German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of X-rays
German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of X-rays
Year in History
Explore the major historical events, famous births, and notable deaths that occurred in the year 1896. This year saw 103 significant events. 10 notable figures were born. 3 notable figures passed away.
19th Century1890s
1896 Timeline
German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of X-rays
German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of X-rays
American Emile Grubbe is the first doctor to use radiation treatment for breast cancer
American Emile Grubbe is the first doctor to use radiation treatment for breast cancer
Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Boheme" premieres in Turin
Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Boheme" premieres in Turin
Charilaos Vasilakos of Greece wins the first modern marathon in 3:18 at the Panhellenic Games
Charilaos Vasilakos was a Greek athlete and the first man to win a marathon race. He also won a silver medal for a second place finish in marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens.
Writer "Heart of Darkness" Joseph Conrad (39) marries Englishwoman Jessie George (23)
Joseph Conrad was a Polish-British novelist and story writer. He is regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and – though he did not speak English fluently until his twenties...
Umberto Giordano's opera "Andrea Chenier" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Italy, with Giuseppe Borgatti singing t
Umberto Giordano's opera "Andrea Chenier" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Italy, with Giuseppe Borgatti singing the title role, and libretto by Luigi Illica
First modern Summer Olympic Games open in Athens, Greece; American athlete James Connolly becomes the first modern Olymp
First modern Summer Olympic Games open in Athens, Greece; American athlete James Connolly becomes the first modern Olympic champion when he wins the triple jump (then 2 hops and a jump); later places 3rd in long jump and 2nd in high jump
23rd US President Benjamin Harrison (63) weds Mary Scott (37) at St Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church in New York City
23rd US President Benjamin Harrison (63) weds Mary Scott (37) at St Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church in New York City
Spyridon Louis of Greece wins the inaugural Olympic marathon (2:58:50) in Athens, running the last lap accompanied by Co
Spyridon Louis of Greece wins the inaugural Olympic marathon (2:58:50) in Athens, running the last lap accompanied by Constantine I
1st Modern Summer Olympic Games close at Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece; USA wins gold medal count with 11 and Gr
1st Modern Summer Olympic Games close at Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece; USA wins gold medal count with 11 and Greece the total medal count with 46
John Philip Sousa's operetta "El Capitan" premieres on Broadway at Broadway Theatre, NYC
Broadway theatre, or Broadway, is a theatre genre that consists of the theatrical performances presented in 41 professional theaters, each with 500 or more seats, in the Theater District and Lincoln...
Khodynka Tragedy: A stampeding crowd on Khodynka Field, Moscow, during the coronation festivities for Russian Tsar Nicho
Khodynka Tragedy: A stampeding crowd on Khodynka Field, Moscow, during the coronation festivities for Russian Tsar Nicholas II, causes the deaths of an estimated 1,300 people
Dow Jones Industrial Average begins with an average of 12 industrial stocks, the daily closing value is 40.9
Dow Jones Industrial Average begins with an average of 12 industrial stocks, the daily closing value is 40.9
Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw (41) marries Charlotte Frances Payne-Townshend (41) in Covent Garden, London.
George Bernard Shaw (26 July 1856 – 2 November 1950), known at his insistence as Bernard Shaw, was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist.
Italian engineer and inventor Guglielmo Marconi applies for the first ever patent for a system of wireless telegraphy in
Italian engineer and inventor Guglielmo Marconi applies for the first ever patent for a system of wireless telegraphy in the United Kingdom
A tsunami strikes a Shinto festival on the beach at Sanriku, Japan; 27,000 people are killed, 9,000 are injured, and 13,
A tsunami strikes a Shinto festival on the beach at Sanriku, Japan; 27,000 people are killed, 9,000 are injured, and 13,000 houses are destroyed
Vitascope Hall, the first permanent for-profit movie theater, opens in New Orleans
Vitascope Hall, the first permanent for-profit movie theater, opens in New Orleans
Gold is first discovered in the Klondike at Bonanza Creek in Yukon, Canada, by George Carmack
The Klondike Gold Rush was a migration by an estimated 100,000 prospectors to the Klondike region of Yukon in northwestern Canada, between 1896 and 1899.
A. H. Whiting wins the first automobile race held on a closed-circuit track in Cranston, Rhode Island
A. H. Whiting wins the first automobile race held on a closed-circuit track in Cranston, Rhode Island
Nizari Imam Aga Khan III (19) weds first cousin Shahzadi Begum in Pune, India
Nizari Imam Aga Khan III (19) weds first cousin Shahzadi Begum in Pune, India
Power plant at Niagara Falls begins operation
Power plant at Niagara Falls begins operation
Patriotic march "The Stars and Stripes Forever" is composed by John Philip Sousa
"The Stars and Stripes Forever" is a patriotic American march written and composed by John Philip Sousa in 1896. By a 1987 act of the U.S.
Battle of Doornkop: Boers defeat Dr. Jameson's troops in South Africa
Battle of Doornkop: Boers defeat Dr. Jameson's troops in South Africa
Emperor Wilhelm congratulates President Kruger on the Jameson Raid
Emperor Wilhelm congratulates President Kruger on the Jameson Raid
American Federation of Labor (AFL) charters Actors' National Protective Union, NYC
American Federation of Labor (AFL) charters Actors' National Protective Union, NYC
Fannie Farmer publishes her first cookbook "The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book"
The Boston Cooking School was founded in 1879 by the Women’s Education Association of Boston "to offer instruction in cooking to those who wished to earn their livelihood as cooks, or who would make...
