Historical Events in January 1871

  • Jan 1 Belgium disbands salt tax
  • Jan 2 King Amadeus I of Spain inaugurated at 25
  • Jan 3 Oleomargarine patented by Henry Bradley, Binghamton, NY
  • Jan 16 Jefferson Long of Georgia sworn in as 2nd black congressman
  • Jan 17 1st cable car patented, by Andrew Smith Hallidie in the US (begins service in 1873)

Event of interestEvent of Interest

Jan 18 Second German Empire proclaimed by Kaiser Wilhelm I and Otto von Bismarck

German Statesman Otto von Bismarck
German Statesman
Otto von Bismarck
  • Jan 19 1st Negro lodge of US Masons approved, New Jersey
  • Jan 26 Formation of the first Rugby Union at a meeting at Pall Mall restaurant, London, England
  • Jan 26 US income tax repealed
  • Jan 28 Paris surrenders to Prussians
  • Jan 31 Millions of birds fly over western San Francisco, darkening the sky