What Happened This Year 1862

Historical Events from This Year 1862 (View all 89)

Accidents & Tragedies

Hartley Colliery mining disaster strikes

January 16th, 1862 163 years ago

A catastrophic explosion occurred at Hartley Colliery in Northumberland, England, resulting in the deaths of 204 miners and young boys. The disaster was mainly caused by the ignition of gas in the mine, trapping workers deep underground. Immediate rescue efforts were hampered by the unsafe conditions following the explosion, leading to a grim outcome. The scale of the tragedy prompted widespread public outcry and highlighted the desperate need for improved safety regulations in the mining industry, ultimately resulting in legislative changes that mandated multiple means of escape in all collieries.

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Military & Warfare

Confederate Loss at Battle of Mill Springs

January 19th, 1862 163 years ago

The Battle of Mill Springs marked a significant defeat for the Confederacy, occurring in Pulaski County, Kentucky. Union forces, led by Brigadier General George H. Thomas, decisively engaged Confederate troops under General Felix Zollicoffer. This strategic confrontation resulted in a Union victory, showcasing the effectiveness of Thomas's command and marking a pivotal moment in early Civil War operations.

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Military & Warfare

USS Monitor Launched as Ironclad Warship

January 30th, 1862 163 years ago

The USS Monitor, the first American ironclad warship, was launched in January 1862 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York. Designed by engineer John Ericsson, this revolutionary vessel was created to address the ongoing naval warfare during the American Civil War. Its launch marked a significant moment in naval history, demonstrating the shift from wooden ships to ironclad vessels. The ship would play a pivotal role in the Battle of Hampton Roads, highlighting the effectiveness of iron over wood in shipbuilding.

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Space Exploration

Discovery of Sirius B by Alvan Graham Clark

January 31st, 1862 163 years ago

Alvan Graham Clark discovered the white dwarf star Sirius B using an 18.5-inch telescope, which is now housed at Northwestern University. This marked the first identification of a white dwarf companion to the prominent star Sirius, showcasing advancements in astronomical technology and observational techniques of the era.

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Politics & Government

Formal Unification of Moldavia and Wallachia

February 3rd, 1862 163 years ago

Moldavia and Wallachia united to form the Romanian United Principalities, marking a significant step towards modern Romanian statehood. This union emerged to strengthen the cultural and political ties between the two regions, which had historically shared ethnic and linguistic commonalities. Led by leaders such as Alexandru Ion Cuza, the unification aimed to establish a consolidated and more powerful entity in the Balkan region. The move was essential for fostering national identity and accelerating the push for independence from foreign empires.

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Military & Warfare

Union Forces Capture Fort Henry

February 6th, 1862 163 years ago

Forces under the command of Ulysses S. Grant and Andrew H. Foote captured Fort Henry in Tennessee, marking the Union's first significant victory in the American Civil War. This strategic fortification controlled access to the Tennessee River, and its capture allowed Union forces to launch further operations in the region. The victory was achieved through coordinated naval and land assaults, demonstrating effective military tactics and communication. The successful operation bolstered Union morale and set the stage for further campaigns in the western theater of the war.

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Born in 1862 (View all 122)

Matthew Nathan

English soldier and Queensland Governor
Born
January 3rd, 1862 163 years ago
Died
1939 86 years ago — 77 years old

Served as a British Army officer and later became the 13th Governor of Queensland from 1904 to 1908. Oversaw various administrative duties and contributed to the development of the region during a time of growth. His tenure involved addressing issues related to land administration and public welfare, enhancing the governance framework in Queensland.

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Frank Nelson Doubleday

American publisher and founder of Doubleday
Born
January 8th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1934 91 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent American publisher, founded Doubleday Publishing Company in 1897, which became one of the most recognized publishing firms in the United States. Played a significant role in publishing numerous bestsellers, including works by writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Stephen King. Oversaw the launch of a variety of genres, helping to shape the literary landscape of the 20th century. Served as the president of the American Booksellers Association and held leadership roles in various industry organizations.

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Carrie Derick

Canadian botanist and geneticist
Born
January 14th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
November 10th, 1941 83 years ago — 79 years old

Specialized in plant genetics and contributed significantly to the understanding of heredity and hybridization in plants. Assisted in establishing the McGill University botanical garden. Pioneered the study of plant biology and genetics in Canada, influencing the fields of agriculture and horticulture.