First X-ray photo in the US (Dr. Henry Smith, Davidson, NC)
First X-ray photo in the US (Dr. Henry Smith, Davidson, NC)
Henry Arthur Jones' "Michael & his Lost Angel" premieres in London
Henry Arthur Jones' "Michael & his Lost Angel" premieres in London
Defeat of Cymru Fydd at South Wales Liberal Federation AGM, Newport, Monmouthshire.
The Cymru Fydd movement was founded in 1886 by some of the London and Liverpool Welsh. Some of its main leaders included David Lloyd George (later Prime Minister), J. E. Lloyd, O. M. Edwards, T. E.
British troops occupy Kumasi, West Africa
British troops occupy Kumasi, West Africa
Edward Macdowell's 2nd Suite in E premieres
Edward Macdowell's 2nd Suite in E premieres
Tasmania bowl out Victoria for 65 for their 1st ever innings victory
Tasmania bowl out Victoria for 65 for their 1st ever innings victory
Georges Feydeau's farce "Le Dindon" premieres in Paris
Georges-Léon-Jules-Marie Feydeau was a French playwright of the Belle Époque era, remembered for his farces, written between 1886 and 1914. Feydeau was born in Paris to middle-class parents and...
Austro-Hungarian Zionist Theodor Herzl's "Der Judenstaat" (The Jewish State) is published, proposing a Jewish homeland a
Austro-Hungarian Zionist Theodor Herzl's "Der Judenstaat" (The Jewish State) is published, proposing a Jewish homeland as a means of escaping anti-Semitism in Europe
Muzzling Order on the London County Council enforced
Muzzling Order on the London County Council enforced
Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls goes almost dry for the first time in 50 years
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, spanning the border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York.
Tootsie Roll introduced by Leo Hirshfield
Tootsie Roll () is a chocolate taffy candy that has been manufactured in the United States since 1907.
Italian government decides to attack governor Baratieri of Eritrea
Italian government decides to attack governor Baratieri of Eritrea
France dismisses Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar and exiles her to the island of Réunion
France dismisses Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar and exiles her to the island of Réunion
Italian governor of Eritrea, General Baldissera, reaches Massawa
Italian governor of Eritrea, General Baldissera, reaches Massawa
1st auto in Detroit, Charles B King rides his "Horseless Carriage"
1st auto in Detroit, Charles B King rides his "Horseless Carriage"
Volunteers of America forms (NYC)
Volunteers of America forms (NYC)
Bronx acquires O'Brien Square
Bronx acquires O'Brien Square
1st movie in Netherlands (Kalverstr 220)
1st movie in Netherlands (Kalverstr 220)
Sutro Baths in San Francisco opens by Cliff House (closed Sept 1, 1952)
Sutro Baths in San Francisco opens by Cliff House (closed Sept 1, 1952)
Marines land in Nicaragua to protect US citizens
Marines land in Nicaragua to protect US citizens
The Raines Law is passed by the New York State Legislature, restricting Sunday sale of alcohol to hotels
The Raines Law is passed by the New York State Legislature, restricting Sunday sale of alcohol to hotels
Announcement of the discovery of gold in the Yukon
Announcement of the discovery of gold in the Yukon
American athlete Robert Garrett wins the throwing double at the Athens Olympics by taking out the shot putt (11.22m); wi
American athlete Robert Garrett wins the throwing double at the Athens Olympics by taking out the shot putt (11.22m); wins the discus the previous day
American athlete Thomas Burke claims the sprint double at the Athens Olympics winning the 100m final in 12.0s; his 2nd v
American athlete Thomas Burke claims the sprint double at the Athens Olympics winning the 100m final in 12.0s; his 2nd victory of the Games after success in the 400m
Hungarian swimmer Alfréd Hajós beats Otto Herschmann of Austria by 0.6s to win the inaugural Olympic 100m freestyle fina
Hungarian swimmer Alfréd Hajós beats Otto Herschmann of Austria by 0.6s to win the inaugural Olympic 100m freestyle final in 1:22.2 at the Athens Games; also takes out the 1,200m on the same day
Stamasia Portrisi is 1st woman to win a marathon (5:30 in Athens)
Stamasia Portrisi is 1st woman to win a marathon (5:30 in Athens)
US Patent Office issues Patent No. 558,393 to Dr John Harvey Kellogg of Battle Creek, Michigan for "flaked cereal, and p
US Patent Office issues Patent No. 558,393 to Dr John Harvey Kellogg of Battle Creek, Michigan for "flaked cereal, and process of making same"
Vitascope system of movie projection 1st shown at Koster & Bial's Music Hall, New York City
Vitascope system of movie projection 1st shown at Koster & Bial's Music Hall, New York City
Fight in Central Dance Hall starts fire at Cripple Creek, Colorado
Fight in Central Dance Hall starts fire at Cripple Creek, Colorado
First edition of the London Daily Mail, costs a halfpenny
The Daily Mail, often known simply as the Mail, is a British daily middle-market tabloid conservative newspaper founded in 1896 and published in London.
