On This Day

Historical Events in February 1880

  • Feb 1 The first edition of theatrical newspaper The Stage is published.
  • Feb 2 SS Strathleven arrives in London with first shipment of frozen Australian mutton
  • Feb 4 Steele MacKay's play "Hazel Kirke" premieres in New York City

Murder of Interest

Feb 4 "Black Donnelly" massacre in Biddulph, Ontario, Canada: Irish immigrants James (63), Johannah (56), John (32), Thomas (25) and Bridget (21) Donnelly murdered at home by members of the Vigilance Committee

James Donnelly
Squatter James Donnelly

Catholic Encyclical

Feb 10 Pope Leo XIII publishes encyclical Arcanum about Christian marriage

Leo XIII
256th Pope Leo XIII
  • Feb 12 US National Croquet League organizes (Philadelphia)
  • Feb 16 American Society of Mechanical Engineers forms (NYC)

Assassination Attempt

Feb 17 Alexander II of Russia survives an assassination attempt

Alexander II
Tsar of Russia Alexander II
  • Feb 29 Gotthard railway tunnel between Switzerland & Italy completed

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