What Happened This Year 1805

Historical Events from This Year 1805 (View all 27)

Politics & Government

Creation of the Michigan Territory

January 11th, 1805 220 years ago

The Michigan Territory was officially established, separating it from the Northwest Territory. This move laid the groundwork for Michigan's future statehood. President Thomas Jefferson approved the act, which appointed William Hull as the first territorial governor. The region was becoming increasingly important for settlement due to its natural resources and strategic location near the Great Lakes.

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Politics & Government

Samuel Chase Acquitted in Senate Impeachment Trial

March 1st, 1805 220 years ago

Justice Samuel Chase faced impeachment by the U.S. House of Representatives due to allegations of misconduct. The trial took place in the Senate, where he defended his actions during his judicial tenure. Ultimately, after extensive debate, the Senate acquitted him of all charges, preserving his position on the Supreme Court. This acquittal was significant in shaping the future of judicial independence in the United States.

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Politics & Government

Italy Declares Kingdom Under Napoleon's Rule

March 17th, 1805 219 years ago

The Italian Republic transitioned into the Kingdom of Italy, establishing Napoleon Bonaparte as its king. This transformation marked a significant shift in Italian governance and was part of Napoleon's broader ambitions in Europe. The declaration took place amid the ongoing restructuring of territories and power dynamics following the Napoleonic Wars. Rivoli, a town in northern Italy, becamethe focal point of this new political entity, reflecting Napoleon's influence on the region’s governance.

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Exploration & Discovery

Corps of Discovery Resumes Journey Westward

April 7th, 1805 219 years ago

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, known as the Corps of Discovery, broke camp among the Mandan tribe and continued its journey west along the Missouri River. The team had spent the winter with the Mandans, developing relationships and gathering vital information. Upon breaking camp, they resumed navigating the river, eager to uncover what lay beyond the next bend, driven by their mission to explore the newly acquired territories of the United States and to find a route to the Pacific Ocean.

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Arts & Culture

Beethoven Premieres His Third Symphony

April 7th, 1805 219 years ago

Ludwig van Beethoven premiered his Third Symphony at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna, marking a significant moment in classical music. Known as the Eroica Symphony, it was originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, reflecting Beethoven's admiration for revolutionary ideals. This symphony represented a shift towards more emotional depth and complexity in composition, showcasing Beethoven's boldness in challenging traditional forms.

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Military & Warfare

United States Marines Capture Derne

April 26th, 1805 219 years ago

United States Marines, led by First Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon, captured the strategic city of Derne in Tripoli. This military engagement was part of the First Barbary War, which highlighted the young nation’s willingness to confront piracy and protect its commerce. The successful siege of Derne marked a significant moment in U.S. military history as it demonstrated the effectiveness of the Navy and Marine Corps working together in overseas operations.

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Born in 1805 (View all 56)

John Bigler

American politician, 3rd Governor of California
Born
January 8th, 1805 220 years ago
Died
1871 154 years ago — 66 years old

Served as the 3rd Governor of California from 1852 to 1856. Played a significant role in the state during its early years and advocated for the development of the state's infrastructure and education system. Worked as a lawyer and later became a diplomat. Participated in various political activities and held several local governmental positions prior to the governorship.

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Orson Hyde

Religious leader, 3rd President of Quorum
Born
January 8th, 1805 220 years ago
Died
November 28th, 1878 146 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent religious leader, served as the 3rd President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles within the Latter Day Saint movement. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of the church's presence in the United States and advocated for the establishment of a Mormon settlement in the Salt Lake Valley. Contributed to missionary work and the expansion of church doctrines. Known for significant speeches and works that outlined the church's theology during the 19th century.

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Thomas Dyer

American Lawyer and 18th Mayor of Chicago
Born
January 13th, 1805 220 years ago
Died
1862 163 years ago — 57 years old

A lawyer and politician, served as the 18th Mayor of Chicago from 1857 to 1858. Played a significant role in the early development of the city during a time of rapid growth and change. Advocated for infrastructure improvements and urban planning to accommodate the increasing population. Had a background in law, aligning with his political career in a burgeoning metropolis navigating the complexities of governance.

