What Happened This Year 1879

Historical Events from This Year 1879

Entertainment

Renaming Gilmore's Garden to Madison Square Garden

May 31st, 1879 145 years ago

William Henry Vanderbilt announced the renaming of Gilmore's Garden in New York City to Madison Square Garden, enhancing the space's reputation and aligning it with the city’s cultural and recreational aspirations. The venue opened to the public at the intersection of 26th Street and Madison Avenue, promoting a mix of entertainment including concerts and sports events, establishing a legacy in live performance venues.

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Military & Warfare

Napoléon Eugène Dies in Zulu Conflict

June 1st, 1879 145 years ago

Napoléon Eugène, the son of Napoleon III, was killed in action during the Anglo-Zulu War at the Battle of Isandlwana. Serving as a captain in the British Army, he fought alongside British forces against the Zulu Kingdom in present-day South Africa. His death marked the end of the Bonaparte dynasty's prominence in European politics and left his family with a legacy intertwined with the conflicts of the time.

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Religion & Philosophy

Launch of The Watchtower Magazine

July 1st, 1879 145 years ago

Charles Taze Russell published the inaugural issue of The Watchtower, a religious magazine that would become instrumental in disseminating the beliefs of the Bible Student movement. This publication's mission was to provide Biblical insights and encourage readers to pursue a deeper understanding of Scripture. Russell aimed to challenge traditional Christian doctrines and promote the idea of God's Kingdom as the central theme of Christian hope. The magazine began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and quickly gained readership among those interested in non-Trinitarian Christian beliefs.

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Military & Warfare

British Troops Capture and Burn Ulundi

July 4th, 1879 145 years ago

British forces captured Ulundi, the capital of the Zulu Kingdom, leading to its destruction. This decisive action effectively ended the Anglo-Zulu War, forcing King Cetshwayo into exile. The battle was marked by fierce engagement and significant tactical maneuvers by the British army, showcasing their military might and strategic planning against the Zulu warriors.

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Exploration & Discovery

USS Jeannette Sets Sail for the North Pole

July 8th, 1879 145 years ago

The USS Jeannette departed from San Francisco on an expedition aimed at reaching the North Pole. Commanded by George Washington DeLong, this ambitious voyage was financed by newspaper mogul James Gordon Bennett Jr. The ship, outfitted for Arctic exploration, aimed to navigate uncharted territories. However, the expedition was doomed from the start, as extreme weather conditions and the harsh Arctic environment posed significant challenges to the crew's survival.

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Religion & Philosophy

Apparition of the Virgin Mary in Knock

August 21st, 1879 145 years ago

Locals in Knock, County Mayo, reported witnessing an apparition of the Virgin Mary, alongside St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist, while they were gathered at the village church. This event was characterized by a radiant vision of the figures and took place on a rainy evening. As news of the apparition spread, it transformed the small village into a significant Catholic pilgrimage site, leading thousands to visit and honor the sighting.

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Military & Warfare

Cetshwayo's Capture by British Forces

August 28th, 1879 145 years ago

Cetshwayo kaMpande, the last king of the Zulus, was captured by British forces at the conclusion of the Anglo-Zulu War. After a protracted conflict and significant battles, he was found near the border of Natal and was taken into custody, marking a critical moment in the British colonial expansion in Southern Africa. This capture initiated a series of political changes affecting the Zulu kingdom.

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Military & Warfare

Massacre at the British Residency in Kabul

September 3rd, 1879 145 years ago

In Kabul, British envoy Sir Louis Cavagnari and 72 men were killed by Afghan troops while defending the British Residency. Their valor and steadfastness became renowned, symbolizing loyalty amidst conflict. This tragic confrontation highlighted the volatility in British-Afghan relations.

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Arts & Culture

Inaugural Lighting of Blackpool Illuminations

September 18th, 1879 145 years ago

The Blackpool Illuminations were switched on for the first time in 1879. This event launched a spectacular display of lights along the seafront of Blackpool, England, attracting tourists from far and wide. Originally intended to promote tourism, the illuminations showcased over 8,000 gas lamps that lit up the area in a dazzling array of colors. It marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition that would become an iconic feature of Blackpool’s tourist appeal.

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