First US bicycle club, the Boston Bicycle Club, forms
The Capital Bicycle Club was an early American cycling club based in Washington, D.C.
Year in History
Explore the major historical events, famous births, and notable deaths that occurred in the year 1878. This year saw 70 significant events. 13 notable figures were born. 3 notable figures passed away.
19th Century1870s
1878 Timeline
First US bicycle club, the Boston Bicycle Club, forms
The Capital Bicycle Club was an early American cycling club based in Washington, D.C.
Thomas Edison is granted a patent for his cylinder phonograph [1]
A phonograph, later called a gramophone, and since the 1940s a record player, or more recently a turntable, is a device for the mechanical and analogue reproduction of sound.
53rd UK Prime Minister Archibald Primrose (31) weds heiress Hannah de Rothschild (27) at the Board of Guardians in Mount
53rd UK Prime Minister Archibald Primrose (31) weds heiress Hannah de Rothschild (27) at the Board of Guardians in Mount Street, London
W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's comic opera "H.M.S. Pinafore" premieres in London, their first international success
H.M.S. Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and a libretto by W. S. Gilbert.
Congress of Berlin begins, determines the territories of the states in the Balkan peninsula following the Russo-Turkish
Congress of Berlin begins, determines the territories of the states in the Balkan peninsula following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78
World's first moving pictures captured on camera using 12 cameras, each taking one picture, to determine if all four of
World's first moving pictures captured on camera using 12 cameras, each taking one picture, to determine if all four of a horse's hooves leave the ground
First female telephone operator starts work, Emma Nutt, for the Edwin Holmes Telephone Dispatch Company in Boston
First female telephone operator starts work, Emma Nutt, for the Edwin Holmes Telephone Dispatch Company in Boston
German philosopher Friedrich Engels (57) marries Lizzie Burns (51), hours before her death in London
German philosopher Friedrich Engels (57) marries Lizzie Burns (51), hours before her death in London
First performance of the New York Symphony Orchestra, led by Leopold Damrosch; the group competes with the New York Phil
First performance of the New York Symphony Orchestra, led by Leopold Damrosch; the group competes with the New York Philharmonic until merging in 1928
Novelist Bram Stoker (31) weds Florence Balcombe (20) in Dublin, Ireland
Novelist Bram Stoker (31) weds Florence Balcombe (20) in Dublin, Ireland
Sofia is emancipated from Ottoman rule
Sofia is emancipated from Ottoman rule
Umberto I becomes King of Italy.
Umberto I becomes King of Italy.
US Senate proposes female suffrage
US Senate proposes female suffrage
US Supreme Court rules racial segregation on trains unconstitutional [1]
US Supreme Court rules racial segregation on trains unconstitutional [1]
Captain Burago with a squadron of Russian Imperial army dragoons liberates Plovdiv from Ottoman rule
Aleksandr Petrovich Burago was an officer of the Russian Imperial army. Serving as a captain under Joseph Vladimirovich Gourko, he commanded the force that liberated Plovdiv from the Ottoman rule on...
Revolutionary Vera Zasulich shoots at Fyodor Trepov, Governor of Saint Petersburg
Vera Ivanovna Zasulich was a Russian revolutionary and socialist activist. Born into impoverished nobility, Zasulich became involved in radical politics in the late 1860s.
George Coy, Herrick Frost, and Walter Lewis open first commercial telephone exchange, in New Haven, Connecticut [1]
George Coy, Herrick Frost, and Walter Lewis open first commercial telephone exchange, in New Haven, Connecticut [1]
Greece declares war on Turkey
The Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) was a conflict between the Ottoman Empire and a coalition led by the Russian Empire which included Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro.
Pact of Zanjón signed between Cubans rebels and the Spanish bringing the 10 Years War to an end
The Ten Years' War (Spanish: Guerra de los Diez Años; 1868–1878), also known as the Great War (Guerra Grande) and the War of '68, was part of Cuba's fight for independence from Spain.
Harvard player Frederick Thayer patents baseball catcher's mask (pat # 200,358)
Harvard player Frederick Thayer patents baseball catcher's mask (pat # 200,358)
1st telephone exchange in San Francisco, California opens with 18 phones
1st telephone exchange in San Francisco, California opens with 18 phones
John Tunstall is murdered by outlaw Jessie Evans, sparking the Lincoln County War in Lincoln County, New Mexico.
