1851CE
Culture
Moby Dick published
Herman Melville's novel 'Moby-Dick; or, The Whale' is published in the United States, initially receiving mixed reviews.
Daily Chronicle
October 18
3 Historical Records
1867CE
Politics
US takes possession of Alaska
The United States formally takes possession of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a transfer initially mocked as 'Seward's Folly'.
1926CE
Birth
Chuck Berry Born
American musician widely regarded as a founding father of rock and roll, whose songs like 'Johnny B. Goode' defined the genre's sound and spirit.