On this day, Oct. 16 …

1962: The Cuban missile crisis begins as President John F. Kennedy is informed that reconnaissance photos reveal the presence of missile bases in Cuba.

Also on this day:

1793: During the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, is beheaded.

During the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, is beheaded. 1859: Radical abolitionist John Brown leads a group of 21 men in a raid on Harpers Ferry in western Virginia (Now West Virginia). Ten of Brown's men are killed and five escape. Brown and six followers are captured; all are executed.)

Radical abolitionist John Brown leads a group of 21 men in a raid on Harpers Ferry in western Virginia (Now West Virginia). Ten of Brown's men are killed and five escape. Brown and six followers are captured; all are executed.) 1901: Booker T. Washington dines at the White House as the guest of President Theodore Roosevelt, whose invitation to the black educator sparks controversy.

Booker T. Washington dines at the White House as the guest of President Theodore Roosevelt, whose invitation to the black educator sparks controversy. 1916: Planned Parenthood has its beginnings as Margaret Sanger and her sister, Ethel Byrne, open the first birth control clinic in Brooklyn, N.Y.

1968: American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos spark controversy at the Summer Olympics in Mexico City by giving "black power" salutes during a victory ceremony after winning gold and bronze medals in the 200-meter race.

1969: The New York Mets cap their miracle season by winning the World Series, defeating the Baltimore Orioles, 5-3, in Game 5 played at Shea Stadium in New York City.

The New York Mets cap their miracle season by winning the World Series, defeating the Baltimore Orioles, 5-3, in Game 5 played at Shea Stadium in New York City. 1978: The College of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church chooses Cardinal Karol Wojtyla to be the new pope; he takes the name John Paul II. His predecessor, John Paul I, died just 33 days after succeeding Pope Paul VI.