On This Day

Historical Events in May 1856

  • May 7 Argentina & Brazil sign a navigation pact
  • May 15 2nd San Francisco Vigilance Committee organized
  • May 19 Senator Charles Sumner of Massachesetts speaks out against slavery
  • May 21 Lawrence, Kansas, is captured and sacked by pro-slavery forces
  • May 22 Violence in the US Senate, South Carolina rep Brooks uses a cane on Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner

Event of interestEvent of Interest

May 24 Pottawatomie Massacre: John Brown and abolitionist settlers kill five pro-slavery settlers in Franklin County, Kansas

Abolitionist John Brown
Abolitionist
John Brown
  • May 27 Doctor William Palmer (the Rugeley Poisoner) found guilty of poisoning in Stafford, England

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