American lawman Wyatt Earp (21) weds Urilla Sutherland (20) in Lamar, Missouri, until her death in August of the same ye
American lawman Wyatt Earp (21) weds Urilla Sutherland (20) in Lamar, Missouri, until her death in August of the same year
Year in History
Explore the major historical events, famous births, and notable deaths that occurred in the year 1870. This year saw 94 significant events. 7 notable figures were born. 1 notable figure passed away.
19th Century1870s
1870 Timeline
American lawman Wyatt Earp (21) weds Urilla Sutherland (20) in Lamar, Missouri, until her death in August of the same ye
American lawman Wyatt Earp (21) weds Urilla Sutherland (20) in Lamar, Missouri, until her death in August of the same year
American writer (Huckleberry Finn) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, (34) marries Olivia Langdon (24) in El
American writer (Huckleberry Finn) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, (34) marries Olivia Langdon (24) in Elmira, NY
Iowa ratifies the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, allowing suffrage for all races and colors
Iowa ratifies the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, allowing suffrage for all races and colors
Impressionist Painter Claude Monet (29) weds model Camille Doncieux in Paris
Impressionist Painter Claude Monet (29) weds model Camille Doncieux in Paris
The 15th Amendment to the US Constitution is adopted, guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of race
The Fifteenth Amendment (Amendment XV) to the United States Constitution prohibits the federal government or any state from denying or abridging a citizen's right to vote "on account of race, color,…
Richard Wagner's opera "Die Walküre" (The Valkyrie), the second in his Ring Cycle, premieres in Munich, featuring "Ride
Richard Wagner's opera "Die Walküre" (The Valkyrie), the second in his Ring Cycle, premieres in Munich, featuring "Ride of the Valkyries"
Future Prime Minister of Canada John Thompson (24) weds Annie E. Affleck (25) in Portland, Maine
Future Prime Minister of Canada John Thompson (24) weds Annie E. Affleck (25) in Portland, Maine
King Wilhelm I of Prussia sends the "Emser Depeche (Ems Telegram)" to Otto von Bismarck who publishes an edited version
King Wilhelm I of Prussia sends the "Emser Depeche (Ems Telegram)" to Otto von Bismarck who publishes an edited version to purposely offend the French government precipitating the Franco-German War
German composer Richard Wagner (57) weds Franz Liszt's daughter Cosima Liszt (32) at a Protestant church in Lucerne, Swi
German composer Richard Wagner (57) weds Franz Liszt's daughter Cosima Liszt (32) at a Protestant church in Lucerne, Switzerland, until his death in 1883
Siege of Paris by Prussian forces begins (lasts until January 28, 1871)
On 1 March 1871 the Imperial German Army paraded through Paris to mark their victory in the Franco-Prussian War.
Rome is captured by the Italian army after Pope Pius IX surrenders to King Victor Emmanuel II, unifying Italy and ending
Rome is captured by the Italian army after Pope Pius IX surrenders to King Victor Emmanuel II, unifying Italy and ending the 1,116-year reign of the Papal States
Inauguration of the Musikverein concert hall in Vienna, Austria; designed by Danish architect Theophil Hansen for the So
Inauguration of the Musikverein concert hall in Vienna, Austria; designed by Danish architect Theophil Hansen for the Society of Friends of Music in Vienna, built on land provided by Emperor Franz Joseph I
US mint at Carson City, Nevada begins issuing coins
US mint at Carson City, Nevada begins issuing coins
Georgia legislature reconvenes after Supreme Court of Georgia ruled that elected African Americans who had been expelled
Georgia legislature reconvenes after Supreme Court of Georgia ruled that elected African Americans who had been expelled had the right to hold office and were reinstated
Virginia becomes 8th state readmitted to US after Civil War
Georgia ( JOR-jə) is a state in the Southeastern, South Atlantic, and Deep South regions of the United States.
"City of Boston" vanishes at sea with all 177 aboard
"City of Boston" vanishes at sea with all 177 aboard
Marias Massacre: Approximately 200 Piegan Blackfeet Indians (mostly women, children, and elderly men) killed by US Army,
Marias Massacre: Approximately 200 Piegan Blackfeet Indians (mostly women, children, and elderly men) killed by US Army, in Montana Territory, spawning outrage and preventing the military from regaining control of the Bureau of Indian Affairs [1] [2]
Soda fountain patented by Gustavus Dows
Soda fountain patented by Gustavus Dows
US Congress authorises Virginia to rejoin the union
US Congress authorises Virginia to rejoin the union
After accepting 15th amendment, Virginia is readmitted to the Union
After accepting 15th amendment, Virginia is readmitted to the Union
Cardiff Giant (supposed petrified human) proved to be gypsum
Cardiff Giant (supposed petrified human) proved to be gypsum
First motion picture shown to a theater audience airs in Philadelphia
First motion picture shown to a theater audience airs in Philadelphia
City of Anaheim in California incorporates for the 1st time, but disincorporates after two years as the tax burden was t
City of Anaheim in California incorporates for the 1st time, but disincorporates after two years as the tax burden was too high
Official proclamation sets April 15 as last day of grace for US silver coins to circulate in Canada
Official proclamation sets April 15 as last day of grace for US silver coins to circulate in Canada
Esther Morris appointed US' first female in Justice of the Peace in South Pass City, Wyoming, after previous justice, R.
