On This Day

Historical Events in February 1840

  • Feb 1 Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, 1st in US, incorporated

Treaty of InterestTreaty of Waitangi

Feb 6 The Treaty of Waitangi is signed between 40 Māori Chiefs (later signed by 500) and representatives of the British crown in Waitangi, New Zealand. The treaty was designed to share sovereignty between the two groups.

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The Treaty of Waitangi, signed by the British Crown and various Māori chiefs
The Treaty of Waitangi, signed by the British Crown and various Māori chiefs
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  • Feb 11 Gaetano Donizetti's Opera "La Fille du Regiment" premieres in Paris
  • Feb 12 Housatonic Railroad opens, running from Bridgeport, Connecticut, north to the Massachusetts state line

DiscoveryHistoric Discovery

Feb 16 American Charles Wilkes discovers Shackleton Ice Shelf, Antarctica

Naval Officer and Explorer Charles Wilkes
Naval Officer and Explorer
Charles Wilkes


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