May 1 Ida Pfeiffer (48) begins trip around world May 3 Mexican Army begins the Siege of Fort Texas near Brownsville, Texas, during the Mexican–American War May 4 US state Michigan ends death penalty Historic Publication May 7 First printed copies of "Poems" by Emily, Charlotte and Anne Brontë received, published under pseudonym of Acton, Currer and Ellis Bell (2 copies sold) Writer Emily Brontë Novelist Charlotte Brontë May 8 1st major battle of Mexican War fought at Palo Alto, Texas May 9 Battle of Resaca de la Palma-US sends Mexico back to Rio Grande May 13 US declares war on Mexico, 2 months after fighting begins May 18 US troops attack Rio Grande occupying Matamoros May 21 1st steamship arrives in Hawaii 1845 Historical Events by Year 1847