Esther Morris appointed US' first female in Justice of the Peace in South Pass City, Wyoming, after previous justice, R.S. Barr, resigned to protest passage of Wyoming Territory's women's suffrage amendment in 1869
Ground broken for Northern Pacific Railway near Duluth, Minnesota
Ground broken for Northern Pacific Railway near Duluth, Minnesota
Mississippi is readmitted to US after the Civil War
Mississippi is readmitted to US after the Civil War
Beach Pneumatic Transit - 1st attempt to demonstrate a subway in New York opens (pneumatic powered)
The New York City Subway is a rapid transit system that serves four of the five boroughs of New York City, New York: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.
The Bulgarian Exarchate (Orthodox Church) is established by decree of Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz of the Ottoman Empire
The Bulgarian Exarchate (Orthodox Church) is established by decree of Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz of the Ottoman Empire
Cincinnati Red Stockings, 1st pro BB team, begin 8-mo tour of Midwest & East
Cincinnati Red Stockings, 1st pro BB team, begin 8-mo tour of Midwest & East
California legislature approves act making Golden Gate Park possible
California () is a state in the Western United States that lies on the Pacific Coast.
Mass legislature authorizes incorporation of Wellesley Female Seminary
Mass legislature authorizes incorporation of Wellesley Female Seminary
Antonio Carlos Gomes' "Il Guarany" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Kingdom of Italy, the first Brazilian opera su
Antonio Carlos Gomes' "Il Guarany" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Kingdom of Italy, the first Brazilian opera successful outside Brazil
Antônio Carlos Gomes' opera "Il Guarany" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Kingdom of Italy
Antônio Carlos Gomes' opera "Il Guarany" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Kingdom of Italy
Ohio State University is established as the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College, a public land grant college, in Co
Ohio State University is established as the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College, a public land grant college, in Columbus. Ohio
Florida territorial government established
Florida territorial government established
Thomas Mundy Peterson of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is the first African American to vote in the US under the provisions o
Thomas Mundy Peterson of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is the first African American to vote in the US under the provisions of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution in a local election on the town's charter [1]
Golden Gate Park forms by City Order #800
Golden Gate Park forms by City Order #800
American Anti-Slavery Society dissolves
The American Anti-Slavery Society (AASS) was an abolitionist society in the United States.
Metropolitan Museum of Art forms in NYC, opening in the Dodworth Building at 681 Fifth Avenue
Metropolitan Museum of Art forms in NYC, opening in the Dodworth Building at 681 Fifth Avenue
Last day US silver coins allow to circulate in Canada
Last day US silver coins allow to circulate in Canada
Vaudeville Theatre Strand opens in London
The Vaudeville Theatre is a West End theatre on the Strand in the City of Westminster. Opening in 1870, the theatre staged mostly vaudeville shows and musical revues in its early days.
The British and Foreign Society for Improving the Embossed Literature of the Blind adopts Braille as best format for bli
The British and Foreign Society for Improving the Embossed Literature of the Blind adopts Braille as best format for blind people
Jem Mace defends his heavyweight crown against Irish champ Joe Coburn; the match lasts 1 hour and 17 minutes, and neithe
Jem Mace defends his heavyweight crown against Irish champ Joe Coburn; the match lasts 1 hour and 17 minutes, and neither is struck by a punch
Royal assent passes Manitoba Act of 1870, approving Manitoba becoming a province of Canada
Royal assent passes Manitoba Act of 1870, approving Manitoba becoming a province of Canada
Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament abolishes capital punishment in The Netherlands
Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament abolishes capital punishment in The Netherlands
Memoria of Jackson Kemper, 1st Missionary Bishop in US
Memoria of Jackson Kemper, 1st Missionary Bishop in US
Irish Fenians raid Eccles Hill, Quebec
The Battle of Eccles Hill () was part of a raid into Canadian territory from the United States led by John O'Neill of the Fenian Brotherhood, intended to pressure Great Britain to grant sovereignty...
