On This Day

What Happened in 1888

Important Events in 1888

  • Jan 27 The National Geographic Society is founded in Washington, D.C. for "the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge"
  • Mar 2 The Convention of Constantinople signed, guaranteeing free maritime passage through the Suez Canal during war and peace
  • Aug 21 American inventor William Seward Burroughs patents the adding machine
  • Sep 7 Edith Eleanor McLean is 1st baby to be placed in an incubator at State Emigrant Hospital on Ward’s Island, New York
  • Dec 23 Vincent van Gogh cuts off his left ear with a razor, after argument with fellow painter Paul Gauguin, and sends to a prostitute for safe keeping

More Historical Events

1888 in Music

  • Jun 29 First (known) recording of classical music made, Handel's Israel in Egypt on wax cylinder

1888 in Sport

  • Feb 22 “Father of American Golf” John Reid first demonstrates golf on a Yonkers cow pasture to friends
  • Oct 3 New Zealand Natives, a privately organised and mainly Māori rugby team, plays first game in UK; beats Surry 4-1; first national rugby team to wear all-black & perform the 'haka'

Do you know this fact about today?Did You Know?

Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony premieres in St Petersburg

On November 17, 1888

Famous People Born in 1888

More Famous Birthdays

Famous People in 1888

World Leaders in 1888

Would you believe this fact about today?Would You Believe?

Longest US men's single tennis tournament match Palmer Presbrey defeats T S Tailer, 19-21, 8-6, 6-1, 6-4, an 80 game 1st-round contest

On August 20, 1888

Famous Weddings in 1888


Famous People Who Died in 1888

More Famous Deaths

1888 in Articles and Photos

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