John Tunstall is murdered by outlaw Jessie Evans, sparking the Lincoln County War in Lincoln County, New Mexico.
Telegraph manager George Coy of New Haven, Connecticut, issues the world's first telephone directory, a single page cont
Telegraph manager George Coy of New Haven, Connecticut, issues the world's first telephone directory, a single page containing information for 50 subscribers
Greenback Labor Party forms (Toledo, Ohio)
The Greenback Party (known successively as the Independent Party and the Greenback Labor Party) was an American political party with an anti-monopoly ideology which was active from 1874 to 1889.
First winter ascent of Aneto, highest mountain in the Pyrenees
Aneto is the highest mountain in the Pyrenees and in Aragon, Spain's third-highest mountain, reaching a height of 3,404 metres (11,168 feet).
Treaty of San Stefano signed by Russian and Ottoman empires grants independence to Bulgaria after 500 years of Turkish r
Treaty of San Stefano signed by Russian and Ottoman empires grants independence to Bulgaria after 500 years of Turkish rule
Oxford University defeats Cambridge University in their 1st golf match
The Oxford University Polo Club (often referred to as OUPC) is the Discretionary Full Blue sports club for competitive polo at Oxford University.
City of Anaheim in California incorporates for the 2nd time
City of Anaheim in California incorporates for the 2nd time
British frigate Eurydice sunk; 300 lost
HMS Eurydice was a 26-gun Royal Navy corvette which was the victim of one of Britain's worst peacetime naval disasters when she sank in a snowstorm off the Isle of Wight on 24 March 1878.
Hastings College of Law founded in San Francisco, California
The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (UC Law SF or UC Law) is a public law school in San Francisco.
1st issue of Rotterdam's Newspaper
1st issue of Rotterdam's Newspaper
California Street Cable Car Railroad Co starts service
California Street Cable Car Railroad Co starts service
Harley Procter introduces Ivory Soap
Harley Procter introduces Ivory Soap
First Lady Lucy Hayes begins egg rolling contest on White House lawn
First Lady Lucy Hayes begins egg rolling contest on White House lawn
US stops minting 20 cent coin
US stops minting 20 cent coin
Danvers State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Massachusetts, opens and later serves as inspiration for Arkham Sanito
Danvers State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Massachusetts, opens and later serves as inspiration for Arkham Sanitorium in the work of H.P. Lovecraft, which in turn inspires Arkham Asylum of the D.C. Batman universe
Vaseline is granted a patent (U.S. Patent 127,568)
Vaseline is granted a patent (U.S. Patent 127,568)
Blanche Kelso Bruce appointed register of treasury by President Garfield
Blanche Kelso Bruce appointed register of treasury by President Garfield
Attorney John Henry Smyth named US minister to Liberia
John Henry Smythe or Smyth (July 14, 1844 – September 5, 1908) was an American diplomat who served as the United States ambassador to Liberia from 1878 to 1881 and from 1882 to 1885.
CA Parker (Harvard) wins 1st American bike race at Beacon Park in Boston
CA Parker (Harvard) wins 1st American bike race at Beacon Park in Boston
German battleship SMS Grosser Kurfürst sinks, 284 killed
SMS Grosser Kurfürst (or Großer ) was an ironclad turret ship built for the German Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy).
Cyprus ceded by Turkey to Britain for administrative purposes
Cyprus ceded by Turkey to Britain for administrative purposes
American outlaw John Wesley Hardin convicted of the murder of Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb, sentenced to 25 years in pris
American outlaw John Wesley Hardin convicted of the murder of Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb, sentenced to 25 years in prison
DC is given a new government by Congress, 3 commissioners appointed by president (change in 1974)
DC is given a new government by Congress, 3 commissioners appointed by president (change in 1974)
Swedish ship SS Vega with explorer Nils Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld sets out to find the Northeast Passage (succeeds 1879)
Swedish ship SS Vega with explorer Nils Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld sets out to find the Northeast Passage (succeeds 1879)
Canada joins the Universal Postal Union
The Universal Postal Union (UPU, French: Union postale universelle) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that coordinates postal policies among member nations and facilitates a uniform...