Samuel Pierpont Langley flies his unpiloted Number 5 aircraft using a catapult launch from a boat on the Potomac River,
Samuel Pierpont Langley flies his unpiloted Number 5 aircraft using a catapult launch from a boat on the Potomac River, USA. The aircraft travels almost 3/4 of a mile - ten times further than any previous heavier-than-air flying machine.
First horseless carriage show in London features ten models
First horseless carriage show in London features ten models
Lowest US temperature in May recorded (-10°F /-23°C at Climax, Colorado)
Lowest US temperature in May recorded (-10°F /-23°C at Climax, Colorado)
Tornado kills 78 in Texas
The tornado outbreaks of mid-to-late May 1896 were a series of violent and deadly tornado outbreaks that struck much of the Central and Southern United States from May 15 to 28, 1896.
The six-ton chandelier of the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris falls on the crowd, resulting in the death of one pers
The six-ton chandelier of the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris falls on the crowd, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to many others
Bay District Race Track in San Francisco closes
Bay District Race Track in San Francisco closes
First car accident occurs; Henry Wells hits a cyclist in NYC
First car accident occurs; Henry Wells hits a cyclist in NYC
Frank Samuelsen and George Harbo leave NY harbor to row across Atlantic; their 55 day record for rowing was not broken f
Frank Samuelsen and George Harbo leave NY harbor to row across Atlantic; their 55 day record for rowing was not broken for 114 years
First car thief; Baron de Zuylen’s Peugeot is stolen by his mechanic in Paris
First car thief; Baron de Zuylen’s Peugeot is stolen by his mechanic in Paris
US Assay Office in Deadwood South Dakota authorized
US Assay Office in Deadwood South Dakota authorized
England cricket spin bowler Jack Hearne sets record for earliest date taking 100 first-class wickets in a season when he
England cricket spin bowler Jack Hearne sets record for earliest date taking 100 first-class wickets in a season when he captures 9-73 for the MCC in an innings & 18 run drubbing of Australia at Lord's
Temperature hits 127°F at Fort Mojave, California
Temperature hits 127°F at Fort Mojave, California
William S. Hadaway patents an electric stove in the US
William S. Hadaway patents an electric stove in the US
Harbor of Ymuiden opens in the Netherlands
Harbor of Ymuiden opens in the Netherlands
Philadelphia outfielder Ed Delahanty becomes second major leaguer to hit 4 HRs in a game as Phillies lose 9-8 to Chicago
Philadelphia outfielder Ed Delahanty becomes second major leaguer to hit 4 HRs in a game as Phillies lose 9-8 to Chicago Colts at the West Side Grounds, Chicago
Indian-born K. S. Ranjitsinhji debuts for England against Australia in the second Test at Old Trafford; he is the first
Indian-born K. S. Ranjitsinhji debuts for England against Australia in the second Test at Old Trafford; he is the first Indian to play Test cricket
George Giffen is 1st to complete 1000/100 double, in 30th Test Cricket
George Giffen is 1st to complete 1000/100 double, in 30th Test Cricket
National Federation of Colored Women established in Washington, D.C.
The National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC) is an American organization that was formed in July 1896 at the First Annual Convention of the National Federation of Afro-American Women in...
City of Miami is incorporated
The city flag of Miami depicts three horizontal stripes, one orange, one white, and one green, and the city's seal in the middle of the white stripe.
France annexes Madagascar
Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is an island country in the Indian Ocean that includes the island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands.
New Jersey fishermen George Harbo and Frank Samuelson are the first to row across the Atlantic, arriving in Le Havre aft
New Jersey fishermen George Harbo and Frank Samuelson are the first to row across the Atlantic, arriving in Le Havre after leaving Manhattan on June 6 [1]
Harvey Hubbell patents an electric light bulb socket with a pull chain
Harvey Hubbell patents an electric light bulb socket with a pull chain
Willem II soccer team forms in Tilburg, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Willem II soccer team forms in Tilburg, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Adolph Ochs (39) buys The New York Times for $75,000
In August 1896, Chattanooga Times publisher Adolph Ochs acquired The New-York Times, implementing significant alterations to the newspaper's structure.
The dial telephone is patented
A telephone, commonly shortened to phone, is a telecommunications device that enables two or more users to conduct a conversation when they are too far apart to be easily heard directly.
First Cry of the Philippine Revolution is made in Pugad Lawin, Quezon City, in the province of Manila
The Cry of Pugad Lawin (Filipino: Sigaw sa Pugad Lawin, Spanish: Grito de Pugad Lawin) was the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire. In late August 1896, members of the...
