On This Day

Historical Events in August 1846

  • Aug 5 Oregon territory divided between US & Britain at 49th parallel
  • Aug 10 US Act of Congress passes establishing the Smithsonian Institution, now world's largest museum and research complex

Event of interestEvent of Interest

Aug 14 Henry David Thoreau jailed for refusing to pay taxes

Naturalist/Pacifist Henry David Thoreau
Naturalist/Pacifist
Henry David Thoreau
  • Aug 14 The Cape Girardeau meteorite, a 2.3 kg chondrite-type meteorite strikes near the town of Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri.
  • Aug 17 Commodore Robert F Stockton, US Navy, annexes California
  • Aug 18 General Stephen W Kearney's US forces capture Santa Fe, New Mexico

Event of interestEvent of Interest

Aug 26 Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio "Elijah" premieres at the Birmingham Festival in England

Composer and Pianist Felix Mendelssohn
Composer and Pianist
Felix Mendelssohn
  • Aug 26 W A Bartlett appointed 1st US mayor of Yerba Buena (San Francisco)

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