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David Hilbert

Mathematician known for Hilbert's problems
Born
January 23rd, 1862 163 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1943 82 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent German mathematician contributed significantly to various fields of mathematics. Developed Hilbert's problems, a set of 23 unsolved problems that shaped future research in mathematics. Formulated important concepts in algebra, geometry, and mathematical logic. Hilbert's work on formalism in mathematics provided a foundation for the development of mathematical proofs. Served as a professor at the University of Göttingen, influencing many students and mathematicians during his career.

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Frank Shuman

American inventor of solar energy systems
Born
January 23rd, 1862 163 years ago
Died
1918 107 years ago — 56 years old

An inventor and engineer contributed significantly to renewable energy through pioneering solar technology. Developed the first solar steam engine, which utilized sunlight to produce energy. Designed solar power plants and advocated for solar energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Involved in large-scale solar power projects, demonstrating the potential of capturing solar energy for practical use.

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Edith Wharton

Novelist and short story writer, The Age of Innocence
Born
January 24th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
August 11th, 1937 87 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1862, this American novelist and short story writer focused on the lives and morals of the American upper class during the Gilded Age. The career began with publishing poetry and short stories in magazines. A significant work, The Age of Innocence, was published in 1920, earning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921. The writing often explored themes of societal constraints and the complexities of human relationships. Other notable works include Ethan Frome and The House of Mirth. In addition to fiction, the writer also authored several works on architecture and design, reflecting a deep interest in aestheticism.

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People Who Died in 1862 (View all 51)

Mikhail Ostrogradsky

Mathematician and physicist
Born
September 24th, 1801 223 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1862 163 years ago — 60 years old

Contributions included significant work in mathematics and physics, particularly in the field of calculus and differential equations. Developed the Ostrogradsky theorem, which addresses the moments and centers of mass of a curve. Made advancements in the understanding of variational principles in mathematical physics.

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Samuel Colt

American engineer and inventor of firearms
Born
July 19th, 1814 210 years ago
Died
January 10th, 1862 163 years ago — 47 years old

An engineer and businessman who founded Colt's Manufacturing Company in 1855. Colt revolutionized the firearms industry with the development of the revolver. The invention of the Colt Paterson revolver in 1836 allowed for multiple shots without reloading, enhancing the effectiveness of firearms. The company's products became widely used in the military and law enforcement. Colt's innovations established a standard for future firearm designs.

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John Tyler

10th President of the United States
Born
March 29th, 1790 234 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1862 163 years ago — 71 years old

Served as the 10th President of the United States from 1841 to 1845 after the death of William Henry Harrison. Played a key role in the annexation of Texas and was the first vice president to succeed to the presidency due to a president's death. He faced significant opposition from his own party, the Whigs, leading to conflicts over policies and party loyalty. After leaving the presidency, remained active in politics and became a supporter of the Confederacy during the Civil War.

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Felix Zollicoffer

Confederate general and politician
Born
1812 213 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1862 163 years ago — 50 years old

Contributed to the Confederate cause during the American Civil War. Held the rank of general and participated in key battles, including the Battle of Mill Springs. Served in the U.S. House of Representatives before the war, representing Tennessee. Was known for his leadership in military strategies and local governance.

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Božena Němcová

Czech author and poet, 'Babička'
Born
1820 205 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1862 163 years ago — 42 years old

An influential Czech author and poet, this individual was a leading figure in Czech literature during the 19th century. The literary work 'Babička' depicted rural life in Bohemia and has become a staple of Czech literature. Themes of family, tradition, and nature were prevalent in works, resonating with many readers of the time. Active in a time of national revival, the individual contributed to the Czech cultural and literary landscape. Besides writing, efforts to promote Czech language and culture also marked this person's contributions. Several stories captured the essence of Czech identity and served as a rallying point during a period of heightened national sentiment.

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Jean-Baptiste Biot

French physicist and astronomer
Born
April 21st, 1774 250 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1862 163 years ago — 87 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of physics and astronomy in the 19th century. Focused on polarization of light, determining the laws governing it. Developed methods for measuring the density of gases and participated in expeditions to observe celestial events. Authored several works on astronomy and mathematics.

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