On This Day

Historical Events in February 1859

Historic Publication4th Century Bible Discovered

Feb 4 One of the oldest known copies of the Bible, "The Codex Sinaiticus" (Sinai Bible), is seen in Egypt by Constantin von Tischendorf who takes the manuscript home with him

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A page from the Codex Sinaiticus, displaying the Lord's Prayer. The first few letters are part of Matthew 6:4; the first new paragraph denotes Matthew 6:5. The last full sentence is Matthew 6:24; the last incomplete sentence on this page is Matthew 6:25.
A page from the Codex Sinaiticus, displaying the Lord's Prayer. The first few letters are part of Matthew 6:4; the first new paragraph denotes Matthew 6:5. The last full sentence is Matthew 6:24; the last incomplete sentence on this page is Matthew 6:25.
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  • Feb 5 Wallachia and Moldavia are united under Alexander John Cuza as the United Principalities

Battle of InterestThe Indian Mutiny

Feb 10 General Horsford defeats Begum of Oude and Nana Sahib in Indian Mutiny

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Mutineers are executed by the Bengal Horse Artillery, in a painting by Orlando Noire
Mutineers are executed by the Bengal Horse Artillery, in a painting by Orlando Noire
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  • Feb 14 Oregon admitted as 33rd state of the Union
  • Feb 16 The French Government passes a law to set the A-note above middle C to a frequency of 435 Hz, in an attempt to standardize the pitch

Music releaseMusic Premiere

Feb 17 Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Un Ballo in maschera" premieres in Naples

Composer Giuseppe Verdi
Composer
Giuseppe Verdi
  • Feb 25 1st use of "insanity plea" to prove innocence

Event of interestEvent of Interest

Feb 26 Paul Morphy's chess match vs Augustus Mongredien begins; Morphy wins

Chess Player Paul Morphy
Chess Player
Paul Morphy
  • Feb 28 Arkansas legislature requires free blacks to choose exile or slavery

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