On This Day

What Happened in 1888

Important 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
  • 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'

Did You Know?

Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony premieres in St Petersburg

On November 17, 1888

Famous People Born in 1888

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World Leaders in 1888

Famous People in 1888

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

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