The coat of arms of the Baku governorate was established
The Baku Governorate, known before 1859 as the Shemakha Governorate, was a province (guberniya) of the Caucasus Viceroyalty of the Russian Empire, with its center in the booming metropolis and...
Social-Democratic United forms in Amsterdam
Social-Democratic United forms in Amsterdam
American inventor Henry Tibbe patents an improved corncob pipe design
American inventor Henry Tibbe patents an improved corncob pipe design
Yellow fever epidemic in New Orleans begins, resulting in an estimated 4,500 deaths in the city
Yellow fever epidemic in New Orleans begins, resulting in an estimated 4,500 deaths in the city
Congress of Berlin ends, redrawing the terms of Treaty of San Stefano to give Russia less influence in old Ottoman Empir
Congress of Berlin ends, redrawing the terms of Treaty of San Stefano to give Russia less influence in old Ottoman Empire
Nqwiliso, tribal chief of Western Pondoland and eldest son of Ndamase, signs a treaty with H.G. Elliott ceding sovereign
Nqwiliso, tribal chief of Western Pondoland and eldest son of Ndamase, signs a treaty with H.G. Elliott ceding sovereign rights and shipping in the Umzimvubu River mouth to the Cape government, Southern Africa
First telephone introduced in Hawaii
First telephone introduced in Hawaii
In California, poet and American West outlaw calling himself "Black Bart" makes his last clean getaway when he steals a
In California, poet and American West outlaw calling himself "Black Bart" makes his last clean getaway when he steals a safe box from a Wells Fargo stagecoach. The empty box is found later with a taunting poem inside.
German antisemitism begins during the Reichstag election
German antisemitism begins during the Reichstag election
American Bar Association organizes in Saratoga, New York
American Bar Association organizes in Saratoga, New York
Surrey left-arm slow round-arm bowler Ted Barratt takes 10-43 for the Players in Australia's 1st innings in a cricket to
Surrey left-arm slow round-arm bowler Ted Barratt takes 10-43 for the Players in Australia's 1st innings in a cricket tour match on his home ground at The Oval; all ten are caught or stumped; Australia wins by 8 runs
British passenger paddle steamer Princess Alice sinks in a collision on the River Thames with the collier Bywell Castle,
British passenger paddle steamer Princess Alice sinks in a collision on the River Thames with the collier Bywell Castle, killing 645 people
Cleopatra's Needle is installed in London
Cleopatra's Needle is installed in London
British physician Dr. Charles Drysdale warns against the use of tobacco in a letter to The Times newspaper in one of the
British physician Dr. Charles Drysdale warns against the use of tobacco in a letter to The Times newspaper in one of the earliest public health announcements on the dangers of smoking
First Portuguese immigrants arrive in Hawaii
Portuguese immigration to Hawaii began in 1878 when laborers from Madeira and the Azores migrated there to work in the sugarcane plantations.
Edison Electric Light Company is incorporated
Edison Electric Light Company is incorporated
Anti-socialist laws are ratified in Germany
Anti-socialist laws are ratified in Germany
The first rugby match under floodlights takes place between Broughton and Swinton in Salford, England
The first rugby match under floodlights takes place between Broughton and Swinton in Salford, England
Edward Scripps & John Sweeney found Penny Press (Cleveland Press)
Edward Scripps & John Sweeney found Penny Press (Cleveland Press)
First assassination attempt against King Umberto I of Italy
The Assassination of Umberto I of Italy took place on 29 July 1900 on Matteo da Campione Street in Monza.
Aleksandr Ostrovsky's classic play "Without a Dowry" (Bespridannitsa) premieres in Moscow [OS 10 Nov]
Aleksandr Ostrovsky's classic play "Without a Dowry" (Bespridannitsa) premieres in Moscow [OS 10 Nov]
Settlers arrive at Petach Tikvah, Israel
Settlers arrive at Petach Tikvah, Israel
French SS Byzantin sinks after collision in Dardanelles, 210 killed
French SS Byzantin sinks after collision in Dardanelles, 210 killed
1st US store to install electric lights, Philadelphia
1st US store to install electric lights, Philadelphia
Philadelphia Jack O'Brien is born
Philadelphia Jack O'Brien, American athlete, known for american boxer, was born on 1878-01-17.
