What Happened on October 26, 1972

Historical Events

Historic Invention

Edwin Land introduces the first truly instant camera the Polaroid SX-70 camera at an event in Miami, Florida

Closure of Alcatraz

Guided tours of the former prison at Alcatraz by the National Park Service begin

Event of Interest

Henry Kissinger declares "Peace is at hand" in Vietnam

Music History

Ringo Starr and singer Lulu appear in non-speaking cameos on "Monty Python's Flying Circus" program


Famous Birthdays

  • Hamdi Ulukaya, Kurdish founder and CEO of Chobani, born in Erzincan, Turkey

Famous Deaths

Igor Sikorsky (1889-1972)

Russian-American pioneer of aviation in both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, dies at 83

Died in 1972 1972 Highlights

About October 26, 1972

Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 51 years, 6 months and 2 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Scorpio

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: My Ding-A-Ling - Chuck Berry
  • UK #1 Song: Mouldy Old Dough - Lieutenant Pigeon