What events are listed for Oct. 26 in history?

The entries include Robert McClure sighting the Northwest Passage from Banks Island toward Melville Island in 1850, the Pony Express ending in 1861, and the start of a Geneva conference in 1863 that led to the Red Cross. Later entries note the last natural smallpox case, the Jordan-Israel peace accord, and the raid that killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

How did the 1863 Geneva conference contribute to the Red Cross?

The conference began with the aim of improving medical conditions on battlefields, and it led to the formation of the Red Cross.

What happened in the 2019 U.S. raid in Syria involving Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi?

U.S. Special Forces carried out a raid in Syria that killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, identified in the entry as the founder and leader of ISIS.

MONDAY, Oct. 26, 2026

Listen

Summary

The historical entries for Monday, Oct. 26, note events ranging from Robert McClure sighting the Northwest Passage in 1850 to the 2019 U.S. raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria. They also record the Pony Express ending in 1861, a Geneva conference that led to the formation of the Red Cross in 1863, the last natural smallpox case in 1977, and the 1994 Jordan-Israel peace accord.

Key Facts

The Pony Express, which ran from Missouri to California, ended after 19 months in 1861.
An international conference began in Geneva in 1863 to improve medical conditions on battlefields and led to the formation of the Red Cross.
The last natural case of smallpox was discovered in Somalia’s Merca District in 1977 and is considered the anniversary of the disease’s eradication.
Jordan and Israel signed a peace accord in 1994.
U.S. Special Forces killed ISIS founder and leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a raid in Syria in 2019.

Published Oct 25, 2026 10:40 am KST

1850-Robert McClure sights the fabled Northwest Passage for the first time, from Banks Island towards Melville Island

1861-The Pony Express (Missouri to California) ends after 19 months

1863-International conference begins in Geneva aimed at improving medical conditions on battlefields, leads to the formation of the Red Cross

1977-Last natural case of smallpox is discovered in Merca District, Somalia, and is considered the anniversary of the eradication of smallpox, the most spectacular success of vaccination

1994-Jordan & Israel sign peace accord

2019-Raid by U.S. Special Forces kills ISIS founder and leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Syria

Explore More