19 October

October 19 is the 292nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 73 days remain until the end of the year.

We have some interesting facts & historic events all about October 19^th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.

Keep reading for more interesting facts about October 19^th in history!

Global Celebrations

National Evaluate Your Life Day

Historic Events

What Happened On This Day – October 19

2005: Trial of Saddam Hussein Begins

The Iraqi Special Tribunal started the trial of deposed President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, and 7 other defendants for crimes against humanity. Hussein, who was the fifth President of Iraq was found guilty and was executed by hanging a year later on December 30, 2006.

1954: Cho Oyu Scaled for the First Time in Recorded History

The 6th highest mountain peak in the world, Cho Oyu is part of the Himalayan mountain range and lies on the Nepal-China border. It was scaled by Nepalese Pasang Dawa Lama and Austrians Joseph Jöchler and Herbert Tichy.

1950: Battle of Chamdo (Qamdo) Ends

Also known as the Liberation of Tibet in China, the war between China and Tibet began on October 6, when Chinese military forces under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping entered the country from Sichuan. At the end of the battle, the Chinese had taken over the border city of Chamdo. The battle was the starting point for negotiations between the two countries over the status of Tibet.

1943: Streptomycin is Discovered

The miracle antibiotic that became the first line of offense against tuberculosis in the mid 20th century was isolated for the first time by graduate student Albert Schatz while working under Selman Abraham Waksman at Rutgers University. Schatz later sued Waksman to gain a portion of the profits and notoriety which came from the discovery. Waksman eventually received the Nobel Prize for the achievement. However, there was controversy as the award went to Waksman only.

1914: First Battle of Ypres

Part of the Battle of Flanders during the First World War, the First Battle of Ypres was fought in the Belgian city of Ypres. It was fought between German forces on one side and the Belgian, French and British troops on the other. Fighting continued until November 22, when harsh weather forced the two sides to take a break from the hostilities.

1864: Photograph of an American Revolutionary War veteran, Lemuel Cook (1759-1866). He served with the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons and was wounded several times in combat. He fought in the siege of Yorktown and witnessed the surrender of General Cornwallis in October of 1781.