Congress passes 1st Enforcement Act (rights of blacks)
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 (14 Stat. 27, enacted April 9, 1866, reenacted 1870) was the first United States federal law to define citizenship and affirm that all citizens are equally protected by...
Great Fire of Pera in a district of Constantinople, the wealthiest part of the city, kills hundreds
Great Fire of Pera in a district of Constantinople, the wealthiest part of the city, kills hundreds
First stone Amstel Brewery opens in Amsterdam
Amstel Brewery is a Dutch brewery founded in 1870 on the Mauritskade in Amsterdam.
All-pro Cincinnati Red Stockings suffer 1st loss in 130 games
All-pro Cincinnati Red Stockings suffer 1st loss in 130 games
US Congress creates Department of Justice
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is an executive department of the United States federal government that oversees the domestic enforcement of federal laws and the administration of...
1st section of Atlantic City (NJ) Boardwalk opens
1st section of Atlantic City (NJ) Boardwalk opens
U.S. Congress creates federal holidays (New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day), initiall
U.S. Congress creates federal holidays (New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day), initially applicable only to federal employees
Ada Kepley becomes 1st American female law college graduate (Old University of Chicago, later Northwestern)
The history of Northwestern University can be traced back to a May 31, 1850, meeting of nine prominent Chicago businessmen who shared a desire to establish a university to serve the former Northwest...
James W. Smith of South Carolina is one of 1st African Americans to attend West Point
Black South Carolinians are residents of the state of South Carolina who are of African American ancestry.
Jules Joseph d'Anethan is elected the tenth Prime Minister of Belgium
Jules Joseph d'Anethan is elected the tenth Prime Minister of Belgium
Governor Holden of North Carolina declares Casswell County to be in a state of insurrection
Governor Holden of North Carolina declares Casswell County to be in a state of insurrection
Georgia, the last Confederate state, is readmitted to the United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America.
Pope Pius IX and the First Vatican Council officially proclaim the concept of papal infallibility
Pope Pius IX and the First Vatican Council officially proclaim the concept of papal infallibility
France declares war on Prussia; Franco-Prussian war begins
Sophia of Prussia (Sophie Dorothea Ulrike Alice, Greek: Σοφία Δωροθέα Ουλρίκη Αλίκη, romanized: Sofía Dorothéa Oulríki Alíki; 14 June 1870 – 13 January 1932) was Queen of Greece from 18 March 1913 to...
First trans-US rail service begins
Rail transport in Pakistan began in 1855 during the British Raj, when several railway companies began laying track and operating in present-day Pakistan.
Staten Island Ferry "Westfield" burns, killing 100
Staten Island Ferry "Westfield" burns, killing 100
Irish Land Act gives rights to tenants of landlords in Ireland
The Land Acts (officially Land Law (Ireland) Acts) were a series of measures to deal with the question of tenancy contracts and peasant proprietorship of land in Ireland in the nineteenth and...
Tower Subway, the world's first underground tube railway, opens in London
The Tower Subway is a tunnel beneath the River Thames in central London, between Tower Hill on the north bank of the river and Vine Lane (off Tooley Street) on the south.
British Red Cross Society is formed
The British Red Cross Society (Welsh: Y Groes Goch Brydeinig) is the United Kingdom body of the worldwide neutral and impartial humanitarian network the International Red Cross and Red Crescent...
Battle of Spicheren: Prussia defeats France
The Battle of Spicheren (also known as the Battle of Forbach) was fought on 6 August 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War.
New York Yacht Club’s first defense of America's Cup: "Magic" (NYYC) defeats "Cambria" (Royal Thames YC, England; finish
New York Yacht Club’s first defense of America's Cup: "Magic" (NYYC) defeats "Cambria" (Royal Thames YC, England; finishes 8th) and 16 fellow defenders from New York Harbor to Sandy Hook Light Vessel on the Atlantic and return (38 miles)
Compulsory education is proclaimed in England under the Elementary Education Act
Compulsory education is proclaimed in England under the Elementary Education Act
Transcontinental Railway is actually completed in Colorado
The Kansas Pacific Railway (KP) was a historic railroad company that operated in the western United States in the late 19th century.
Fred Goldsmith demonstrates that the curveball is not an optical illusion
Fred Goldsmith demonstrates that the curveball is not an optical illusion
First ascent of Mount Rainier, Washington, by Hazard Stevens and P. B. Van Trump
Mount Rainier, also known as Tahoma, is a large active stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest in the United States.
