The Erie Canal Opens
The Erie Canal opened on October 26, 1825, linking the Great Lakes to New York City and cutting freight costs sharply.
The Football Association Is Founded
On October 26, 1863, English clubs formed the Football Association in London, the first body to set common football rules.
The Defence of Sihang Warehouse
On October 26, 1937, a Chinese battalion under Xie Jinyuan began defending Sihang warehouse in Shanghai, holding out for four days.
The Maharaja of Kashmir Accedes to India
On October 26, 1947, Kashmir's ruler acceded to India, bringing Indian troops and the first Indo-Pakistani war over the disputed state.
Winston Churchill Returns as Prime Minister
Winston Churchill became prime minister again on 26 October 1951 at the age of 77, after the Conservatives won an election with a majority of 17.
Ngo Dinh Diem Becomes President of South Vietnam
On October 26, 1955, Ngo Dinh Diem made himself president of South Vietnam after a rigged vote against Bao Dai.
Austria Declares Permanent Neutrality
On October 26, 1955, Austria adopted a constitutional law of permanent neutrality, after the state treaty that ended the allied occupation.
Chinese Troops Leave North Korea
On October 26, 1958, the last Chinese units withdrew from North Korea, five years after the armistice that ended the fighting.
Park Chung-hee Is Assassinated
On October 26, 1979, South Korea's president Park Chung-hee was shot by his own spy chief, Kim Jae-gyu, in Seoul.
Jordan and Israel Sign a Peace Treaty
On October 26, 1994, Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty, making Jordan the second Arab state to recognize Israel.
Jiang Zemin Visits the United States
On October 26, 1997, Jiang Zemin arrived in the United States for the first state visit by a Chinese head of state since 1985.