1. On October 21, 1780, the Battle of Kings Mountain took place in South Carolina, but it had significant implications for Pennsylvania. The victory by Patriot forces over Loyalist troops shifted the momentum of the Revolutionary War in the South and helped hasten the defeat of British forces, ultimately leading to American independence.

2. On October 21, 1892, the first game of college football in Pennsylvania occurred between Lafayette College and Lehigh University. The Lehigh Mountain Hawks emerged victorious with a score of 16-0.

3. In 1943, on October 21, the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened to the public, connecting Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Spanning 160 miles, it was the first long-distance highway in the United States and set the precedent for modern highways.

4. On October 21, 1959, Willow Grove Park Mall in Montgomery County opened, becoming one of the first enclosed shopping malls in the country. It featured over 120 stores and was a popular destination for shoppers until its closure in 2010.

5. In 2017, on October 21, the Philadelphia 76ers opened their season with a victory over the Detroit Pistons. The game was notable as it marked the debut of rookie sensation Ben Simmons, who went on to win Rookie of the Year that season.