1793

During the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, was beheaded.

1859

Radical abolitionist John Brown led a raid on the U.S. arsenal at Harpers Ferry in what was then a part of western Virginia. (Ten of Brown’s men were killed and five escaped. Brown and six followers were captured; all were executed.)

1934

Chinese Communists, under siege by the Nationalists, began their “long march” lasting a year from southeastern to northwestern China.

1962

The Cuban Missile Crisis began as President John F. Kennedy was informed that reconnaissance photographs had revealed the presence of nuclear missile bases in Cuba.

1984

Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu was named winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of non-violent struggle for racial equality in South Africa.

Birthdays

Actor Fernanda Montenegro is 95. Actor Barry Corbin is 84. Musician Bob Weir is 77. Actor-director Tim Robbins is 66. Rock musician Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) is 62. Filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan is 62. Actor Terri J. Vaughn is 55. Singer John Mayer is 47. Former WNBA point guard Sue Bird is 44. Actor Caterina Scorsone is 43. Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper is 32.