Armenian Revolutionary Federation assaults Ottoman Bank in Constantinople to draw attention to mass pogroms and massacre
Armenian Revolutionary Federation assaults Ottoman Bank in Constantinople to draw attention to mass pogroms and massacres of Armenians instigated by Ottoman Sultan Abdul-Hamid II
Britain defeats Zanzibar in a 38-minute war (9:02 am - 9:40 am), the shortest recorded war in history
Britain defeats Zanzibar in a 38-minute war (9:02 am - 9:40 am), the shortest recorded war in history
Chop suey is supposedly invented in NYC by the chef of visiting Chinese diplomat Li Hongzhang
Chop suey is supposedly invented in NYC by the chef of visiting Chinese diplomat Li Hongzhang
Eight provinces in the Philippines are declared under martial law by Spanish Governor General Ramon Blanco, including th
Eight provinces in the Philippines are declared under martial law by Spanish Governor General Ramon Blanco, including the provinces of Batangas, Rizal, Cavite, and Nueva Ecija
Louis Napoleon Parker's play "Rosemary" premieres in NYC
Louis Napoleon Parker's play "Rosemary" premieres in NYC
Beginning of the Bombay plague epidemic when Dr.Acacio Gabriel Viegas detects the first case in Mandvi. Goes on to sprea
Beginning of the Bombay plague epidemic when Dr.Acacio Gabriel Viegas detects the first case in Mandvi. Goes on to spread and kill 12 million in India.
Elephantine Colossus, a vacant seven-story building in the shape of an elephant built in 1885, burns to the ground on Co
Elephantine Colossus, a vacant seven-story building in the shape of an elephant built in 1885, burns to the ground on Coney Island, New York
William Gillette's dramatic play "Secret Service" premieres in New York City
William Gillette's dramatic play "Secret Service" premieres in New York City
First public screening of a motion picture in New Zealand
The cinema of New Zealand refers to films made by New Zealand–based production companies in New Zealand or films made about New Zealand by filmmakers from other countries.
Abyssinia & Italy sign peace treaty
Abyssinia & Italy sign peace treaty
1st Pali Road completed in Hawaii (winds so strong streams flow UP!)
1st Pali Road completed in Hawaii (winds so strong streams flow UP!)
First bare-breasted woman (Zulu) appears in National Geographic Magazine
First bare-breasted woman (Zulu) appears in National Geographic Magazine
J H Hunter patents portable weighing scales
J H Hunter patents portable weighing scales
Jules Vandenpeereboom becomes Belgium's minister of War
Jules Vandenpeereboom becomes Belgium's minister of War
1st US absentee voting law enacted by Vermont
1st US absentee voting law enacted by Vermont
1st large indoor football game, University of Chicago beats University of Michigan 7-6
The 1896 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1896 Western Conference football season.
The first Certified Public Accountants certificates are issued in New York
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the title of qualified accountants in numerous countries in the English-speaking world.
Gerhart Hauptmann's play "Die versunkene Glocke" (The Sunken Bell) premieres in Berlin
Gerhart Hauptmann's play "Die versunkene Glocke" (The Sunken Bell) premieres in Berlin
Japanese Zen Buddist D. T. Suzuki has an awakening at Engakuji temple, in Kamakura
Japanese Zen Buddist D. T. Suzuki has an awakening at Engakuji temple, in Kamakura
Alfred Jarry's play "Ubu Roi" premieres in Paris
Ubu Roi is a play by French writer Alfred Jarry, then 23 years old. It was first performed in Paris in 1896, by Aurélien Lugné-Poe's Théâtre de l'Œuvre at the Nouveau-Théâtre (today, the Théâtre de...
The Glasgow Underground Railway is opened by the Glasgow District Subway Company
The Glasgow Subway (Scottish Gaelic: Fo-rèile Ghlaschu, lit. 'Glasgow under-rail') is an underground light metro system in Glasgow, Scotland.
John dos Passos is born
John dos Passos, American novelist, known for american novelist, was born on 1896-01-14.
George Burns is born
George Burns, American musician, known for american entertainer, was born on 1896-01-20.
Rogers Hornsby is born
Rogers Hornsby, American athlete, known for american baseball player, coach and manager, was born on 1896-04-27.
Dodie Smith is born
Dodie Smith, English novelist and playwright, known for english novelist and playwright, was born on 1896-05-03.
Trygve Lie is born
Trygve Lie is born
F. Scott Fitzgerald is born
F. Scott Fitzgerald writer, known for american writer, was born on 1896-09-24. Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (September 24, 1896 – December 21, 1940), widely known as F.
Bucky Harris is born
Bucky Harris, American athlete, known for american baseball player and manager, was born on 1896-11-08.
Oswald Mosley is born
Oswald Mosley, British fascist politician, known for british fascist politician, was born on 1896-11-16.
Lev Vygotsky is born
Lev Vygotsky, Belarusian soviet psychologist, known for soviet psychologist, was born on 1896-11-17.
André Breton is born
André Breton, French co-founder of surrealism, known for french co-founder of surrealism, was born on 1896-02-18.
H. H. Holmes dies
H. H. Holmes con artist and serial killer, known for american con artist and serial killer, died on 1896-05-07. Herman Webster Mudgett (May 16, 1861 – May 7, 1896), better known as Dr.
Clara Schumann dies
Clara Schumann, German pianist and composer, known for german pianist and composer, died on 1896-05-20. Clara Josephine Schumann was a German pianist, composer, and piano teacher and prodigy.
José Rizal dies
José Rizal, Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath, known for filipino nationalist, writer and polymath, died on 1896-12-30.
