On This Day

Johns Hopkins University opens

Johns Hopkins (May 19, 1795 – December 24, 1873) was an American merchant, investor, and philanthropist best known for funding the establishment of Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins...

Johns Hopkins (May 19, 1795 – December 24, 1873) was an American merchant, investor, and philanthropist best known for funding the establishment of Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital, which have since become leading institutions for scientific research and medical advancements. At the time of his death, his donation was the largest philanthropic bequest ever made to an American educational institution.

Born on a plantation in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Hopkins left his home to start a career at the age of seventeen, and settled in Baltimore, Maryland, where he remained for most of his life. He accumulated his fortune primarily through investing in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), for which he later served as finance director.

Historical Significance

Johns Hopkins (May 19, 1795 – December 24, 1873) was an American merchant, investor, and philanthropist best known for funding the establishment of Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital, which have since become leading institutions for scientific research and medical advancements.

Events Before

  1. Britain's Midland Railway abolishes second-class travel, ending the practice of carrying third-class passengers in open-

    Britain's Midland Railway abolishes second-class travel, ending the practice of carrying third-class passengers in open-air wagons [1]

  2. Princess Louise of Belgium marries Prince Philip von Saksen-Coburg-Gotha in Belgium

    Princess Louise of Belgium marries Prince Philip von Saksen-Coburg-Gotha in Belgium

  3. Georges Bizet's last and greatest opera "Carmen" premieres at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, France

    Georges Bizet's last and greatest opera "Carmen" premieres at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, France

  4. 1st Kentucky Derby: Oliver Lewis aboard Aristides wins in 2:37.75

    The Kentucky Derby () is an American Grade I stakes race run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

  5. Captain Matthew Webb makes the first recorded unassisted swim across the English Channel in 21 hours and 45 minutes

    The English Channel, also known as the Channel, is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates Southern England from northern France.

Events After

  1. American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15

    American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  4. Russo-Turkish War: Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire

    Russo-Turkish War: Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire

  5. 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.

More from the 1870s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on February 22, 1876?
Johns Hopkins (May 19, 1795 – December 24, 1873) was an American merchant, investor, and philanthropist best known for funding the establishment of Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital, which have since become leading institutions for scientific research and medical advancements. At the time of his death, his donation was the largest philanthropic bequest ever made to an American educational institution. Born on a plantation in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Hopkins left his home to start a career at the age of seventeen, and settled in Baltimore, Maryland, where he remained for most of his life.
Why is Johns Hopkins University opens significant?
Johns Hopkins (May 19, 1795 – December 24, 1873) was an American merchant, investor, and philanthropist best known for funding the establishment of Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital, which have since become leading institutions for scientific research and medical advancements.

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