Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.

What Happened in October 1781

Historical Events

Surrender at Yorktown

Oct 9 Americans under George Washington and the French under Comte de Rochambeau begin bombardment of Yorktown, the last battle of American Revolutionary War

  • Oct 19 Edict of Toleration issued by Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II, providing limited freedom of worship for non-Roman Catholic Christians

Famous Birthdays

  • Oct 1 James Lawrence, American naval hero (War of 1812-"Don't give up the ship!"), born in Burlington, New Jersey (d. 1813)
  • Oct 5 Bernard Bolzano, Czech mathematician and philosopher, born in Prague, Bohemia (d. 1848)

Famous Deaths

  • Oct 9 Thomas Erskine, 6th earl of Kellie, Scottish composer and musician, dies at 49
  • Oct 16 Edward Hawke, 1st Baron Hawke, British naval officer (b. 1705)
  • Oct 27 Herman-François Delange, Belgian composer, dies at 66