Events
American Emile Grubbe is the first doctor to use radiation treatment for breast cancer
American Emile Grubbe is the first doctor to use radiation treatment for breast cancer
Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Boheme" premieres in Turin
Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Boheme" premieres in Turin
Charilaos Vasilakos of Greece wins the first modern marathon in 3:18 at the Panhellenic Games
Charilaos Vasilakos was a Greek athlete and the first man to win a marathon race. He also won a silver medal for a second place finish in marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens.
Writer "Heart of Darkness" Joseph Conrad (39) marries Englishwoman Jessie George (23)
Joseph Conrad was a Polish-British novelist and story writer. He is regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and – though he did not speak English fluently until his twenties...
Umberto Giordano's opera "Andrea Chenier" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Italy, with Giuseppe Borgatti singing t
Umberto Giordano's opera "Andrea Chenier" premieres at La Scala Teatro in Milan, Italy, with Giuseppe Borgatti singing the title role, and libretto by Luigi Illica
First modern Summer Olympic Games open in Athens, Greece; American athlete James Connolly becomes the first modern Olymp
First modern Summer Olympic Games open in Athens, Greece; American athlete James Connolly becomes the first modern Olympic champion when he wins the triple jump (then 2 hops and a jump); later places 3rd in long jump and 2nd in high jump
23rd US President Benjamin Harrison (63) weds Mary Scott (37) at St Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church in New York City
23rd US President Benjamin Harrison (63) weds Mary Scott (37) at St Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church in New York City
Spyridon Louis of Greece wins the inaugural Olympic marathon (2:58:50) in Athens, running the last lap accompanied by Co
Spyridon Louis of Greece wins the inaugural Olympic marathon (2:58:50) in Athens, running the last lap accompanied by Constantine I
1st Modern Summer Olympic Games close at Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece; USA wins gold medal count with 11 and Gr
1st Modern Summer Olympic Games close at Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece; USA wins gold medal count with 11 and Greece the total medal count with 46
John Philip Sousa's operetta "El Capitan" premieres on Broadway at Broadway Theatre, NYC
Broadway theatre, or Broadway, is a theatre genre that consists of the theatrical performances presented in 41 professional theaters, each with 500 or more seats, in the Theater District and Lincoln...
Khodynka Tragedy: A stampeding crowd on Khodynka Field, Moscow, during the coronation festivities for Russian Tsar Nicho
Khodynka Tragedy: A stampeding crowd on Khodynka Field, Moscow, during the coronation festivities for Russian Tsar Nicholas II, causes the deaths of an estimated 1,300 people
Dow Jones Industrial Average begins with an average of 12 industrial stocks, the daily closing value is 40.9
Dow Jones Industrial Average begins with an average of 12 industrial stocks, the daily closing value is 40.9
Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw (41) marries Charlotte Frances Payne-Townshend (41) in Covent Garden, London.
George Bernard Shaw (26 July 1856 – 2 November 1950), known at his insistence as Bernard Shaw, was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist.
Italian engineer and inventor Guglielmo Marconi applies for the first ever patent for a system of wireless telegraphy in
Italian engineer and inventor Guglielmo Marconi applies for the first ever patent for a system of wireless telegraphy in the United Kingdom
A tsunami strikes a Shinto festival on the beach at Sanriku, Japan; 27,000 people are killed, 9,000 are injured, and 13,
A tsunami strikes a Shinto festival on the beach at Sanriku, Japan; 27,000 people are killed, 9,000 are injured, and 13,000 houses are destroyed
Vitascope Hall, the first permanent for-profit movie theater, opens in New Orleans
Vitascope Hall, the first permanent for-profit movie theater, opens in New Orleans
Gold is first discovered in the Klondike at Bonanza Creek in Yukon, Canada, by George Carmack
The Klondike Gold Rush was a migration by an estimated 100,000 prospectors to the Klondike region of Yukon in northwestern Canada, between 1896 and 1899.
A. H. Whiting wins the first automobile race held on a closed-circuit track in Cranston, Rhode Island
A. H. Whiting wins the first automobile race held on a closed-circuit track in Cranston, Rhode Island
Nizari Imam Aga Khan III (19) weds first cousin Shahzadi Begum in Pune, India
Nizari Imam Aga Khan III (19) weds first cousin Shahzadi Begum in Pune, India
Power plant at Niagara Falls begins operation
Power plant at Niagara Falls begins operation
Patriotic march "The Stars and Stripes Forever" is composed by John Philip Sousa
"The Stars and Stripes Forever" is a patriotic American march written and composed by John Philip Sousa in 1896. By a 1987 act of the U.S.
Battle of Doornkop: Boers defeat Dr. Jameson's troops in South Africa
Battle of Doornkop: Boers defeat Dr. Jameson's troops in South Africa
Emperor Wilhelm congratulates President Kruger on the Jameson Raid
Emperor Wilhelm congratulates President Kruger on the Jameson Raid
American Federation of Labor (AFL) charters Actors' National Protective Union, NYC
American Federation of Labor (AFL) charters Actors' National Protective Union, NYC
Fannie Farmer publishes her first cookbook "The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book"
The Boston Cooking School was founded in 1879 by the Women’s Education Association of Boston "to offer instruction in cooking to those who wished to earn their livelihood as cooks, or who would make...
