November 6, 2026 – Historical Events & Birthdays
November 6 has brought important moments in Arizona legal history, presidential politics, science and technology, sports, entertainment and the arts. The date also marks the birthdays of influential musicians, athletes, writers, actors and innovators.
🌍 Politics & World History
1913 – Sarah Herring Sorin argues before Arizona’s highest court
On November 6, 1913, Tucson attorney Sarah Herring Sorin became the first woman to argue a case alone before the Arizona Supreme Court. The court ultimately ruled in favor of her mining-company client, marking an important moment in Arizona’s legal history.
1860 – Abraham Lincoln is elected president
Abraham Lincoln won the presidency on November 6, 1860, defeating Stephen Douglas, John C. Breckinridge and John Bell. His victory, achieved without carrying a single Southern state, accelerated the secession crisis that led to the Civil War.
1861 – Jefferson Davis is elected Confederate president
Confederate voters confirmed Jefferson Davis for a full six-year term on November 6, 1861. He had previously been selected by the Confederate Congress as provisional president.
1962 – United Nations condemns apartheid
The U.N. General Assembly adopted Resolution 1761 on November 6, 1962, condemning South Africa’s apartheid policies and urging member states to impose economic and diplomatic measures.
1984 – Ronald Reagan wins reelection
Ronald Reagan won a second presidential term on November 6, 1984, defeating Walter Mondale in a landslide. Mondale carried only his home state of Minnesota and the District of Columbia.
🔬 Science & Technology
1928 – Jacob Schick receives a patent for an electric razor
Jacob Schick was granted a U.S. patent for an electric shaving device on November 6, 1928. His design helped establish the modern electric-razor industry.
1945 – Jet-powered aircraft lands on an aircraft carrier
A U.S. Navy Ryan FR-1 Fireball made the first jet-powered carrier landing on November 6, 1945, aboard USS Wake Island off San Diego. The aircraft used its jet engine after its piston engine lost power.
1971 – United States conducts the Cannikin underground nuclear test
The United States conducted the Cannikin test on November 6, 1971, on Alaska’s Amchitka Island. It was the largest underground nuclear test carried out by the United States and generated major environmental opposition.
🎭 Culture & the Arts
1947 – Meet the Press makes its network television debut
The public-affairs program made its network television debut on November 6, 1947. It went on to become the longest-running program in American television history.
1992 – Malcolm X opens in U.S. theaters
Spike Lee’s major biographical film, starring Denzel Washington, opened nationwide on November 6, 1992. The film became one of the significant American movies of the early 1990s.
2011 – Queen of the Mist premieres in New York
Michael John LaChiusa’s musical about Niagara Falls daredevil Annie Edson Taylor had its world premiere at The Gym at Judson Memorial Church on November 6, 2011.
⚽ Sports
1869 – Rutgers defeats Princeton in the first intercollegiate football game
Rutgers defeated Princeton 6–4 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on November 6, 1869. The game used rules closer to rugby or soccer than modern American football, but it is widely recognized as the first collegiate football contest.
1929 – The NFL stages its first night game
The Providence Steam Roller hosted the Chicago Cardinals under floodlights on November 6, 1929. Chicago won 16–0 in the NFL’s first night game.
1985 – Chris Mullin makes his NBA debut
Golden State’s Chris Mullin debuted on November 6, 1985, scoring 14 points in a 105–101 victory over Seattle. He later became a Hall of Famer and Olympic champion.
1987 – Reggie Miller makes his NBA debut
Indiana’s Reggie Miller played his first NBA game on November 6, 1987. He spent his entire 18-season career with the Pacers and was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
🎂 Notable Birthdays – November 6
1854 – John Philip Sousa
American composer and bandleader John Philip Sousa, known as the “March King,” was born on November 6, 1854. His works include “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
1861 – James Naismith
James Naismith, the Canadian-American inventor of basketball, was born on November 6, 1861. He wrote the game’s original 13 rules and was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
1887 – Walter Johnson
Baseball pitcher and Hall of Famer Walter Johnson was born on November 6, 1887. His 417 major-league victories remain second-most in major-league history.
1931 – Mike Nichols
Director, producer and performer Mike Nichols was born on November 6, 1931. He won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy and Tony, achieving the rare EGOT distinction.
1946 – Sally Field
Oscar-winning actress Sally Field was born on November 6, 1946. Her notable films include Norma Rae, Places in the Heart, Steel Magnolias and Forrest Gump.
1948 – Glenn Frey
American singer, songwriter and guitarist Glenn Frey was born on November 6, 1948. He co-founded the Eagles and co-wrote many of the band’s signature songs.
1969 – Colson Whitehead
American novelist Colson Whitehead was born on November 6, 1969. He won Pulitzer Prizes for The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys.
1979 – Lamar Odom
NBA forward Lamar Odom was born on November 6, 1979. He won two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and was named Sixth Man of the Year in 2011.
Summary
November 6 connects Arizona’s legal history with turning points in presidential politics, technological development, popular culture and American sports. The date also honors a varied group of creators, athletes, performers and public figures whose work shaped American life.
