – 71 years old (1955) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Doug Lawrence – 70 years old (1956) – Jazz saxophonist

Stephen Spinella – 70 years old (1956) – Actor

Randy Breuer – 66 years old (1960) – Basketball player

Curt Ford – 66 years old (1960) – Baseball player and manager

Steve Young – 65 years old (1961) – Football player and sportscaster

Joan Cusack – 64 years old (1962) – Actress

Michael J. Nelson – 62 years old (1964) – Actor, director, and screenwriter

Sean Patrick Flanery – 61 years old (1965) – Actor and producer

Todd Snider – 60 years old (1966) – Singer-songwriter

Jay Grdina – 59 years old (1967) – Businessman and pornographic actor

Artie Lange – 59 years old (1967) – Actor and comedian

David Starr – 59 years old (1967) – Race car driver

Peter Thiel – 59 years old (1967) – German and American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and political activist

Jane Krakowski – 58 years old (1968) – Actress and singer

Brett Salisbury – 58 years old (1968) – Football player and author

Chidi Ahanotu – 56 years old (1970) – Football player

Vanessa Harding – 56 years old (1970) – Wrestler

MC Lyte – 56 years old (1970) – Rapper, DJ, and actress

Constance Zimmer – 56 years old (1970) – Actress

Petra Haden – 55 years old (1971) – Violinist and singer

Justin Lin – 55 years old (1971) – Film director

Brendan B. Brown – 53 years old (1973) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Dmitri Young – 53 years old (1973) – Baseball player and radio host

Rachel Barton Pine – 52 years old (1974) – Violinist and educator

Emily Deschanel – 50 years old (1976) – Actress and producer

Matt Bomer – 49 years old (1977) – Actor and producer

Desmond Mason – 49 years old (1977) – Basketball player and sportscaster

Rhett McLaughlin – 49 years old (1977) – YouTuber

Ty Wigginton – 49 years old (1977) – Baseball player

Carl Bussey – 48 years old (1978) – Soccer player

Trevor Donovan – 48 years old (1978) – Actor

Jamar Beasley – 47 years old (1979) – Football player

Andy Douglas – 47 years old (1979) – Wrestler

Jeff Larish – 44 years old (1982) – Baseball player

Terrell Suggs – 44 years old (1982) – Football player

Martha MacIsaac – 42 years old (1984) – Canadian-American actress, producer, and screenwriter

Tony Beltran – 39 years old (1987) – Soccer player

Mike Conley Jr. – 39 years old (1987) – Basketball player

Omar Gonzalez – 38 years old (1988) – Soccer player

Ricochet – 38 years old (1988) – Wrestler

Michelle Wie – 37 years old (1989) – Golfer

Joel Bitonio – 35 years old (1991) – Football player

Toby Fox – 35 years old (1991) – Video game developer and composer

Cardi B – 34 years old (1992) – Rapper

Brandon Flynn – 33 years old (1993) – Actor

T. J. Watt – 32 years old (1994) – Football player

Keldon Johnson – 27 years old (1999) – Basketball player

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR OCTOBER 11:

