1. October 20, 1740: The Walking Purchase Fraud
One of the most controversial events in Pennsylvania history occurred on October 20, 1740, when the colony’s governor, James Logan, organized the “walking purchase” of land from the Lenape Indian tribe. The deal, which granted the colonists more than 1,200 square miles of land (three times the amount agreed upon in the 1686 Treaty of Penn with the Lenape), is considered a major case of fraud and deceit.

2. October 20, 1803: Lancaster County Prison Riot
On October 20, 1803, a group of inmates at the Lancaster County Prison staged a violent uprising, setting fire to the prison and killing the sheriff and several guards. The incident prompted the construction of a new, more secure prison in the county, which still stands today.

3. October 20, 1820: The First Pennsylvania State Fair
The first Pennsylvania State Fair was held on October 20, 1820, in Harrisburg. The event was organized by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Society, which aimed to promote and improve the state’s agriculture industry. The fair has since become an annual tradition, drawing thousands of visitors to the state each year.

4. October 20, 1913: The Long Reach Mine Disaster
The Long Reach Mine Disaster occurred on October 20, 1913, in the coal-mining town of Marianna in Washington County. An explosion in the mine killed 154 men, making it one of the deadliest mining accidents in US history. The disaster prompted calls for stricter safety regulations in the coal-mining industry.

5. October 20, 1967: Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Established
The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, a two-year technical school in Lancaster, was established on October 20, 1967. The school was named after Thaddeus Stevens, a prominent Pennsylvania politician and abolitionist who played a key role in the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the US Constitution. Today, the college is known for its strong programs in technical fields such as construction, engineering, and transportation.