On This Day

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

Sport defeatBoxing Title Fight

Dec 22 Heavyweight boxing champ John L. Sullivan challenges Jake Kilrain

Heavyweight Boxing Champion John L. Sullivan
Heavyweight Boxing Champion
John L. Sullivan

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

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