First X-ray photo in the US (Dr. Henry Smith, Davidson, NC)
First X-ray photo in the US (Dr. Henry Smith, Davidson, NC)
Henry Arthur Jones' "Michael & his Lost Angel" premieres in London
Henry Arthur Jones' "Michael & his Lost Angel" premieres in London
Defeat of Cymru Fydd at South Wales Liberal Federation AGM, Newport, Monmouthshire.
The Cymru Fydd movement was founded in 1886 by some of the London and Liverpool Welsh. Some of its main leaders included David Lloyd George (later Prime Minister), J. E. Lloyd, O. M. Edwards, T. E.
British troops occupy Kumasi, West Africa
British troops occupy Kumasi, West Africa
Edward Macdowell's 2nd Suite in E premieres
Edward Macdowell's 2nd Suite in E premieres
Tasmania bowl out Victoria for 65 for their 1st ever innings victory
Tasmania bowl out Victoria for 65 for their 1st ever innings victory
Georges Feydeau's farce "Le Dindon" premieres in Paris
Georges-Léon-Jules-Marie Feydeau was a French playwright of the Belle Époque era, remembered for his farces, written between 1886 and 1914. Feydeau was born in Paris to middle-class parents and...
Austro-Hungarian Zionist Theodor Herzl's "Der Judenstaat" (The Jewish State) is published, proposing a Jewish homeland a
Austro-Hungarian Zionist Theodor Herzl's "Der Judenstaat" (The Jewish State) is published, proposing a Jewish homeland as a means of escaping anti-Semitism in Europe
Muzzling Order on the London County Council enforced
Muzzling Order on the London County Council enforced
Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls goes almost dry for the first time in 50 years
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, spanning the border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York.
Tootsie Roll introduced by Leo Hirshfield
Tootsie Roll () is a chocolate taffy candy that has been manufactured in the United States since 1907.
Italian government decides to attack governor Baratieri of Eritrea
Italian government decides to attack governor Baratieri of Eritrea
France dismisses Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar and exiles her to the island of Réunion
France dismisses Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar and exiles her to the island of Réunion
Italian governor of Eritrea, General Baldissera, reaches Massawa
Italian governor of Eritrea, General Baldissera, reaches Massawa
1st auto in Detroit, Charles B King rides his "Horseless Carriage"
1st auto in Detroit, Charles B King rides his "Horseless Carriage"
Volunteers of America forms (NYC)
Volunteers of America forms (NYC)
Bronx acquires O'Brien Square
Bronx acquires O'Brien Square
1st movie in Netherlands (Kalverstr 220)
1st movie in Netherlands (Kalverstr 220)
Sutro Baths in San Francisco opens by Cliff House (closed Sept 1, 1952)
Sutro Baths in San Francisco opens by Cliff House (closed Sept 1, 1952)
Marines land in Nicaragua to protect US citizens
Marines land in Nicaragua to protect US citizens
The Raines Law is passed by the New York State Legislature, restricting Sunday sale of alcohol to hotels
The Raines Law is passed by the New York State Legislature, restricting Sunday sale of alcohol to hotels
Announcement of the discovery of gold in the Yukon
Announcement of the discovery of gold in the Yukon
American athlete Robert Garrett wins the throwing double at the Athens Olympics by taking out the shot putt (11.22m); wi
American athlete Robert Garrett wins the throwing double at the Athens Olympics by taking out the shot putt (11.22m); wins the discus the previous day
American athlete Thomas Burke claims the sprint double at the Athens Olympics winning the 100m final in 12.0s; his 2nd v
American athlete Thomas Burke claims the sprint double at the Athens Olympics winning the 100m final in 12.0s; his 2nd victory of the Games after success in the 400m
Hungarian swimmer Alfréd Hajós beats Otto Herschmann of Austria by 0.6s to win the inaugural Olympic 100m freestyle fina
Hungarian swimmer Alfréd Hajós beats Otto Herschmann of Austria by 0.6s to win the inaugural Olympic 100m freestyle final in 1:22.2 at the Athens Games; also takes out the 1,200m on the same day
Stamasia Portrisi is 1st woman to win a marathon (5:30 in Athens)
Stamasia Portrisi is 1st woman to win a marathon (5:30 in Athens)
US Patent Office issues Patent No. 558,393 to Dr John Harvey Kellogg of Battle Creek, Michigan for "flaked cereal, and p
US Patent Office issues Patent No. 558,393 to Dr John Harvey Kellogg of Battle Creek, Michigan for "flaked cereal, and process of making same"
Vitascope system of movie projection 1st shown at Koster & Bial's Music Hall, New York City
Vitascope system of movie projection 1st shown at Koster & Bial's Music Hall, New York City
Fight in Central Dance Hall starts fire at Cripple Creek, Colorado
Fight in Central Dance Hall starts fire at Cripple Creek, Colorado
First edition of the London Daily Mail, costs a halfpenny
The Daily Mail, often known simply as the Mail, is a British daily middle-market tabloid conservative newspaper founded in 1896 and published in London.
Samuel Pierpont Langley flies his unpiloted Number 5 aircraft using a catapult launch from a boat on the Potomac River,
Samuel Pierpont Langley flies his unpiloted Number 5 aircraft using a catapult launch from a boat on the Potomac River, USA. The aircraft travels almost 3/4 of a mile - ten times further than any previous heavier-than-air flying machine.