Battle of Gravelotte Privat: Prussia defeats France with 32,000 casualties
Battle of Gravelotte Privat: Prussia defeats France with 32,000 casualties
The Wolseley Expedition reaches Manitoba to end the Red River Rebellion
The Red River Rebellion (French: Rébellion de la rivière Rouge), also known as the Red River Resistance, Red River uprising, or First Riel Rebellion, was the sequence of events that led up to the...
Ship sinks in Bay of Biscay, killing 483
Ship sinks in Bay of Biscay, killing 483
Netherlands and Britain sign "Koelietraktaat," an agreement allowing Indian contract workers from Calcutta to work on su
Netherlands and Britain sign "Koelietraktaat," an agreement allowing Indian contract workers from Calcutta to work on sugar plantations in Suriname
Dutch Jurist Cooperation forms
Dutch Jurist Cooperation forms
Dutch 1st Chamber abolishes Capital punishment (20-18)
Dutch 1st Chamber abolishes Capital punishment (20-18)
Dar Al-Kutub (National Library and Archives of Egypt) inaugurates in Mustafa Fadel's palace, Cairo, as the first nationa
Dar Al-Kutub (National Library and Archives of Egypt) inaugurates in Mustafa Fadel's palace, Cairo, as the first national library in the Middle East [1]
Italy annexes Rome and the Papal States; Rome becomes the Italian capital
Rome is the capital city and most populated comune (municipality) of Italy. It is also the administrative centre of the Lazio region and of the Metropolitan City of Rome.
Léon Gambetta flees Paris in a balloon during the Franco-Prussian War
The Franco-Prussian War or Franco-German War, often referred to in France as the War of 1870, was a conflict between the Second French Empire and the North German Confederation led by the Kingdom of...
Rome is incorporated into Italy by royal decree
The capture of Rome (Italian: Presa di Roma) occurred on 20 September 1870, as forces of the Kingdom of Italy took control of the city and of the Papal States.
British steamship SS Cambria is wrecked off the northwest of Ireland with the loss of 178 lives
British steamship SS Cambria is wrecked off the northwest of Ireland with the loss of 178 lives
Pimlico Race Course opens in Baltimore
Pimlico Race Course is a thoroughbred horse racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It is most famous for hosting the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
US Weather Bureau begins operations (24 locations)
US Weather Bureau begins operations (24 locations)
Bathe becomes member of Noordduitse Union
Bathe becomes member of Noordduitse Union
Spanish Parliament, "the Cortes" formally elects Italian Prince Amedeo Ferdinando Maria as King Amadeo I of Spain
Amadeo I (Italian: Amedeo Ferdinando Maria di Savoia; 30 May 1845 – 18 January 1890), also known as Amadeus, was an Italian prince who reigned as King of Spain from 1870 to 1873.
The New York Times dubs baseball the national game
The New York Times dubs baseball the national game
Joseph Rainey (South Carolina) becomes 1st African American to serve in US House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives has had 189 elected African-American members, of whom 183 have been representatives from U.S. states and six have been delegates from U.S.
After 31 days at sea in a small boat, William Halford and 3 others reach the island of Kauai, Hawaii to seek help for th
After 31 days at sea in a small boat, William Halford and 3 others reach the island of Kauai, Hawaii to seek help for the shipwrecked USS Saginaw. A capsize in the breakers meant only Halford survived.
Jules Janssen flies in a balloon in order to study a solar eclipse
Jules Janssen flies in a balloon in order to study a solar eclipse
The 12.8-km long Fréjus Rail Tunnel through the Alps is completed.
The Fréjus Rail Tunnel (also called Mont Cenis Tunnel) is a rail tunnel of 13.7 km (8.5 mi) length in the European Alps, carrying the Turin–Modane railway through Mont Cenis to an end-on connection...
J D Schneiter patents rocket mail in France, (not done)
J D Schneiter patents rocket mail in France, (not done)
James Braid is born
James Braid is born
Franz Lehár is born
Franz Lehár, Hungarian musician, known for austro-hungarian composer, was born on 1870-04-30. Franz Lehár was an Austro-Hungarian composer.
Amadeo Giannini is born
Amadeo Giannini is born
Harry Vardon is born
Harry Vardon athlete, known for jersey professional golfer, was born on 1870-05-09. Henry William Vardon (9 May 1870 – 20 March 1937) was a professional golfer from Jersey.
Jan Smuts is born
Jan Smuts, South African african statesman and military officer, known for south african statesman and military officer, was born on 1870-05-24.