Charles Strite is born
Charles Strite, American inventor, known for american inventor, was born on 1878-02-27.
Reza Shah Pahlavi is born
Reza Shah Pahlavi is born
Jack Johnson is born
Jack Johnson, American athlete, known for american boxer, was born on 1878-03-31. John Arthur Johnson (March 31, 1878 – June 10, 1946), nicknamed the "Galveston Giant", was an American boxer who, at…
Lionel Barrymore is born
Lionel Barrymore, American actor, director, screenwriter, known for american actor, director, screenwriter, was born on 1878-04-28.
Gustav Stresemann is born
Gustav Stresemann is born
Bill Robinson is born
Bill Robinson, American dancer and actor, known for american dancer and actor, was born on 1878-05-25.
Pancho Villa is born
Pancho Villa, Mexican revolutionary general and politician, known for mexican revolutionary general and politician, was born on 1878-06-05.
George M. Cohan is born
George M. Cohan, American actor, singer, composer and playwright, known for american actor, singer, composer and playwright, was born on 1878-07-03.
Upton Sinclair is born
Upton Sinclair writer, known for american writer, was born on 1878-09-20. Upton Beall Sinclair Jr.
Louis Chevrolet is born
Louis Chevrolet, American athlete, known for american racing driver, was born on 1878-12-25.
André Citroën is born
André Citroën is born
Lionel Martin is born
Lionel Martin, English businessman, known for english businessman, was born on 1878-03-15.
Victor Emmanuel II dies
Victor Emmanuel II dies
Mark Hopkins Jr. dies
Mark Hopkins Jr. dies
John Russell dies
John Russell dies
Events
Thomas Edison is granted a patent for his cylinder phonograph [1]
A phonograph, later called a gramophone, and since the 1940s a record player, or more recently a turntable, is a device for the mechanical and analogue reproduction of sound.
53rd UK Prime Minister Archibald Primrose (31) weds heiress Hannah de Rothschild (27) at the Board of Guardians in Mount
53rd UK Prime Minister Archibald Primrose (31) weds heiress Hannah de Rothschild (27) at the Board of Guardians in Mount Street, London
W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's comic opera "H.M.S. Pinafore" premieres in London, their first international success
H.M.S. Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and a libretto by W. S. Gilbert.
Congress of Berlin begins, determines the territories of the states in the Balkan peninsula following the Russo-Turkish
Congress of Berlin begins, determines the territories of the states in the Balkan peninsula following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78
World's first moving pictures captured on camera using 12 cameras, each taking one picture, to determine if all four of
World's first moving pictures captured on camera using 12 cameras, each taking one picture, to determine if all four of a horse's hooves leave the ground
First female telephone operator starts work, Emma Nutt, for the Edwin Holmes Telephone Dispatch Company in Boston
First female telephone operator starts work, Emma Nutt, for the Edwin Holmes Telephone Dispatch Company in Boston
German philosopher Friedrich Engels (57) marries Lizzie Burns (51), hours before her death in London
German philosopher Friedrich Engels (57) marries Lizzie Burns (51), hours before her death in London
First performance of the New York Symphony Orchestra, led by Leopold Damrosch; the group competes with the New York Phil
First performance of the New York Symphony Orchestra, led by Leopold Damrosch; the group competes with the New York Philharmonic until merging in 1928
Novelist Bram Stoker (31) weds Florence Balcombe (20) in Dublin, Ireland
Novelist Bram Stoker (31) weds Florence Balcombe (20) in Dublin, Ireland
Sofia is emancipated from Ottoman rule
Sofia is emancipated from Ottoman rule
Umberto I becomes King of Italy.
Umberto I becomes King of Italy.
US Senate proposes female suffrage
US Senate proposes female suffrage
US Supreme Court rules racial segregation on trains unconstitutional [1]
US Supreme Court rules racial segregation on trains unconstitutional [1]
Captain Burago with a squadron of Russian Imperial army dragoons liberates Plovdiv from Ottoman rule
Aleksandr Petrovich Burago was an officer of the Russian Imperial army. Serving as a captain under Joseph Vladimirovich Gourko, he commanded the force that liberated Plovdiv from the Ottoman rule on...
