Historical Events from This Year 1836
British Parliament Establishes Civil Registration System
The British Parliament approved a significant act to create a system for registering births, marriages, and deaths. This legislation aimed to improve record-keeping and legal identification within England and Wales, addressing a notable gap in social administration. The act was the first formal step in establishing a civil registration system, making it easier to track demographic changes and personal status in a rapidly evolving society.
Continue ReadingFounding of Houston by Allen Brothers
Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen founded the city of Houston in Texas. They purchased land to establish a new town that would serve as a commercial hub and political center. The location was strategically chosen near Buffalo Bayou, providing access to water transportation, which was vital for trade. The Allen brothers envisioned Houston becoming a city that would flourish in the growing Republic of Texas.
Continue ReadingNarcissa Whitman's Arrival in Walla Walla
Narcissa Whitman, along with her husband Marcus, reached Walla Walla as one of the first English-speaking white women to settle in the region west of the Rocky Mountains. Their journey was part of the larger migration of settlers seeking new opportunities in the American West. As a missionary couple, they aimed to establish a mission and provide education and Christianity to the indigenous populations they encountered.
Continue ReadingSam Houston elected as Texas's first president
Sam Houston was elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas following its declaration of independence from Mexico. This election took place during a crucial time when Texas was establishing its identity and governance after the Texas Revolution. Houston's leadership was essential in guiding the new nation, as he had been a prominent military leader during the conflict. The vote underscored the urgent need for a stable government in the wake of upheaval, reflecting the desires of Texan citizens for unity and strength in their new republic.
Continue ReadingRiograndense Republic Proclaimed After Battle Victory
After defeating the Empire of Brazil's troops in the Battle of Seival, rebel forces proclaimed the Riograndense Republic. This declaration marked a pivotal turn in the Ragamuffin War, showcasing the determination of local leaders and citizens to establish their own governance. The battle, held near the town of Seival, highlighted the conflict's escalating intensity as fighters rallied against central authority, signaling a significant moment in the Brazilian struggle for federalism and regional autonomy.
Continue ReadingAfrikaner Voortrekkers Defend Against Matabele Assault
In a confrontation during the Great Trek, Afrikaner Voortrekkers defended their camp against an attack by the Matabele people. While they successfully repulsed the assault, the Voortrekkers faced a significant setback as they lost a large portion of their livestock, which was a critical resource for their migration and sustenance in the unfamiliar territory of present-day South Africa.
Continue ReadingSam Houston Becomes First President of Texas
Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas in a ceremony held in the temporary capital of Columbia. With the recent victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, this inauguration marked a significant shift in Texas governance. Houston, a veteran of both the U.S. and Texian military, took on the role of a leader tasked with stabilizing the new republic and addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation.
Continue ReadingFrostbitten Convention Votes for Michigan Statehood
The 'Frostbitten Convention' resulted in a critical vote to accept congressional terms for Michigan's admission as a state. Held during a bitterly cold winter in a makeshift location near Detroit, this gathering was marked by its challenging conditions, yet it ultimately united delegates to bring a resolution to the disputed Toledo War. The decision paved the way for Michigan to achieve statehood, addressing long-standing territorial disputes.
Continue ReadingFire at the U.S. Patent Office Building
A significant fire occurred in the U.S. Patent Office building in Washington, D.C., resulting in the destruction of nearly 10,000 patents issued by the federal government, alongside approximately 7,000 related patent models. This catastrophic event drastically impacted the documentation of American inventions and intellectual property rights at that time.
Continue Reading