Historical Events in December 1888

  • 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

DiscoveryHistoric Expedition

Dec 19 Henry Morton Stanley's expedition reaches Fort Bodo, East-Africa

Journalist and Explorer Henry Morton Stanley
Journalist and Explorer
Henry Morton Stanley
  • Dec 22 Heavyweight boxing champ John L Sullivan challenges Jake Kilrain

Event of interestEvent 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

Painter Vincent van Gogh
Painter
Vincent van Gogh
Painter and Sculptor Paul Gauguin
Painter and Sculptor
Paul Gauguin
  • Dec 25 1st indoor baseball game played at fairgrounds in Philadelphia
  • Dec 30 Belgium: king Leopold II installs Order of African Star