Revolutionary Vera Zasulich shoots at Fyodor Trepov, Governor of Saint Petersburg
Vera Ivanovna Zasulich was a Russian revolutionary and socialist activist. Born into impoverished nobility, Zasulich became involved in radical politics in the late 1860s.
George Coy, Herrick Frost, and Walter Lewis open first commercial telephone exchange, in New Haven, Connecticut [1]
George Coy, Herrick Frost, and Walter Lewis open first commercial telephone exchange, in New Haven, Connecticut [1]
Greece declares war on Turkey
The Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) was a conflict between the Ottoman Empire and a coalition led by the Russian Empire which included Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro.
Pact of Zanjón signed between Cubans rebels and the Spanish bringing the 10 Years War to an end
The Ten Years' War (Spanish: Guerra de los Diez Años; 1868–1878), also known as the Great War (Guerra Grande) and the War of '68, was part of Cuba's fight for independence from Spain.
Harvard player Frederick Thayer patents baseball catcher's mask (pat # 200,358)
Harvard player Frederick Thayer patents baseball catcher's mask (pat # 200,358)
1st telephone exchange in San Francisco, California opens with 18 phones
1st telephone exchange in San Francisco, California opens with 18 phones
John Tunstall is murdered by outlaw Jessie Evans, sparking the Lincoln County War in Lincoln County, New Mexico.
John Tunstall is murdered by outlaw Jessie Evans, sparking the Lincoln County War in Lincoln County, New Mexico.
Telegraph manager George Coy of New Haven, Connecticut, issues the world's first telephone directory, a single page cont
Telegraph manager George Coy of New Haven, Connecticut, issues the world's first telephone directory, a single page containing information for 50 subscribers
Greenback Labor Party forms (Toledo, Ohio)
The Greenback Party (known successively as the Independent Party and the Greenback Labor Party) was an American political party with an anti-monopoly ideology which was active from 1874 to 1889.
First winter ascent of Aneto, highest mountain in the Pyrenees
Aneto is the highest mountain in the Pyrenees and in Aragon, Spain's third-highest mountain, reaching a height of 3,404 metres (11,168 feet).
Treaty of San Stefano signed by Russian and Ottoman empires grants independence to Bulgaria after 500 years of Turkish r
Treaty of San Stefano signed by Russian and Ottoman empires grants independence to Bulgaria after 500 years of Turkish rule
Oxford University defeats Cambridge University in their 1st golf match
The Oxford University Polo Club (often referred to as OUPC) is the Discretionary Full Blue sports club for competitive polo at Oxford University.
City of Anaheim in California incorporates for the 2nd time
City of Anaheim in California incorporates for the 2nd time
British frigate Eurydice sunk; 300 lost
HMS Eurydice was a 26-gun Royal Navy corvette which was the victim of one of Britain's worst peacetime naval disasters when she sank in a snowstorm off the Isle of Wight on 24 March 1878.
Hastings College of Law founded in San Francisco, California
The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (UC Law SF or UC Law) is a public law school in San Francisco.
1st issue of Rotterdam's Newspaper
1st issue of Rotterdam's Newspaper
California Street Cable Car Railroad Co starts service
California Street Cable Car Railroad Co starts service
Harley Procter introduces Ivory Soap
Harley Procter introduces Ivory Soap
First Lady Lucy Hayes begins egg rolling contest on White House lawn
First Lady Lucy Hayes begins egg rolling contest on White House lawn
US stops minting 20 cent coin
US stops minting 20 cent coin
Danvers State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Massachusetts, opens and later serves as inspiration for Arkham Sanito
Danvers State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Massachusetts, opens and later serves as inspiration for Arkham Sanitorium in the work of H.P. Lovecraft, which in turn inspires Arkham Asylum of the D.C. Batman universe
Vaseline is granted a patent (U.S. Patent 127,568)
Vaseline is granted a patent (U.S. Patent 127,568)
Blanche Kelso Bruce appointed register of treasury by President Garfield
Blanche Kelso Bruce appointed register of treasury by President Garfield
Attorney John Henry Smyth named US minister to Liberia
John Henry Smythe or Smyth (July 14, 1844 – September 5, 1908) was an American diplomat who served as the United States ambassador to Liberia from 1878 to 1881 and from 1882 to 1885.
