#44 October 26-November 1

October 26, 1825 – The Erie Canal Opened!

On this day in 1825, a brand-new waterway changed the way people traveled and traded in America — the Erie Canal officially opened! Stretching across New York from the Hudson River to Lake Erie, the canal made it possible to move goods and people faster and cheaper than ever before. Farmers could send their crops to market, towns grew along the route, and New York City became a busy center for trade. The Erie Canal helped connect the growing nation and opened the door to new opportunities for everyone. Fun Fact: To celebrate the grand opening, Governor DeWitt Clinton poured a barrel of Lake Erie water into the Atlantic Ocean — a symbolic event called the “Wedding of the Waters!” The Erie Canal was part of the system of transportation that opened the west to settlers. Listen to Episode 142: The Oregon Trail (another way the settlers moved west!) or Episode 150: The Adventures of Kit Carson

October 26, 1881 – The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

On October 26, 1881, one of the most famous moments in the Wild West took place — the Gunfight at the O.K. Corralin Tombstone, Arizona. It wasn’t a long battle, but it became legendary! Lawmen Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and Doc Holliday faced off against a group called the Cowboys. The fight lasted less than a minute, but it showed the challenges of keeping peace in frontier towns during that time. Even though it happened over 140 years ago, the story of the O.K. Corral still captures the imagination of history lovers and movie fans today. Fun Fact: The entire gunfight lasted only about 30 seconds, but it became one of the most talked-about events in Old West history! Listen to Episode 50: Little Miss Sure Shot! (Miss Annie Oakley was part of a famous Wild West show)

October 27, 1873 – Barbed Wire Was Invented

On October 27, 1873, a man named Joseph Glidden from Illinois changed farm life forever when he invented barbed wire. Before his invention, farmers had a hard time keeping animals inside fences because wood and stone were expensive and took a long time to build. Glidden’s clever idea used twisted wire with small, sharp barbs to make strong, affordable fencing that protected crops and livestock. His invention spread quickly across the country and helped shape farming and ranching in the American West. Fun Fact: The first barbed wire patent models were made using coffee mill handles to twist the wire together — a clever homemade tool for a world-changing idea!

November 1, 1938 – The Race at Pimlico Race Course

On November 1, 1938, one of the most famous horse races in history took place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Two incredible racehorses, Seabiscuit and War Admiral, faced off in a long-awaited match race that captured the attention of the entire nation. Thousands of fans gathered at the track, and millions listened on the radio as the two champions thundered down the track. Against all odds, the smaller, underestimated horse Seabiscuit won the race, inspiring people across America during a time when hope and determination mattered most.Fun Fact: When Seabiscuit crossed the finish line, radio announcers said the crowd’s cheer was so loud it could be heard more than a mile away!

November 2, 1889 – North Dakota and South Dakota Became States

On November 2, 1889, the big Dakota Territory was officially divided into two new states — North Dakota and South Dakota! Before that day, the Dakotas were part of one large area filled with wide prairies, farms, and small towns. When they joined the United States, they became the 39th and 40th states. People celebrated with parades, music, and flags waving in the wind. Each state grew its own identity — North Dakota known for its fields of wheat and South Dakota for landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. Fun Fact: President Benjamin Harrison signed the papers for both states on the same day — but he mixed them up on purpose so no one would know which became a state first! Listen to Episode 64: The Story of Theodore Roosevelt (he established national parks – and there’s one in North Dakota called Theodore Roosevelt National Park)