What Happened This Year 1639

Historical Events from This Year 1639

Politics & Government

Hämeenlinna Established as Independent City

January 19th, 1639 386 years ago

Hämeenlinna, previously part of Vanaja parish, was granted its own city privileges in Tavastia. This significant development marked the evolution of local governance in the region, highlighting the growth of settlements in Finland. As the capital of the Tavastia region, Hämeenlinna's new status facilitated its administrative autonomy, fostering economic and social development in the area. The separation from Vanaja parish allowed for more localized decision-making and resource management.

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Politics & Government

First Meeting of Barbados House of Assembly

February 3rd, 1639 386 years ago

The House of Assembly in Barbados convened for the first time, establishing a legislative body in the colony. This assembly included members elected by white landowners, which laid the groundwork for representative governance in Barbados amidst its growing plantation economy.

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Education & Academia

Harvard College is Named After John Harvard

March 13th, 1639 386 years ago

Harvard College was established in 1636 and officially named in honor of clergyman John Harvard in 1639. John Harvard, an early benefactor of the institution, bequeathed half of his estate and his library of over 400 books to the college after his death. The naming reflected the significant support he provided, which helped to shape the early years of the institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The act acknowledged his contributions to the education sector and emphasized the importance of religious and scholarly pursuits.

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Military & Warfare

Swedish Victory at the Battle of Chemnitz

April 14th, 1639 385 years ago

The Battle of Chemnitz marked a significant defeat for the forces of the Holy Roman Empire and the Electorate of Saxony at the hands of Swedish troops. This battle, taking place in the context of the Thirty Years' War, diminished the military effectiveness of the Saxon army during the ongoing conflict. Following this defeat, the Swedes were able to capitalize on their victory and advance further into Bohemia, changing the dynamics of power in the region.

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Politics & Government

William Coddington Establishes Newport, Rhode Island

May 8th, 1639 385 years ago

William Coddington, a prominent Puritan leader, founded Newport, Rhode Island, after fleeing religious persecution in Massachusetts. He was joined by several fellow dissenters who shared his vision of creating a community that respected individual liberties and religious freedoms. Coddington purchased Aquidneck Island from the Narragansett tribe, and the settlement quickly grew as an essential hub for trade and commerce in the region. This development set a precedent for the establishment of additional settlements in the area, reflecting the broader movement toward greater autonomy and self-governance.

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Politics & Government

Founding of Madras by British East India Company

August 22nd, 1639 385 years ago

The British East India Company established Madras after acquiring land from local Nayak rulers. The chosen site was a small strip of land between the ocean and an inland river, which offered strategic advantages. This new settlement would become a significant trading hub and a center for British operations in southern India, reflecting the growing influence of the Company in the region. The deal was negotiated by Francis Day and was crucial for subsequent British expansion.

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