CA Parker (Harvard) wins 1st American bike race at Beacon Park in Boston
CA Parker (Harvard) wins 1st American bike race at Beacon Park in Boston
German battleship SMS Grosser Kurfürst sinks, 284 killed
SMS Grosser Kurfürst (or Großer ) was an ironclad turret ship built for the German Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Navy).
Cyprus ceded by Turkey to Britain for administrative purposes
Cyprus ceded by Turkey to Britain for administrative purposes
American outlaw John Wesley Hardin convicted of the murder of Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb, sentenced to 25 years in pris
American outlaw John Wesley Hardin convicted of the murder of Deputy Sheriff Charles Webb, sentenced to 25 years in prison
DC is given a new government by Congress, 3 commissioners appointed by president (change in 1974)
DC is given a new government by Congress, 3 commissioners appointed by president (change in 1974)
Swedish ship SS Vega with explorer Nils Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld sets out to find the Northeast Passage (succeeds 1879)
Swedish ship SS Vega with explorer Nils Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld sets out to find the Northeast Passage (succeeds 1879)
Canada joins the Universal Postal Union
The Universal Postal Union (UPU, French: Union postale universelle) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that coordinates postal policies among member nations and facilitates a uniform...
The coat of arms of the Baku governorate was established
The Baku Governorate, known before 1859 as the Shemakha Governorate, was a province (guberniya) of the Caucasus Viceroyalty of the Russian Empire, with its center in the booming metropolis and...
Social-Democratic United forms in Amsterdam
Social-Democratic United forms in Amsterdam
American inventor Henry Tibbe patents an improved corncob pipe design
American inventor Henry Tibbe patents an improved corncob pipe design
Yellow fever epidemic in New Orleans begins, resulting in an estimated 4,500 deaths in the city
Yellow fever epidemic in New Orleans begins, resulting in an estimated 4,500 deaths in the city
Congress of Berlin ends, redrawing the terms of Treaty of San Stefano to give Russia less influence in old Ottoman Empir
Congress of Berlin ends, redrawing the terms of Treaty of San Stefano to give Russia less influence in old Ottoman Empire
Nqwiliso, tribal chief of Western Pondoland and eldest son of Ndamase, signs a treaty with H.G. Elliott ceding sovereign
Nqwiliso, tribal chief of Western Pondoland and eldest son of Ndamase, signs a treaty with H.G. Elliott ceding sovereign rights and shipping in the Umzimvubu River mouth to the Cape government, Southern Africa
First telephone introduced in Hawaii
First telephone introduced in Hawaii
In California, poet and American West outlaw calling himself "Black Bart" makes his last clean getaway when he steals a
In California, poet and American West outlaw calling himself "Black Bart" makes his last clean getaway when he steals a safe box from a Wells Fargo stagecoach. The empty box is found later with a taunting poem inside.
German antisemitism begins during the Reichstag election
German antisemitism begins during the Reichstag election
American Bar Association organizes in Saratoga, New York
American Bar Association organizes in Saratoga, New York
Surrey left-arm slow round-arm bowler Ted Barratt takes 10-43 for the Players in Australia's 1st innings in a cricket to
Surrey left-arm slow round-arm bowler Ted Barratt takes 10-43 for the Players in Australia's 1st innings in a cricket tour match on his home ground at The Oval; all ten are caught or stumped; Australia wins by 8 runs
British passenger paddle steamer Princess Alice sinks in a collision on the River Thames with the collier Bywell Castle,
British passenger paddle steamer Princess Alice sinks in a collision on the River Thames with the collier Bywell Castle, killing 645 people
Cleopatra's Needle is installed in London
Cleopatra's Needle is installed in London
British physician Dr. Charles Drysdale warns against the use of tobacco in a letter to The Times newspaper in one of the
British physician Dr. Charles Drysdale warns against the use of tobacco in a letter to The Times newspaper in one of the earliest public health announcements on the dangers of smoking
First Portuguese immigrants arrive in Hawaii
Portuguese immigration to Hawaii began in 1878 when laborers from Madeira and the Azores migrated there to work in the sugarcane plantations.
