Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
October 7 Wednesday, October 7, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on October 7 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
1
Holidays
2001
US history 25 years ago
The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan begins with an air assault and covert operations on the ground, starting the longest war in American history.
The United States launches air strikes and covert operations in Afghanistan, beginning what would become America's longest war.
History
What happened on October 7
12 verified entries Full timeline
- -3761World history
The epoch reference date (start) of the modern Hebrew calendar.
The modern Hebrew calendar begins its epoch with this date as a reference point.
- 1403European history
Venetian-Genoese wars: The Genoese fleet under a French admiral is defeated by a Venetian fleet at the Battle of Modon.
A Venetian fleet defeats a Genoese fleet led by a French admiral in the Battle of Modon.
- 1477European history
Uppsala University is inaugurated after receiving its corporate rights from Pope Sixtus IV in February the same year.
Uppsala University is established after receiving papal recognition from Pope Sixtus IV.
- 1513War
War of the League of Cambrai: Spain defeats Venice.
Spanish forces defeat Venetian troops at the Battle of La Motta.
- 1571European history
The Battle of Lepanto is fought, and the Ottoman Navy suffers its first defeat.
The Ottoman Navy faces its first defeat in a decisive battle against Christian forces at Lepanto.
- 1691US history
The charter for the Province of Massachusetts Bay is issued.
The charter for the Province of Massachusetts Bay is granted, unifying several existing colonies under a single royal administration.
- 1763UK history
King George III issues the Royal Proclamation of 1763, closing Indigenous lands in North America north and west of the Alleghenies to white settlements.
King George III issues the Royal Proclamation, closing Indigenous lands north and west of the Allegheny Mountains to white settlement in an attempt to stabilize relations with Native peoples.
- 1777War
American Revolutionary War: The Americans defeat British forces under general John Burgoyne in the Second Battle of Saratoga, also known as the Battle of Bemis Heights, compelling Burgoyne's eventual surrender.
The Americans defeat British forces led by General John Burgoyne in the Second Battle of Saratoga, paving the way for his eventual surrender.
- 1826Technology
The Granite Railway begins operations as the first chartered railway in the U.S.
The Granite Railway begins operations, becoming the first chartered railway in the United States.
- 1879WWI
Germany and Austria-Hungary sign the "Twofold Covenant" and create the Dual Alliance.
Germany and Austria-Hungary form the Dual Alliance, pledging mutual support in case of Russian aggression.
- 1985Disaster
The Mameyes landslide kills almost 200 people in Puerto Rico.
A landslide in Mameyes, Puerto Rico, kills nearly 200 people.
- 2001US history
The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan begins with an air assault and covert operations on the ground, starting the longest war in American history.
The United States launches air strikes and covert operations in Afghanistan, beginning what would become America's longest war.
Born today
Famous birthdays on October 7
7 this date All birthdays
🎂 39
Sam Querrey
American tennis player
Sam Querrey, the American tennis player known for his powerful serve who reached a career-high ranking of world No. 11 and won ten ATP singles titles, turns 39 today.
Born
1987
Turns 39
today
Frank Boucher
Canadian ice hockey player and executive
1901 – 1977
Jean-Paul Riopelle
Canadian painter and sculptor
1923 – 2002
Dida
Brazilian footballer
b. 1973 · 53
Priest Holmes
American football player
b. 1973 · 53
Lay Zhang
Chinese singer-songwriter and actor
b. 1991 · 35
Lewis Capaldi
Scottish singer-songwriter
b. 1996 · 30
Music
The number one songs on October 7
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on October 7, 1981
"Stand and Deliver"
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
#1 for 5 weeks
Also #1 on this day
- 1965"Ticket To Ride"— The Beatles
- 1972"Metal Guru"— T. Rex
- 2003"Make Luv"— Room 5 ft. Oliver Cheatham
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport October 7, 1916
Georgia Tech defeats Cumberland University 222-0 in the most lopsided college football game in American history.
Georgia Tech defeats Cumberland University 222, 0 in the most one-sided college football game ever recorded.
Read the story
🔬 Science October 7, 1958
The U.S. crewed space-flight project is renamed to Project Mercury.
The U.S. crewed space-flight program is renamed from Bureau of Aeronautics Project No. 1 to Project Mercury.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
1 celebrated today
Teachers' Day (Laos)
International
Teachers' Day is a special day for the appreciation of teachers