Charlotte Cooper is born
Charlotte Cooper is born
Richard Bedford Bennett is born
Richard Bedford Bennett is born
Francisco Solano López dies
Francisco Solano López dies
Events
American writer (Huckleberry Finn) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, (34) marries Olivia Langdon (24) in El
American writer (Huckleberry Finn) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, (34) marries Olivia Langdon (24) in Elmira, NY
Iowa ratifies the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, allowing suffrage for all races and colors
Iowa ratifies the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, allowing suffrage for all races and colors
Impressionist Painter Claude Monet (29) weds model Camille Doncieux in Paris
Impressionist Painter Claude Monet (29) weds model Camille Doncieux in Paris
The 15th Amendment to the US Constitution is adopted, guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of race
The Fifteenth Amendment (Amendment XV) to the United States Constitution prohibits the federal government or any state from denying or abridging a citizen's right to vote "on account of race, color,…
Richard Wagner's opera "Die Walküre" (The Valkyrie), the second in his Ring Cycle, premieres in Munich, featuring "Ride
Richard Wagner's opera "Die Walküre" (The Valkyrie), the second in his Ring Cycle, premieres in Munich, featuring "Ride of the Valkyries"
Future Prime Minister of Canada John Thompson (24) weds Annie E. Affleck (25) in Portland, Maine
Future Prime Minister of Canada John Thompson (24) weds Annie E. Affleck (25) in Portland, Maine
King Wilhelm I of Prussia sends the "Emser Depeche (Ems Telegram)" to Otto von Bismarck who publishes an edited version
King Wilhelm I of Prussia sends the "Emser Depeche (Ems Telegram)" to Otto von Bismarck who publishes an edited version to purposely offend the French government precipitating the Franco-German War
German composer Richard Wagner (57) weds Franz Liszt's daughter Cosima Liszt (32) at a Protestant church in Lucerne, Swi
German composer Richard Wagner (57) weds Franz Liszt's daughter Cosima Liszt (32) at a Protestant church in Lucerne, Switzerland, until his death in 1883
Siege of Paris by Prussian forces begins (lasts until January 28, 1871)
On 1 March 1871 the Imperial German Army paraded through Paris to mark their victory in the Franco-Prussian War.
Rome is captured by the Italian army after Pope Pius IX surrenders to King Victor Emmanuel II, unifying Italy and ending
Rome is captured by the Italian army after Pope Pius IX surrenders to King Victor Emmanuel II, unifying Italy and ending the 1,116-year reign of the Papal States
Inauguration of the Musikverein concert hall in Vienna, Austria; designed by Danish architect Theophil Hansen for the So
Inauguration of the Musikverein concert hall in Vienna, Austria; designed by Danish architect Theophil Hansen for the Society of Friends of Music in Vienna, built on land provided by Emperor Franz Joseph I
US mint at Carson City, Nevada begins issuing coins
US mint at Carson City, Nevada begins issuing coins
Georgia legislature reconvenes after Supreme Court of Georgia ruled that elected African Americans who had been expelled
Georgia legislature reconvenes after Supreme Court of Georgia ruled that elected African Americans who had been expelled had the right to hold office and were reinstated
Virginia becomes 8th state readmitted to US after Civil War
Georgia ( JOR-jə) is a state in the Southeastern, South Atlantic, and Deep South regions of the United States.
"City of Boston" vanishes at sea with all 177 aboard
"City of Boston" vanishes at sea with all 177 aboard
Marias Massacre: Approximately 200 Piegan Blackfeet Indians (mostly women, children, and elderly men) killed by US Army,
Marias Massacre: Approximately 200 Piegan Blackfeet Indians (mostly women, children, and elderly men) killed by US Army, in Montana Territory, spawning outrage and preventing the military from regaining control of the Bureau of Indian Affairs [1] [2]
Soda fountain patented by Gustavus Dows
Soda fountain patented by Gustavus Dows
US Congress authorises Virginia to rejoin the union
US Congress authorises Virginia to rejoin the union
After accepting 15th amendment, Virginia is readmitted to the Union
After accepting 15th amendment, Virginia is readmitted to the Union
Cardiff Giant (supposed petrified human) proved to be gypsum
Cardiff Giant (supposed petrified human) proved to be gypsum
First motion picture shown to a theater audience airs in Philadelphia
First motion picture shown to a theater audience airs in Philadelphia
City of Anaheim in California incorporates for the 1st time, but disincorporates after two years as the tax burden was t
City of Anaheim in California incorporates for the 1st time, but disincorporates after two years as the tax burden was too high
Official proclamation sets April 15 as last day of grace for US silver coins to circulate in Canada
Official proclamation sets April 15 as last day of grace for US silver coins to circulate in Canada
Esther Morris appointed US' first female in Justice of the Peace in South Pass City, Wyoming, after previous justice, R.
