The Capital Bicycle Club was an early American cycling club based in Washington, D.C. During the late 1870s, Interest in cycling spread across the United States following the increased importation and marketing of Ordinary-style bicycles (also known as penny-farthings). On January 31, 1879, a group of seven cycling enthusiasts founded the club. Despite initial complaints and suspicion from Washington residents, it became a popular recreational club among the city's white upper-class. The city became known as a "bicycler's paradise" by cyclists due to its wide, smoothly-paved streets. The club held a large numbers of rides across the city and surrounding rural areas, alongside social events at its clubhouse.
First US bicycle club, the Boston Bicycle Club, forms
The Capital Bicycle Club was an early American cycling club based in Washington, D.C.
Historical Significance
The Capital Bicycle Club was an early American cycling club based in Washington, D.
Events Before
American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15
American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15
Test cricket debut of feared Australian fast bowler Fred "The Demon" Spofforth; Australia loses the second Test by four
Test cricket debut of feared Australian fast bowler Fred "The Demon" Spofforth; Australia loses the second Test by four wickets to England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
World's first home telephone is installed in Somerville, Massachusetts at the house of Charles Williams Jr. [1]
The Charles Williams Jr. House, built in 1858, is a historic house in Somerville, Massachusetts. Charles Williams Jr.
Russo-Turkish War: Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire
Russo-Turkish War: Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire
First Wimbledon tennis championship - first official lawn tennis tournament - begins featuring men's singles only
The 1877 Wimbledon Championship was a men's tennis tournament held at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club (AEC & LTC) in Wimbledon, London.
Events After
E. M. Forster is born
E. M. Forster, English novelist and writer, known for english novelist and writer, was born on 1879-01-01. Edward Morgan Forster (1 January 1879 – 7 June 1970) was an English author.
Dutch King William II marries Emma von Waldeck-Pyrmont
William III (Dutch: Willem III, French: Guillaume III; 19 February 1817 – 23 November 1890) was King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1849 until his death in 1890, and was also...
Anglo-Zulu War begins as British Lieutenant General Lord Chelmsford invades Zululand in South Africa
Anglo-Zulu War begins as British Lieutenant General Lord Chelmsford invades Zululand in South Africa
Battle of Rorke's Drift: A British garrison of about 150 holds off 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. Eleven Victoria Crosses
Battle of Rorke's Drift: A British garrison of about 150 holds off 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. Eleven Victoria Crosses and several other decorations are awarded to the defenders.
Chile declares war on Bolivia and Peru, starting the War of the Pacific
The War of the Pacific (Spanish: Guerra del Pacífico), also known by multiple other names, was a war between Chile and a Bolivian–Peruvian alliance from 1879 to 1884.
More from the 1870s
Belgium disbands its salt tax
Belgium disbands its salt tax
The Moerdijk railway bridge over Hollands Diep in South Holland opens, becoming the longest bridge in Europe at that tim
The Moerdijk railway bridge over Hollands Diep in South Holland opens, becoming the longest bridge in Europe at that time
Japan adopts the Gregorian calendar
Japanese calendar types have included a range of official and unofficial systems. At present, Japan uses the Gregorian calendar together with year designations stating the year of the reign of the…
New York City annexes the West Bronx
The boroughs of New York City are the five major governmental districts that compose New York City. They are the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 11, 1878?
- The Capital Bicycle Club was an early American cycling club based in Washington, D.C. During the late 1870s, Interest in cycling spread across the United States following the increased importation and marketing of Ordinary-style bicycles (also known as penny-farthings). On January 31, 1879, a group of seven cycling enthusiasts founded the club.
- Why is First US bicycle club, the Boston Bicycle Club, forms significant?
- The Capital Bicycle Club was an early American cycling club based in Washington, D.