911 - During a siege in Constantinople, the Theotokos (Mary, the mother of Jesus) appears at the church in Blachernae, holding her veil over the praying faithful, among them St. Andrew of Constantinople
1791 - First session of the new French legislative assembly
1939 - Winston Churchill calls Russia a "riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma"
1995 - The NY Yankees (AL) and Colorado Rockies (NL) become the first wild-card teams in the new MLB playoff system; the Rockies are the first team to reach the postseason before their 7th year and post the best-ever record for a 3rd-year team, 10 games over .500 (77-67)
1998 - LA's Mauricio Cienfuegos and Martin Machon equal the MLS playoff record of three assists each as the Galaxy roll to a 6-1 win over the Dallas Burn at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California
1847 - Annie Besant, English social reformer and supporter of Indian independence, born in London (d. 1933)
1878 - Othmar Spann, Austrian economist and sociologist (Geschichtsfilosofie), born in Vienna (d. 1950)
1910 - Bonnie Parker, American outlaw of Bonnie and Clyde fame, born in Rowena, Texas (d. 1934)
1960 - Elizabeth Dennehy, American actress (Guiding Light, Start Trek: The Next Generation), born in Jacksonville, North Carolina
1963 - Mark McGwire, American MLB first baseman, coach (12-time All Star, Oakland A's, St. Louis Cardinals), born in Pomona, California
540 - Vedastus St Vaast, 1st bishop of Atrecht/saint, dies
1500 - John Alcock, English bishop and chancellor (founded Jesus College, Cambridge), dies at about 70
1943 - Johan Kalshoven, resistance fighter, executed at 20
2002 - Walter Annenberg, American publisher (Triangle-TV Guide) and philanthropist, dies at 94
2007 - Ned Sherrin, English broadcaster, author and stage director (b. 1931)
On October 1, 1890, an act of Congress creates Yosemite National Park, home of such natural wonders as Half Dome and the giant sequoia trees.