Edison Electric Light Company is incorporated
Edison Electric Light Company is incorporated
Anti-socialist laws are ratified in Germany
Anti-socialist laws are ratified in Germany
The first rugby match under floodlights takes place between Broughton and Swinton in Salford, England
The first rugby match under floodlights takes place between Broughton and Swinton in Salford, England
Edward Scripps & John Sweeney found Penny Press (Cleveland Press)
Edward Scripps & John Sweeney found Penny Press (Cleveland Press)
First assassination attempt against King Umberto I of Italy
The Assassination of Umberto I of Italy took place on 29 July 1900 on Matteo da Campione Street in Monza.
Aleksandr Ostrovsky's classic play "Without a Dowry" (Bespridannitsa) premieres in Moscow [OS 10 Nov]
Aleksandr Ostrovsky's classic play "Without a Dowry" (Bespridannitsa) premieres in Moscow [OS 10 Nov]
Settlers arrive at Petach Tikvah, Israel
Settlers arrive at Petach Tikvah, Israel
French SS Byzantin sinks after collision in Dardanelles, 210 killed
French SS Byzantin sinks after collision in Dardanelles, 210 killed
1st US store to install electric lights, Philadelphia
1st US store to install electric lights, Philadelphia
Famous Births
birth
Philadelphia Jack O'Brien is born
Philadelphia Jack O'Brien, American athlete, known for american boxer, was born on 1878-01-17.
birth
Charles Strite is born
Charles Strite, American inventor, known for american inventor, was born on 1878-02-27.
birth
Reza Shah Pahlavi is born
Reza Shah Pahlavi is born
birth
Jack Johnson is born
Jack Johnson, American athlete, known for american boxer, was born on 1878-03-31. John Arthur Johnson (March 31, 1878 – June 10, 1946), nicknamed the "Galveston Giant", was an American boxer who, at…
birth
Lionel Barrymore is born
Lionel Barrymore, American actor, director, screenwriter, known for american actor, director, screenwriter, was born on 1878-04-28.
birth
Gustav Stresemann is born
Gustav Stresemann is born
birth
Bill Robinson is born
Bill Robinson, American dancer and actor, known for american dancer and actor, was born on 1878-05-25.
birth
Pancho Villa is born
Pancho Villa, Mexican revolutionary general and politician, known for mexican revolutionary general and politician, was born on 1878-06-05.
birth
George M. Cohan is born
George M. Cohan, American actor, singer, composer and playwright, known for american actor, singer, composer and playwright, was born on 1878-07-03.
birth
Upton Sinclair is born
Upton Sinclair writer, known for american writer, was born on 1878-09-20. Upton Beall Sinclair Jr.
birth
Louis Chevrolet is born
Louis Chevrolet, American athlete, known for american racing driver, was born on 1878-12-25.
birth
André Citroën is born
André Citroën is born
birth
Lionel Martin is born
Lionel Martin, English businessman, known for english businessman, was born on 1878-03-15.
Notable Deaths
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in 1878?
- In 1878, there were 70 significant historical events. Notable events include First US bicycle club, the Boston Bicycle Club, forms, Thomas Edison is granted a patent for his cylinder phonograph [1], 53rd UK Prime Minister Archibald Primrose (31) weds heiress Hannah de Rothschild (27) at the Board of Guardians in Mount.
- Who was born in 1878?
- 13 notable figures were born in 1878, including Philadelphia Jack O'Brien is born, Charles Strite is born, Reza Shah Pahlavi is born.
- Who died in 1878?
- 3 notable figures passed away in 1878, including Victor Emmanuel II dies, Mark Hopkins Jr. dies, John Russell dies.
People in 1878
Thomas EdisonArchibald PrimroseW. S. GilbertArthur SullivanFriedrich EngelsBram StokerAleksandr OstrovskyPhiladelphia Jack O'BrienCharles StriteReza Shah PahlaviJack JohnsonLionel BarrymoreGustav StresemannBill RobinsonPancho VillaGeorge M. CohanUpton SinclairLouis ChevroletAndré CitroënLionel Martin