- Dec 11 French Panama Canal Company fails
- Dec 18 Richard Wetherill and his brother in-law discover the ancient Anasazi ruins of Mesa Verde, Colorado
Historic Expedition
Dec 19 Henry Morton Stanley's expedition reaches Fort Bodo, East-Africa

Henry Morton Stanley
Boxing Title Fight
Dec 22 Heavyweight boxing champ John L. Sullivan challenges Jake Kilrain

John L. Sullivan
Event of Interest
Dec 23 Vincent van Gogh cuts off his left ear with a razor, after argument with fellow painter Paul Gauguin, and sends to a prostitute for safe keeping

Vincent van Gogh

Paul Gauguin