What Happened in 1888

Significant Events

  • 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
  • Jun 29 First (known) recording of classical music made, Handel's Israel in Egypt on wax cylinder
  • 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
  • Oct 17 Thomas Edison files a patent for the Optical Phonograph (the first movie)
  • 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
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Did You Know?

Frederick Douglass is 1st African-American nominated for US President

On June 23, 1888


World Leaders in 1888

Famous People in 1888

Famous People Born in 1888

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Would You Believe?

1888 Moradabad hailstorm: hail stones allegedly as big as oranges kill 246 people and some 1600 sheep and cattle in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh

On April 30, 1888

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