On This Day

December 1807 in History

Events in History

  • Dec 17 France issues the Milan Decree, which confirms the Continental System.

Event of interestEvent of Interest

Dec 22 US Congress passes Embargo Act and President Thomas Jefferson signs into law. Prohibits American ships from trading in foreign ports, as result of involvement in hostilities between France and Britain

3rd US President Thomas Jefferson
3rd US President
Thomas Jefferson

Birthdays in History

  • Dec 17 John Greenleaf Whittier, American poet (Snow-bound), born in Haverhill, Massachusetts (d. 1892)
  • Dec 20 Richard Lucian Page, US Navy officer (Confederate Army), born in Clarke County, Virginia (d. 1901)
  • Dec 22 Johann Sebastian Welhaven, Norwegian poet, born in Bergen, Norway (d. 1873)

Deaths in History

  • Dec 3 Clara Reeve, English author (old English baron), dies at 78
  • Dec 4 Prince Hall, activist/Masonic leader, dies in Boston
  • Dec 19 Friedrich Melchior, baron von Grimm, German writer (b. 1723)