First horseless carriage show in London features ten models
First horseless carriage show in London features ten models
Lowest US temperature in May recorded (-10°F /-23°C at Climax, Colorado)
Lowest US temperature in May recorded (-10°F /-23°C at Climax, Colorado)
Tornado kills 78 in Texas
The tornado outbreaks of mid-to-late May 1896 were a series of violent and deadly tornado outbreaks that struck much of the Central and Southern United States from May 15 to 28, 1896.
The six-ton chandelier of the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris falls on the crowd, resulting in the death of one pers
The six-ton chandelier of the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris falls on the crowd, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to many others
Bay District Race Track in San Francisco closes
Bay District Race Track in San Francisco closes
First car accident occurs; Henry Wells hits a cyclist in NYC
First car accident occurs; Henry Wells hits a cyclist in NYC
Frank Samuelsen and George Harbo leave NY harbor to row across Atlantic; their 55 day record for rowing was not broken f
Frank Samuelsen and George Harbo leave NY harbor to row across Atlantic; their 55 day record for rowing was not broken for 114 years
First car thief; Baron de Zuylen’s Peugeot is stolen by his mechanic in Paris
First car thief; Baron de Zuylen’s Peugeot is stolen by his mechanic in Paris
US Assay Office in Deadwood South Dakota authorized
US Assay Office in Deadwood South Dakota authorized
England cricket spin bowler Jack Hearne sets record for earliest date taking 100 first-class wickets in a season when he
England cricket spin bowler Jack Hearne sets record for earliest date taking 100 first-class wickets in a season when he captures 9-73 for the MCC in an innings & 18 run drubbing of Australia at Lord's
Temperature hits 127°F at Fort Mojave, California
Temperature hits 127°F at Fort Mojave, California
William S. Hadaway patents an electric stove in the US
William S. Hadaway patents an electric stove in the US
Harbor of Ymuiden opens in the Netherlands
Harbor of Ymuiden opens in the Netherlands
Philadelphia outfielder Ed Delahanty becomes second major leaguer to hit 4 HRs in a game as Phillies lose 9-8 to Chicago
Philadelphia outfielder Ed Delahanty becomes second major leaguer to hit 4 HRs in a game as Phillies lose 9-8 to Chicago Colts at the West Side Grounds, Chicago
Indian-born K. S. Ranjitsinhji debuts for England against Australia in the second Test at Old Trafford; he is the first
Indian-born K. S. Ranjitsinhji debuts for England against Australia in the second Test at Old Trafford; he is the first Indian to play Test cricket
George Giffen is 1st to complete 1000/100 double, in 30th Test Cricket
George Giffen is 1st to complete 1000/100 double, in 30th Test Cricket
National Federation of Colored Women established in Washington, D.C.
The National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC) is an American organization that was formed in July 1896 at the First Annual Convention of the National Federation of Afro-American Women in...
City of Miami is incorporated
The city flag of Miami depicts three horizontal stripes, one orange, one white, and one green, and the city's seal in the middle of the white stripe.
France annexes Madagascar
Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is an island country in the Indian Ocean that includes the island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands.
New Jersey fishermen George Harbo and Frank Samuelson are the first to row across the Atlantic, arriving in Le Havre aft
New Jersey fishermen George Harbo and Frank Samuelson are the first to row across the Atlantic, arriving in Le Havre after leaving Manhattan on June 6 [1]
Harvey Hubbell patents an electric light bulb socket with a pull chain
Harvey Hubbell patents an electric light bulb socket with a pull chain
Willem II soccer team forms in Tilburg, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Willem II soccer team forms in Tilburg, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Adolph Ochs (39) buys The New York Times for $75,000
In August 1896, Chattanooga Times publisher Adolph Ochs acquired The New-York Times, implementing significant alterations to the newspaper's structure.
The dial telephone is patented
A telephone, commonly shortened to phone, is a telecommunications device that enables two or more users to conduct a conversation when they are too far apart to be easily heard directly.
First Cry of the Philippine Revolution is made in Pugad Lawin, Quezon City, in the province of Manila
The Cry of Pugad Lawin (Filipino: Sigaw sa Pugad Lawin, Spanish: Grito de Pugad Lawin) was the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire. In late August 1896, members of the...
Armenian Revolutionary Federation assaults Ottoman Bank in Constantinople to draw attention to mass pogroms and massacre
Armenian Revolutionary Federation assaults Ottoman Bank in Constantinople to draw attention to mass pogroms and massacres of Armenians instigated by Ottoman Sultan Abdul-Hamid II
Britain defeats Zanzibar in a 38-minute war (9:02 am - 9:40 am), the shortest recorded war in history
Britain defeats Zanzibar in a 38-minute war (9:02 am - 9:40 am), the shortest recorded war in history
Chop suey is supposedly invented in NYC by the chef of visiting Chinese diplomat Li Hongzhang
Chop suey is supposedly invented in NYC by the chef of visiting Chinese diplomat Li Hongzhang
Eight provinces in the Philippines are declared under martial law by Spanish Governor General Ramon Blanco, including th
Eight provinces in the Philippines are declared under martial law by Spanish Governor General Ramon Blanco, including the provinces of Batangas, Rizal, Cavite, and Nueva Ecija
Louis Napoleon Parker's play "Rosemary" premieres in NYC
Louis Napoleon Parker's play "Rosemary" premieres in NYC
Beginning of the Bombay plague epidemic when Dr.Acacio Gabriel Viegas detects the first case in Mandvi. Goes on to sprea
Beginning of the Bombay plague epidemic when Dr.Acacio Gabriel Viegas detects the first case in Mandvi. Goes on to spread and kill 12 million in India.
