On This Day

Historical Events in January 1885

  • Jan 2 General Wolseley receives last distress signal of General Gordon in Khartoum
  • Jan 3 The beginning of the Battle of Nui Bop in the Sino-French War
  • Jan 4 Dr William Grant of Iowa, performs 1st appendectomy in America on Mary Gartside, aged 22

Theater Premiere

Jan 11 Henrik Ibsen's play "Vildauden," (The Wild Duck) premieres in Oslo

Henrik Ibsen
Playwright Henrik Ibsen
  • Jan 17 Battle of Abu Klea (Battle of Abu Tulayh), Sudan: British Desert Column defeat Mahdist forces: 76 British and 1,100 Mahdists killed
  • Jan 19 Battle of Abu Kru (Battle of Gubat), Sudan: British Desert Column defeat Mahdist forces: 121 British and untold Mahdists killed

Music History

Jan 25 Vincent d'Indy's "Saugefleurie" premieres

Vincent d'Indy
Composer Vincent d'Indy
  • Jan 26 Muhammad Ahmed ("Mahdi") rebels conquer Khartoum

Historic Event

Jan 28 Commission for Auguste Rodin's sculpture 'The Burghers of Calais' signed by the Municipal Council of Calais.

Auguste Rodin
Sculptor Auguste Rodin


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