Esther Morris appointed US' first female in Justice of the Peace in South Pass City, Wyoming, after previous justice, R.S. Barr, resigned to protest passage of Wyoming Territory's women's suffrage amendment in 1869
Ground broken for Northern Pacific Railway near Duluth, Minnesota
Ground broken for Northern Pacific Railway near Duluth, Minnesota
Mississippi is readmitted to US after the Civil War
Mississippi is readmitted to US after the Civil War
Beach Pneumatic Transit - 1st attempt to demonstrate a subway in New York opens (pneumatic powered)
The New York City Subway is a rapid transit system that serves four of the five boroughs of New York City, New York: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.
The Bulgarian Exarchate (Orthodox Church) is established by decree of Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz of the Ottoman Empire
The Bulgarian Exarchate (Orthodox Church) is established by decree of Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz of the Ottoman Empire
Cincinnati Red Stockings, 1st pro BB team, begin 8-mo tour of Midwest & East
Cincinnati Red Stockings, 1st pro BB team, begin 8-mo tour of Midwest & East
California legislature approves act making Golden Gate Park possible
California () is a state in the Western United States that lies on the Pacific Coast.
Mass legislature authorizes incorporation of Wellesley Female Seminary
Mass legislature authorizes incorporation of Wellesley Female Seminary
Antonio Carlos Gomes' "Il Guarany" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Kingdom of Italy, the first Brazilian opera su
Antonio Carlos Gomes' "Il Guarany" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Kingdom of Italy, the first Brazilian opera successful outside Brazil
Antônio Carlos Gomes' opera "Il Guarany" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Kingdom of Italy
Antônio Carlos Gomes' opera "Il Guarany" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Kingdom of Italy
Ohio State University is established as the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College, a public land grant college, in Co
Ohio State University is established as the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College, a public land grant college, in Columbus. Ohio
Florida territorial government established
Florida territorial government established
Thomas Mundy Peterson of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is the first African American to vote in the US under the provisions o
Thomas Mundy Peterson of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is the first African American to vote in the US under the provisions of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution in a local election on the town's charter [1]
Golden Gate Park forms by City Order #800
Golden Gate Park forms by City Order #800
American Anti-Slavery Society dissolves
The American Anti-Slavery Society (AASS) was an abolitionist society in the United States.
Metropolitan Museum of Art forms in NYC, opening in the Dodworth Building at 681 Fifth Avenue
Metropolitan Museum of Art forms in NYC, opening in the Dodworth Building at 681 Fifth Avenue
Last day US silver coins allow to circulate in Canada
Last day US silver coins allow to circulate in Canada
Vaudeville Theatre Strand opens in London
The Vaudeville Theatre is a West End theatre on the Strand in the City of Westminster. Opening in 1870, the theatre staged mostly vaudeville shows and musical revues in its early days.
The British and Foreign Society for Improving the Embossed Literature of the Blind adopts Braille as best format for bli
The British and Foreign Society for Improving the Embossed Literature of the Blind adopts Braille as best format for blind people
Jem Mace defends his heavyweight crown against Irish champ Joe Coburn; the match lasts 1 hour and 17 minutes, and neithe
Jem Mace defends his heavyweight crown against Irish champ Joe Coburn; the match lasts 1 hour and 17 minutes, and neither is struck by a punch
Royal assent passes Manitoba Act of 1870, approving Manitoba becoming a province of Canada
Royal assent passes Manitoba Act of 1870, approving Manitoba becoming a province of Canada
Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament abolishes capital punishment in The Netherlands
Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament abolishes capital punishment in The Netherlands
Memoria of Jackson Kemper, 1st Missionary Bishop in US
Memoria of Jackson Kemper, 1st Missionary Bishop in US
Irish Fenians raid Eccles Hill, Quebec
The Battle of Eccles Hill () was part of a raid into Canadian territory from the United States led by John O'Neill of the Fenian Brotherhood, intended to pressure Great Britain to grant sovereignty...
Congress passes 1st Enforcement Act (rights of blacks)
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 (14 Stat. 27, enacted April 9, 1866, reenacted 1870) was the first United States federal law to define citizenship and affirm that all citizens are equally protected by...
Great Fire of Pera in a district of Constantinople, the wealthiest part of the city, kills hundreds
Great Fire of Pera in a district of Constantinople, the wealthiest part of the city, kills hundreds
First stone Amstel Brewery opens in Amsterdam
Amstel Brewery is a Dutch brewery founded in 1870 on the Mauritskade in Amsterdam.
