What Happened This Year 1873
Historical Events from This Year 1873
Patent for Blue Jeans with Copper Rivets Issued
Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis were awarded a U.S. patent for blue jeans featuring copper rivets on May 20, 1873. The patent was significant as it created a durable work garment designed for miners and laborers during the Gold Rush. This innovation emerged in response to the need for tough clothing that could withstand the rigorous demands of manual labor. The unique rivets reinforced the points of strain on the pants, leading to a more practical clothing option for workers.
Continue ReadingEstablishment of the North-West Mounted Police
The Canadian Parliament created the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) to maintain law and order in Canada's western territories. This was influenced by the need for security amidst the influx of settlers and the need to ensure peaceful relations with Indigenous peoples. The NWMP was tasked with enforcing laws, reducing crime, and preparing for potential challenges associated with western expansion. The establishment aimed at fostering a stable environment for development and governance.
Continue ReadingFirst Black President of a Predominantly White University
Patrick Francis Healy was appointed the president of Georgetown University, making him the first black individual to hold such a position at a predominantly white university in the United States. His appointment marked a significant milestone in the landscape of higher education and demonstrated a progressive shift within academic institutions during the post-Civil War era. Healy, a member of the Society of Jesus, contributed to both the academic and spiritual life of the university, promoting diversification and inclusivity in education.
Continue ReadingClosure of Zanzibar's Slave Market by Sultan Barghash
Sultan Barghash bin Said of Zanzibar issued a decree to close the notorious slave market in Zanzibar in compliance with a treaty agreed upon with Great Britain. This groundbreaking decision signified a major turning point in the region’s stance towards slavery, a deeply entrenched institution at the time. The treaty aimed to curb the slave trade and improve human rights conditions, marking Zanzibar as a key player in the abolitionist movement of the 19th century.
Continue ReadingSusan B. Anthony Fined for Voting Attempt
Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for casting a vote in the 1872 presidential election. She claimed her right to vote based on the 14th Amendment. This act of civil disobedience took place in Rochester, New York, and was a pivotal moment in the women's suffrage movement, emphasizing the struggle for women's voting rights in the United States.
Continue ReadingPrince Edward Island Joins Canadian Confederation
Prince Edward Island became a part of Canada, marking a significant step in the expansion of the Confederation. After considerable deliberation and negotiations, the island's leaders decided to join the Dominion of Canada, addressing various economic issues, including debts and transportation. This move came after a series of conferences and discussions with Canadian leaders, enabling the island to benefit from a broader market and improved infrastructure.
Continue ReadingJesse James Executes First Successful Train Heist
Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang embarked on their first successful train robbery near Adair, Iowa. The gang stopped the train by removing a section of track, causing the locomotive to derail. Afterward, they hoisted a safe from the train, containing nearly $75,000 in cash and bonds, marking a historic moment in the outlaw era of the American Old West. This brazen attack set the stage for future criminal exploits in the region.
Continue ReadingFirst Cable Car Begins Operating in San Francisco
The Clay Street Hill Railroad initiated the first operational cable car in San Francisco, marking a pivotal moment in urban transportation. This innovation addressed steep hills that posed challenges for horse-drawn carriages, providing a reliable means for residents and visitors to traverse the city's rugged terrain. The cable car system would become an iconic symbol of San Francisco's public transport network, significantly impacting daily life.
Continue ReadingCuster's Cavalry Clashes with Cheyenne and Lakota
In Montana, the United States 7th Cavalry, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, engaged the Cheyenne and Lakota tribes near the Tongue River while safeguarding a railroad survey team. This skirmish marked the first interaction between these military forces and Native tribes, resulting in only one casualty on each side, setting the stage for future confrontations.
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