On November 26, history has seen many significant events that have shaped our world. From groundbreaking discoveries and technological achievements to pivotal political decisions and cultural milestones, this date is rich with historical moments.
These events include the founding of esteemed institutions, advancements in space exploration, defining moments in film history, and major geopolitical incidents. Join us as we delve into these remarkable occurrences and their lasting impact.
This article explores twenty notable events that occurred on November 26, offering a chronological journey through time.
November 26th – On this Day in History
783 – Adosinda Placed in Monastery
In 783, Queen Adosinda of Asturias was forced into the monastery of San Juan de Pravia by her brother-in-law Mauregatus. Adosinda was a significant figure in the Asturian kingdom, married to King Silo.
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Her confinement marked a notable event in the power struggles of the Asturian monarchy, as Mauregatus seized the throne after King Silo’s death. This event highlights the turbulent nature of medieval European politics, where monastic exile was often used to remove political rivals and consolidate power.
1476 – Vlad the Impaler Becomes Ruler of Wallachia

On November 26, 1476, Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracula, regained control of Wallachia for the third time. With the assistance of Stephen the Great and Stephen V Báthory, Vlad defeated Basarab Laiota.
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Vlad the Impaler is one of history’s most infamous rulers, known for his brutal methods of punishing enemies, which included impalement.
His reign was marked by a fierce campaign to maintain independence against the Ottoman Empire, and his legacy has significantly influenced both Romanian history and popular culture, particularly through the myth of Dracula.
1778 – Captain James Cook Visits Hawaii
In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook became the first European to visit the Hawaiian Islands. This significant event occurred during Cook’s third and final voyage in the Pacific Ocean.
His arrival marked the beginning of significant changes for the Hawaiian Islands, as it opened the door to increased contact with Europeans and, subsequently, the broader world.
Cook’s detailed journals and maps greatly contributed to the European knowledge of the Pacific region, although his interactions with indigenous populations were complex and often fraught with conflict.
1789 – First National Thanksgiving Day in the United States
November 26, 1789, saw the first national Thanksgiving Day in the United States, proclaimed by President George Washington at the behest of Congress. This day was intended to give thanks for the new U.S. Constitution and the establishment of a new nation.
It was a time for Americans to reflect on their blessings and the establishment of a government founded on democratic principles. Washington’s proclamation set a precedent for national days of thanksgiving, which eventually led to the annual holiday celebrated today.
1825 – Founding of the Kappa Alpha Society
On November 26, 1825, at Union College in Schenectady, New York, a group of students formed the Kappa Alpha Society, marking the creation of the first college social fraternity.
This organization aimed to promote fellowship and academic excellence among its members, setting a model that would be followed by numerous other fraternities and sororities across the United States.
The formation of Kappa Alpha Society reflected the growing importance of collegiate life in shaping young American men’s social and professional networks. It also marked the beginning of a long tradition of Greek life in American higher education.
1842 – Founding of the University of Notre Dame
On November 26, 1842, the University of Notre Dame was founded by Rev. Edward Sorin and a group of French missionary priests in northern Indiana. Originally established as a primary and secondary school, it quickly evolved into a major institution of higher learning.
Under the auspices of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame grew to become a leading Catholic university in the United States, renowned for its rigorous academic programs, storied athletic traditions, and strong commitment to faith and service.
The university’s iconic Golden Dome and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart are symbols of its rich heritage and enduring legacy.
1863 – Lincoln Proclaims National Thanksgiving Day

On November 26, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring a national Thanksgiving Day, to be celebrated annually on the last Thursday of November.
This proclamation came during the Civil War and was meant to unify a divided nation by encouraging Americans to reflect on their blessings, even amidst the hardships of war.
Lincoln’s call for a national day of thanksgiving was inspired by the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, an influential editor who had campaigned for a national Thanksgiving celebration. This proclamation helped to institutionalize the holiday, which continues to be a cherished American tradition.
1917 – Formation of the National Hockey League (NHL)
On November 26, 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL) was formed in Montreal, Canada. The league was created as a response to disputes within the National Hockey Association (NHA) and aimed to foster a more stable and competitive environment for professional ice hockey.
The original teams included the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Quebec Bulldogs, and Toronto Arenas. Over the decades, the NHL has expanded significantly, growing into a premier professional sports league with a substantial following in both Canada and the United States. The NHL has played a crucial role in popularizing ice hockey globally.
1922 – Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb

On November 26, 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter and his patron, Lord Carnarvon, entered the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. This discovery was one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.
The tomb, remarkably intact and filled with treasures, provided unprecedented insights into the life and death of the young pharaoh who ruled during the 18th Dynasty. The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb captivated the world, sparking a renewed interest in ancient Egypt and significantly advancing the field of Egyptology.
1939 – Soviet Union Shells Mainila
On November 26, 1939, the Soviet Union shelled the village of Mainila, an incident that served as a pretext for the Winter War against Finland. The Soviets claimed that Finnish artillery had fired on Mainila, causing casualties, although investigations later suggested the shelling was staged by the Soviets themselves.
This incident led to the Soviet invasion of Finland four days later. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, the Finnish forces mounted a fierce defense, earning international admiration for their resistance. The Winter War ended in March 1940 with the Moscow Peace Treaty, which ceded Finnish territory to the Soviet Union but preserved Finland’s independence.
1941 – Roosevelt Establishes Thanksgiving Day
On November 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
This act resolved the confusion caused by Roosevelt’s earlier attempt to move the holiday to the third Thursday to extend the Christmas shopping season, a decision that had been met with public resistance and confusion.
By signing this bill, Roosevelt solidified the date for Thanksgiving, aligning it with the traditional celebration and ensuring consistency in the holiday’s observance across the country. This move reinforced Thanksgiving as a national holiday dedicated to giving thanks for the year’s blessings and spending time with family and friends.
1942 – Premiere of Casablanca
On November 26, 1942, the iconic film “Casablanca” premiered at the Hollywood Theater in New York City. Directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid, the film is set against the backdrop of World War II and tells the story of a love triangle involving a nightclub owner, his former lover, and her husband, a Czech resistance leader.
“Casablanca” was not expected to be a major hit initially, but it went on to become one of the most beloved and enduring films in cinema history. Its memorable lines, powerful performances, and poignant exploration of love and sacrifice during wartime have cemented its place as a classic.
1943 – Sinking of HMT Rohna

