Amsterdam Receives Its First Rights
On October 27, 1275, a Dutch count granted Amsterdam's early residents toll freedom, the town's first known record.
William Penn Founds Philadelphia
On October 27, 1682, William Penn founded Philadelphia, a planned city of wide streets in Pennsylvania.
Theodore Roosevelt Is Born in New York
On October 27, 1858, Theodore Roosevelt, who became the 26th US president and won the Nobel peace prize, was born in New York City.
New York's First Subway Opens
New York City opened its first subway line on October 27, 1904, a nine-mile run that reshaped the city.
China Tests a Nuclear-Armed Missile
On October 27, 1966, China carried out its first flight test of a nuclear-armed missile, which detonated at its target in the west.
London's Financial Big Bang
On October 27, 1986, Britain's Big Bang deregulated the City of London, opening it to global finance.
China Signs the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
On October 27, 1997, China signed the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at the United Nations in New York.