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Samuel Palmer

English painter and etcher
Born
January 27th, 1805 220 years ago
Died
May 24th, 1881 143 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent figure in the Romantic movement, this artist specialized in landscape painting and etching. The focus was often on pastoral scenes and rural life, utilizing a unique approach that combined realism with a mystical quality. Major works include 'The Harvest Moon' and 'Home by the Sea', which showcase a deep appreciation for nature and rural English scenes. Engaging with various artistic groups, particularly the Ancients, influenced the stylistic development throughout the career.

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Jean Baptiste Charbonneau

Explorer of the American West and Louisiana
Born
February 11th, 1805 220 years ago
Died
1866 159 years ago — 61 years old

Born to a Shoshone mother and a French Canadian father, Charbonneau was brought up in the North American wilderness. He accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition as a guide and interpreter in 1804-1806, contributing valuable knowledge about the land and the indigenous peoples. After the expedition, he served as a fur trader and explored various parts of the West. Charbonneau later played a role in the Oregon Trail migration and helped settlers navigate to the Pacific Northwest.

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Peter Gustav Lejeune Dirichlet

German mathematician and academic
Born
February 13th, 1805 220 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1859 165 years ago — 54 years old

Contributed significantly to number theory, analysis, and mathematical physics. Introduced Dirichlet's theorem on arithmetic progressions, which established conditions for prime numbers in specific sequences. Developed the concept of a Dirichlet series and made advances in the study of functions, particularly Dirichlet conditions. Served as a professor at the University of Göttingen for many years, influencing future generations of mathematicians.

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People Who Died in 1805 (View all 27)

Noble Wimberly Jones

American physician and politician
Born
1723 302 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1805 220 years ago — 82 years old

Practiced medicine in Georgia and became a prominent political figure during the American Revolution. Served in the Continental Congress and played a crucial role in Georgia's early state government. Contributed to the establishment of medical practice standards in the state. Was involved in the drafting and support of legislation that affected public health and welfare. Engaged in various civic activities throughout his life.

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David Ker

Irish-American educator and judge
Died
January 21st, 1805 220 years ago — None years old

An educator and judge who contributed to the development of legal education in the early 19th century. Worked as a professor of law at the College of William & Mary, emphasizing the importance of studying law from a practical perspective. As a judge, influenced legal practices and education during a formative period in American jurisprudence. His efforts helped elevate the standards of legal instruction and practice.

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Claude Chappe

French engineer and semaphore inventor
Born
1763 262 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 1805 220 years ago — 42 years old

An engineer developed the optical telegraph system in France during the late 18th century, which utilized a series of towers with movable arms to convey messages over long distances. This innovation laid the groundwork for future telecommunications technology. The first operational line was established between Paris and Lille in 1794, significantly improving communication speed for the military and government.

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Thomas Pownall

English politician, Governor of Massachusetts
Born
1722 303 years ago
Died
February 25th, 1805 220 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent English politician served as the Governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay from 1757 to 1759. Pownall was instrumental in the administration of colonial affairs and engaged in discussions surrounding governance in the American colonies. His tenure involved navigating complex political landscapes and addressing issues between the colonies and the British Parliament. After his governorship, he returned to England, where he continued to be active in politics.

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Jean-Baptiste Greuze

French painter of genre scenes
Born
August 21st, 1725 299 years ago
Died
March 4th, 1805 220 years ago — 79 years old

Born in France, a prominent painter created works characterized by their emotional depth and attention to detail. Greuze specialized in genre scenes and portraiture, achieving fame during the 18th century. The artist's paintings often conveyed moral and sentimental themes, appealing to the tastes of the time. Greuze received acclaim for his ability to capture the human experience in a relatable manner, resulting in numerous commissions from patrons and collectors. His style influenced many artists of the period.

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William Petty

Irish-English politician, Prime Minister
Born
May 2nd, 1737 287 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1805 219 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1737, a prominent politician in Great Britain served as Prime Minister from 1782 to 1783. Held significant positions, including the 2nd Earl of Shelburne. Focused on liberal economic policies and promoted free trade. Played a role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the American Revolutionary War. Contributed to the establishment of the British political landscape during a time of significant change.

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