All-pro Cincinnati Red Stockings suffer 1st loss in 130 games
All-pro Cincinnati Red Stockings suffer 1st loss in 130 games
US Congress creates Department of Justice
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is an executive department of the United States federal government that oversees the domestic enforcement of federal laws and the administration of...
1st section of Atlantic City (NJ) Boardwalk opens
1st section of Atlantic City (NJ) Boardwalk opens
U.S. Congress creates federal holidays (New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day), initiall
U.S. Congress creates federal holidays (New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day), initially applicable only to federal employees
Ada Kepley becomes 1st American female law college graduate (Old University of Chicago, later Northwestern)
The history of Northwestern University can be traced back to a May 31, 1850, meeting of nine prominent Chicago businessmen who shared a desire to establish a university to serve the former Northwest...
James W. Smith of South Carolina is one of 1st African Americans to attend West Point
Black South Carolinians are residents of the state of South Carolina who are of African American ancestry.
Jules Joseph d'Anethan is elected the tenth Prime Minister of Belgium
Jules Joseph d'Anethan is elected the tenth Prime Minister of Belgium
Governor Holden of North Carolina declares Casswell County to be in a state of insurrection
Governor Holden of North Carolina declares Casswell County to be in a state of insurrection
Georgia, the last Confederate state, is readmitted to the United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America.
Pope Pius IX and the First Vatican Council officially proclaim the concept of papal infallibility
Pope Pius IX and the First Vatican Council officially proclaim the concept of papal infallibility
France declares war on Prussia; Franco-Prussian war begins
Sophia of Prussia (Sophie Dorothea Ulrike Alice, Greek: Σοφία Δωροθέα Ουλρίκη Αλίκη, romanized: Sofía Dorothéa Oulríki Alíki; 14 June 1870 – 13 January 1932) was Queen of Greece from 18 March 1913 to...
First trans-US rail service begins
Rail transport in Pakistan began in 1855 during the British Raj, when several railway companies began laying track and operating in present-day Pakistan.
Staten Island Ferry "Westfield" burns, killing 100
Staten Island Ferry "Westfield" burns, killing 100
Irish Land Act gives rights to tenants of landlords in Ireland
The Land Acts (officially Land Law (Ireland) Acts) were a series of measures to deal with the question of tenancy contracts and peasant proprietorship of land in Ireland in the nineteenth and...
Tower Subway, the world's first underground tube railway, opens in London
The Tower Subway is a tunnel beneath the River Thames in central London, between Tower Hill on the north bank of the river and Vine Lane (off Tooley Street) on the south.
British Red Cross Society is formed
The British Red Cross Society (Welsh: Y Groes Goch Brydeinig) is the United Kingdom body of the worldwide neutral and impartial humanitarian network the International Red Cross and Red Crescent...
Battle of Spicheren: Prussia defeats France
The Battle of Spicheren (also known as the Battle of Forbach) was fought on 6 August 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War.
New York Yacht Club’s first defense of America's Cup: "Magic" (NYYC) defeats "Cambria" (Royal Thames YC, England; finish
New York Yacht Club’s first defense of America's Cup: "Magic" (NYYC) defeats "Cambria" (Royal Thames YC, England; finishes 8th) and 16 fellow defenders from New York Harbor to Sandy Hook Light Vessel on the Atlantic and return (38 miles)
Compulsory education is proclaimed in England under the Elementary Education Act
Compulsory education is proclaimed in England under the Elementary Education Act
Transcontinental Railway is actually completed in Colorado
The Kansas Pacific Railway (KP) was a historic railroad company that operated in the western United States in the late 19th century.
Fred Goldsmith demonstrates that the curveball is not an optical illusion
Fred Goldsmith demonstrates that the curveball is not an optical illusion
First ascent of Mount Rainier, Washington, by Hazard Stevens and P. B. Van Trump
Mount Rainier, also known as Tahoma, is a large active stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest in the United States.
Battle of Gravelotte Privat: Prussia defeats France with 32,000 casualties
Battle of Gravelotte Privat: Prussia defeats France with 32,000 casualties
The Wolseley Expedition reaches Manitoba to end the Red River Rebellion
The Red River Rebellion (French: Rébellion de la rivière Rouge), also known as the Red River Resistance, Red River uprising, or First Riel Rebellion, was the sequence of events that led up to the...