On November 26, 1943, during World War II, the British troopship HMT Rohna was sunk by a German guided missile off the coast of Algeria in the Mediterranean Sea. This tragic event resulted in the loss of 1,138 lives, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters of the war.
The missile, launched from a German Heinkel He 177 bomber, marked one of the first successful uses of a guided missile in warfare. The sinking of the Rohna was kept secret for many years to prevent the news from demoralizing the Allied forces. The disaster highlighted the vulnerabilities of troop transport ships and the emerging threat of advanced weaponry.
1944 – V-2 Rocket Hits Woolworth’s in New Cross
On November 26, 1944, a German V-2 rocket struck a Woolworth’s store on New Cross High Street in London, resulting in the deaths of 168 people. The V-2 rocket was a revolutionary weapon and the world’s first long-range guided ballistic missile, developed by Nazi Germany.
The attack was part of a broader campaign of terror against the United Kingdom, known as the “V-2 offensive,” which aimed to demoralize the British population.
The impact on New Cross was devastating, as the rocket hit during a busy shopping period, causing extensive casualties and damage. The incident underscored the increasing threat of missile warfare and the resilience of Londoners under bombardment.
1949 – Adoption of India’s Constitution
On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India formally adopted the country’s new Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950. This monumental event marked the culmination of years of deliberation and drafting by the Assembly, which was tasked with framing a constitution for an independent India.
The Constitution of India established the nation as a sovereign, democratic republic, with a detailed framework for the governance and protection of fundamental rights. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution, played a crucial role in its creation. The adoption of the Constitution was a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming the world’s largest democracy.
1965 – France Launches its First Satellite, Astérix
On November 26, 1965, France successfully launched its first satellite, Astérix, into space, making it the third country, after the Soviet Union and the United States, to achieve this milestone. The launch took place from Hammaguir, Algeria, using a Diamant A rocket.
Named after the popular French comic book character, Astérix’s successful deployment marked a significant achievement for the French space program and symbolized France’s entry into the space race.
This event demonstrated France’s growing technological capabilities and ambition to become a major player in space exploration. It laid the groundwork for future space missions and the development of France’s national space agency, CNES.
1977 – Premiere of “The Hobbit” Animated Television Special
On November 26, 1977, the animated television special “The Hobbit” premiered on NBC in the United States. Produced by Rankin/Bass and directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., the special brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy novel to the screen for the first time.
Featuring the voice talents of Orson Bean as Bilbo Baggins and John Huston as Gandalf, the adaptation was praised for its fidelity to the source material and its distinctive animation style.
The special played a crucial role in introducing Tolkien’s world of Middle-earth to a broader audience, setting the stage for future adaptations and sparking renewed interest in Tolkien’s works.
1983 – Brink’s-Mat Robbery at Heathrow Airport
On November 26, 1983, one of the most audacious and infamous heists in history occurred at Heathrow Airport in London, known as the Brink’s-Mat robbery. Six armed men broke into the Brink’s-Mat warehouse and stole nearly £26 million worth of gold bullion, diamonds, and cash.
The robbery was initially planned as a simple theft of cash, but the criminals stumbled upon a much larger haul of gold. The sheer scale of the theft shocked the world and led to an extensive investigation.
Although some of the gold was never recovered, several individuals were eventually convicted for their roles in the crime. The robbery has since inspired numerous books, documentaries, and films.
2000 – George W. Bush Certified as Winner of Florida’s Electoral Votes

On November 26, 2000, the Florida Secretary of State certified George W. Bush as the winner of the state’s electoral votes, effectively securing his victory in the 2000 United States presidential election.
This certification followed a contentious and highly disputed election process that involved multiple recounts and legal battles, particularly in Florida, where the vote margin was extraordinarily slim.
The controversy culminated in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bush v. Gore, which halted further recounts and awarded Florida’s 25 electoral votes to Bush. Despite losing the national popular vote to Al Gore, Bush’s victory in Florida gave him the majority in the Electoral College, leading to his eventual inauguration as the 43rd President of the United States.
2003 – Final Flight of the Concorde
On November 26, 2003, the iconic supersonic passenger jet, the Concorde, made its final flight over Bristol, England, bringing an end to an era of supersonic commercial air travel. Operated jointly by British Airways and Air France, the Concorde was renowned for its ability to fly at speeds exceeding Mach 2, significantly reducing transatlantic flight times.
However, economic factors, including high operational costs and declining passenger numbers, as well as the aftermath of the tragic Air France Concorde crash in 2000, led to its retirement. The final flight was a sentimental moment for aviation enthusiasts and marked the close of a unique chapter in the history of commercial aviation, remembered for its technological innovation and elegance.