Elephantine Colossus, a vacant seven-story building in the shape of an elephant built in 1885, burns to the ground on Co
Elephantine Colossus, a vacant seven-story building in the shape of an elephant built in 1885, burns to the ground on Coney Island, New York
William Gillette's dramatic play "Secret Service" premieres in New York City
William Gillette's dramatic play "Secret Service" premieres in New York City
First public screening of a motion picture in New Zealand
The cinema of New Zealand refers to films made by New Zealand–based production companies in New Zealand or films made about New Zealand by filmmakers from other countries.
Abyssinia & Italy sign peace treaty
Abyssinia & Italy sign peace treaty
1st Pali Road completed in Hawaii (winds so strong streams flow UP!)
1st Pali Road completed in Hawaii (winds so strong streams flow UP!)
First bare-breasted woman (Zulu) appears in National Geographic Magazine
First bare-breasted woman (Zulu) appears in National Geographic Magazine
J H Hunter patents portable weighing scales
J H Hunter patents portable weighing scales
Jules Vandenpeereboom becomes Belgium's minister of War
Jules Vandenpeereboom becomes Belgium's minister of War
1st US absentee voting law enacted by Vermont
1st US absentee voting law enacted by Vermont
1st large indoor football game, University of Chicago beats University of Michigan 7-6
The 1896 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1896 Western Conference football season.
The first Certified Public Accountants certificates are issued in New York
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the title of qualified accountants in numerous countries in the English-speaking world.
Gerhart Hauptmann's play "Die versunkene Glocke" (The Sunken Bell) premieres in Berlin
Gerhart Hauptmann's play "Die versunkene Glocke" (The Sunken Bell) premieres in Berlin
Japanese Zen Buddist D. T. Suzuki has an awakening at Engakuji temple, in Kamakura
Japanese Zen Buddist D. T. Suzuki has an awakening at Engakuji temple, in Kamakura
Alfred Jarry's play "Ubu Roi" premieres in Paris
Ubu Roi is a play by French writer Alfred Jarry, then 23 years old. It was first performed in Paris in 1896, by Aurélien Lugné-Poe's Théâtre de l'Œuvre at the Nouveau-Théâtre (today, the Théâtre de...
The Glasgow Underground Railway is opened by the Glasgow District Subway Company
The Glasgow Subway (Scottish Gaelic: Fo-rèile Ghlaschu, lit. 'Glasgow under-rail') is an underground light metro system in Glasgow, Scotland.
Famous Births
birth
John dos Passos is born
John dos Passos, American novelist, known for american novelist, was born on 1896-01-14.
birth
George Burns is born
George Burns, American musician, known for american entertainer, was born on 1896-01-20.
birth
Rogers Hornsby is born
Rogers Hornsby, American athlete, known for american baseball player, coach and manager, was born on 1896-04-27.
birth
Dodie Smith is born
Dodie Smith, English novelist and playwright, known for english novelist and playwright, was born on 1896-05-03.
birth
Trygve Lie is born
Trygve Lie is born
birth
F. Scott Fitzgerald is born
F. Scott Fitzgerald writer, known for american writer, was born on 1896-09-24. Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (September 24, 1896 – December 21, 1940), widely known as F.
birth
Bucky Harris is born
Bucky Harris, American athlete, known for american baseball player and manager, was born on 1896-11-08.
birth
Oswald Mosley is born
Oswald Mosley, British fascist politician, known for british fascist politician, was born on 1896-11-16.
birth
Lev Vygotsky is born
Lev Vygotsky, Belarusian soviet psychologist, known for soviet psychologist, was born on 1896-11-17.
birth
André Breton is born
André Breton, French co-founder of surrealism, known for french co-founder of surrealism, was born on 1896-02-18.
Notable Deaths
death
H. H. Holmes dies
H. H. Holmes con artist and serial killer, known for american con artist and serial killer, died on 1896-05-07. Herman Webster Mudgett (May 16, 1861 – May 7, 1896), better known as Dr.
death
Clara Schumann dies
Clara Schumann, German pianist and composer, known for german pianist and composer, died on 1896-05-20. Clara Josephine Schumann was a German pianist, composer, and piano teacher and prodigy.
death
José Rizal dies
José Rizal, Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath, known for filipino nationalist, writer and polymath, died on 1896-12-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in 1896?
- In 1896, there were 103 significant historical events. Notable events include German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of X-rays, American Emile Grubbe is the first doctor to use radiation treatment for breast cancer, Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Boheme" premieres in Turin.
- Who was born in 1896?
- 10 notable figures were born in 1896, including John dos Passos is born, George Burns is born, Rogers Hornsby is born.
- Who died in 1896?
- 3 notable figures passed away in 1896, including H. H. Holmes dies, Clara Schumann dies, José Rizal dies.