Ship sinks in Bay of Biscay, killing 483
Ship sinks in Bay of Biscay, killing 483
Netherlands and Britain sign "Koelietraktaat," an agreement allowing Indian contract workers from Calcutta to work on su
Netherlands and Britain sign "Koelietraktaat," an agreement allowing Indian contract workers from Calcutta to work on sugar plantations in Suriname
Dutch Jurist Cooperation forms
Dutch Jurist Cooperation forms
Dutch 1st Chamber abolishes Capital punishment (20-18)
Dutch 1st Chamber abolishes Capital punishment (20-18)
Dar Al-Kutub (National Library and Archives of Egypt) inaugurates in Mustafa Fadel's palace, Cairo, as the first nationa
Dar Al-Kutub (National Library and Archives of Egypt) inaugurates in Mustafa Fadel's palace, Cairo, as the first national library in the Middle East [1]
Italy annexes Rome and the Papal States; Rome becomes the Italian capital
Rome is the capital city and most populated comune (municipality) of Italy. It is also the administrative centre of the Lazio region and of the Metropolitan City of Rome.
Léon Gambetta flees Paris in a balloon during the Franco-Prussian War
The Franco-Prussian War or Franco-German War, often referred to in France as the War of 1870, was a conflict between the Second French Empire and the North German Confederation led by the Kingdom of...
Rome is incorporated into Italy by royal decree
The capture of Rome (Italian: Presa di Roma) occurred on 20 September 1870, as forces of the Kingdom of Italy took control of the city and of the Papal States.
British steamship SS Cambria is wrecked off the northwest of Ireland with the loss of 178 lives
British steamship SS Cambria is wrecked off the northwest of Ireland with the loss of 178 lives
Pimlico Race Course opens in Baltimore
Pimlico Race Course is a thoroughbred horse racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It is most famous for hosting the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
US Weather Bureau begins operations (24 locations)
US Weather Bureau begins operations (24 locations)
Bathe becomes member of Noordduitse Union
Bathe becomes member of Noordduitse Union
Spanish Parliament, "the Cortes" formally elects Italian Prince Amedeo Ferdinando Maria as King Amadeo I of Spain
Amadeo I (Italian: Amedeo Ferdinando Maria di Savoia; 30 May 1845 – 18 January 1890), also known as Amadeus, was an Italian prince who reigned as King of Spain from 1870 to 1873.
The New York Times dubs baseball the national game
The New York Times dubs baseball the national game
Joseph Rainey (South Carolina) becomes 1st African American to serve in US House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives has had 189 elected African-American members, of whom 183 have been representatives from U.S. states and six have been delegates from U.S.
After 31 days at sea in a small boat, William Halford and 3 others reach the island of Kauai, Hawaii to seek help for th
After 31 days at sea in a small boat, William Halford and 3 others reach the island of Kauai, Hawaii to seek help for the shipwrecked USS Saginaw. A capsize in the breakers meant only Halford survived.
Jules Janssen flies in a balloon in order to study a solar eclipse
Jules Janssen flies in a balloon in order to study a solar eclipse
The 12.8-km long Fréjus Rail Tunnel through the Alps is completed.
The Fréjus Rail Tunnel (also called Mont Cenis Tunnel) is a rail tunnel of 13.7 km (8.5 mi) length in the European Alps, carrying the Turin–Modane railway through Mont Cenis to an end-on connection...
J D Schneiter patents rocket mail in France, (not done)
J D Schneiter patents rocket mail in France, (not done)
Famous Births
birth
James Braid is born
James Braid is born
birth
Franz Lehár is born
Franz Lehár, Hungarian musician, known for austro-hungarian composer, was born on 1870-04-30. Franz Lehár was an Austro-Hungarian composer.
birth
Amadeo Giannini is born
Amadeo Giannini is born
birth
Harry Vardon is born
Harry Vardon athlete, known for jersey professional golfer, was born on 1870-05-09. Henry William Vardon (9 May 1870 – 20 March 1937) was a professional golfer from Jersey.
birth
Jan Smuts is born
Jan Smuts, South African african statesman and military officer, known for south african statesman and military officer, was born on 1870-05-24.
birth
Charlotte Cooper is born
Charlotte Cooper is born
birth
Richard Bedford Bennett is born
Richard Bedford Bennett is born
Notable Deaths
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in 1870?
- In 1870, there were 94 significant historical events. Notable events include American lawman Wyatt Earp (21) weds Urilla Sutherland (20) in Lamar, Missouri, until her death in August of the same ye, American writer (Huckleberry Finn) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, (34) marries Olivia Langdon (24) in El, Iowa ratifies the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, allowing suffrage for all races and colors.
- Who was born in 1870?
- 7 notable figures were born in 1870, including James Braid is born, Franz Lehár is born, Amadeo Giannini is born.
- Who died in 1870?
- 1 notable figure passed away in 1870, including Francisco Solano López dies.