• National Coming Out Day: Take the leap to come out of the closet and be proudly yourself, or get involved to help others take this often scary, important step towards living authentically.
• National Sausage Pizza Day: Pepperoni gets the spotlight too often, but sausage is a great pizza topping. Make a sausage pizza at home, order delivery, or try a new kind of sausage.
• Pastor Appreciation Day: Pastor Appreciation Day is a special time to honor clergy members' dedication and hard work. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of October and is part of the broader Pastor Appreciation Month. It's a moment for communities to express gratitude towards their spiritual leaders for their unwavering support and guidance​​​​​​. Pastors...
• Dysautonomia Awareness Month: Join or host a fundraising event, do your research, and help raise awareness about dysautonomia, a class of diseases affected the autonomic nervous system.
• Southern Food Heritage Day: The delicious aroma of pan fried chicken or the fluffy texture of a buttered biscuit, southern food brings about a sense of warmth and comfort. Southern Food Heritage Day is here to promote and celebrate the background of this delicious cuisine! How to Celebrate Southern Food Heritage Day Consider enjoying some...
• Black Girl Day Off: Black Girl Day Off is celebrated every year on October 11. This special day follows World Mental Health Day, highlighting the significance of mental health, particularly for Black women. It encourages Black women to take a mental day off to focus on their emotional well-being. It addresses the impact of...
• World Hospice and Palliative Care Day: World Hospice and Palliative Care Day brings attention to the care people need when living with serious illness. It speaks to comfort, dignity, and support when life feels uncertain. Doctors, nurses, families, and neighbors all play a part. They help reduce pain, listen closely, and stand by those who need...
• It’s My Party Day: It's My Party Day, celebrated on October 11 each year, offers everyone a fantastic reason to celebrate, regardless of the occasion. This day is all about embracing the joy of throwing a party filled with laughter, games, and memorable moments with friends and family. It's My Party Day is widely...
• National Dance Week: Dancing is a pastime that has been part of human life and culture for thousands of years. Whether dancing during religious and cultural festivals or simply out of personal joy and delight, people have incorporated dance into life at every turn. National Dance Week aims to bring to public attention the...
• National Spread Joy Day: National Spread Joy Day is all about lifting spirits in the simplest ways. Think of it like a friendly nudge to brighten someone’s day—no big plans needed. Maybe it’s a note on a neighbor’s door, a quick message to a friend, or just taking a moment to really listen. These little...
• National Peyronie’s Disease Awareness Day: Peyronie’s disease affects the body in a quiet but powerful way. It causes curved, often painful erections because of internal scar tissue. This change can lead to emotional stress, distance in relationships, and deep embarrassment. Many men struggle in silence, unsure of what’s happening or afraid to speak up. National Peyronie’s...
• General Pulaski Memorial Day: General Pulaski Memorial Day honors Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who became a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Pulaski's exceptional cavalry skills earned him the title "Father of the American Cavalry." His dedication and bravery left a lasting mark on the fight for American independence. This observance also celebrates the...
• International Day of the Girl Child: Every year, on October 11th, the world celebrates International Day for the Girl Child. This day shines a light on girls' potential and global challenges. It’s a day to promote girls' rights and address persistent gender inequalities. The essential goal is to encourage more opportunities for girls. The day also...
• National Curry Week: Savor vibrant spices and rich blends, an aromatic dance on your palate, igniting a culinary journey of delight.
• Baby Loss Awareness Week: Baby Loss Awareness Week brings light to a tender topic, uniting those touched by the loss of a baby. Celebrated from the 9th to the 15th of October every year, it offers a meaningful time for parents, families, and friends to honor and remember their dearly missed babies. This week serves...
• Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
• Hispanic Heritage Month: Join an event, forum, or exhibition for Hispanic Heritage Month, and appreciate the art, history, and cultural offerings of this rich and expansive heritage.
• National Spinning and Weaving Week: Two different crafts that often go together, spinning and weaving are ancient practices that are still relevant in modern times to producing all sorts of textiles and fabrics. Spinning in the process of spinning raw fibers, like cotton or wool, into threads. Weaving uses the threads or yarn to layer...
• Drink Local Wine Week: Drink Local Wine Week gives small wineries a chance to be noticed. It’s when bloggers and wine writers focus on bottles made nearby. Instead of just talking about famous spots like Napa or Willamette, this week shifts attention to local vineyards. People get to read about wines made just down the...
• International Cephalopod Awareness Days: International Cephalopod Awareness Days bring attention to some of the ocean’s most surprising animals. These aren’t your average sea creatures. Octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and nautiluses all belong to this wild underwater group. They move like dancers, shift colors like mood rings, and squeeze through tiny cracks like soft-bodied escape artists. People...

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