November 6: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1860, Abraham Lincoln secured a historic victory in a four-way race that would change the course of American history forever.
Quick Facts for November 6
- Zodiac sign: Scorpio
- Day of year: 310
About November 6
November 6 is a day defined by transformative shifts in leadership and culture. In the realm of politics, the mid-19th century saw the ascent of Abraham Lincoln, whose election as the 16th U.S. President fundamentally reshaped a divided nation. This spirit of political change resonates through the decades, from the early papal deposals in Rome to the modern milestone of Tammy Baldwin becoming the first openly gay member of the U.S. Senate.
Beyond the halls of government, the day celebrates profound human creativity and innovation. It marks the birthday of Adolphe Sax, the visionary who gave the world the saxophone, and John Philip Sousa, the legendary bandleader. Whether through the rhythm of a brass instrument or the competitive energy of the first intercollegiate football game played in 1869, November 6 serves as a reminder of how much we can achieve through passion and ingenuity.
Holidays & Observances on November 6
- Christian feast days: Barlaam of Khutyn
- Christian feast days: Demetrian
- Christian feast days: Illtud
- Christian feast days: Leonard of Noblac
- Christian feast days: Melaine of Rennes
- Christian feast days: Winnoc
- Gustavus Adolphus Day (in Sweden, Finland and Estonia)
- Finnish Swedish Heritage Day (in Finland)
Fun & National Days on November 6
- National Nachos Day — Grab a plate and pile on the cheese to celebrate this delicious snack!
- National Saxophone Day — Let the smooth sounds of a saxophone set the mood for your day.
- Fountain Pen Day — Celebrate the elegance of classic writing by using a beautiful fountain pen.
- Basketball Day — Head to the court and practice your best jump shot today.
- International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
- Love Your Lawyer Day
- Marooned Without a Compass Day
- National Jersey Friday
- National Medical Science Liaison Awareness and Appreciation Day
On This Day in History
- 447 — A devastating earthquake struck Constantinople, destroying numerous towers and significant sections of the city's defensive walls.
- 963 — During a council at St. Peter's Basilica, Emperor Otto I presided over the deposition of Pope John XII.
- 1217 — King Henry III sanctioned the Charter of the Forest, restoring vital access rights to free men within royal forests.
- 1860 — Abraham Lincoln won the presidency of the United States in a crowded four-way electoral contest.
- 1869 — The very first official intercollegiate American football game took place, featuring a victory for Rutgers College over Princeton.
- 1900 — Incumbent President William McKinley secured re-election alongside his running mate, Theodore Roosevelt.
- 1943 — Soviet forces successfully liberated the city of Kyiv from German occupation during the Second World War.
- 1947 — NBC launched 'Meet the Press,' which would eventually become the longest-running program in television history.
- 1971 — The United States conducted a massive underground hydrogen bomb test known as 'Cannikin' on Amchitka Island.
- 1986 — A Boeing 234LR Chinook crash near Sumburgh resulted in the deadliest civilian helicopter accident on record.
- 2012 — Tammy Baldwin made history as the first openly gay individual elected to serve in the United States Senate.
Famous Birthdays on November 6
- 1494 — Suleiman the Magnificent, The powerful and influential Sultan who led the Ottoman Empire during its golden age.
- 1814 — Adolphe Sax, The brilliant Belgian-French designer credited with inventing the iconic saxophone.
- 1854 — John Philip Sousa, The celebrated American composer and bandleader known for his iconic marches.
- 1861 — James Naismith, The Canadian-American educator who is honored for inventing the game of basketball.
- 1948 — Glenn Frey, The influential American musician and actor known for his work with the Eagles.
- 1988 — Emma Stone, The highly acclaimed and talented American actress known for her diverse film roles.