Apr 29
Today In History

Historical Events in 1879

1879 Anglo-Zulu War Begins: The Anglo-Zulu War commences, leading to significant conflicts between British forces and the Zulu Kingdom.

1879 The Battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War ended in a shocking British defeat, forever etching this battle into the annals of military history.

1879 A mere 15 kilometers from Isandlwana, the Battle of Rorke's Drift took place during the Anglo-Zulu War, resulting in a triumphant British victory that contrasted starkly with the earlier Isandlwana battle.

1879 The Anglo-Zulu War takes a dramatic turn as the Battle of Rorke's Drift concludes, leaving an indelible mark on history and military tactics.

1879 Birth of the Bulgarian National Bank: The Bulgarian National Bank is founded, contributing to Bulgaria's financial stability and growth.

1879 Sandford Fleming pioneers the idea of Universal Standard Time, proposing a revolutionary concept at a meeting of the Royal Canadian Institute.

1879 Lord Harris's England cricket team faces an unexpected riot during a match in Sydney, marking a tumultuous chapter in sports history.

1879 The War of the Pacific erupts when the Chilean Army seizes the Bolivian port city of Antofagasta, setting the stage for a regional conflict.

1879 US President Rutherford B. Hayes's bill opens the Supreme Court doors to female attorneys.

1879 Utica, New York, witnessed the opening of Frank Woolworth's pioneering five-and-dime store, heralding a retail revolution that would resonate across the nation.

1879 In 1879, Shō Tai, the King of Ryūkyū, formally abdicated his position under orders from Tokyo, effectively bringing an end to the Ryukyu Kingdom.

1879 The War of the Pacific commenced with the Battle of Topáter on March 23, 1879. This battle pitted Chile against the joint forces of Bolivia and Peru, marking the beginning of a significant conflict that reshaped the political landscape of South America.

1879 The Battle of Kambula, a critical engagement during the Anglo-Zulu War, witnesses British forces emerging victorious over a formidable Zulu army of 20,000 warriors.

1879 A declaration of war reverberates across South America as Bolivia confronts Chile, heralding the War of the Pacific.

1879 A devastating fire consumed the second main building and dome of the University of Notre Dame in 1879, prompting the construction of the iconic golden-domed Main Building.

1879 On May 14, 1879, the first group of 463 Indian indentured laborers arrived in Fiji aboard the Leonidas, shaping the cultural and labor landscape of the island nation.

1879 The Battle of Iquique witnessed a clash between Chilean and Peruvian ships, an episode during the War of the Pacific with implications for the region's history.

1879 Russia and the United Kingdom sign the Treaty of Gandamak, a unique agreement that paves the way for the establishment of an Afghan state. This treaty reflects the intricate geopolitical interests of the time in Central Asia.

1879 Gilmore's Garden in New York City transformed into Madison Square Garden, a cultural and sporting epicenter, forever etching its legacy.

1879 In 1879, Charles Taze Russell published the first edition of the religious magazine "The Watchtower." This publication would go on to become associated with the Jehovah's Witnesses religious movement.

1879 The Anglo-Zulu War came to a dramatic conclusion as British troops captured the Zululand capital of Ulundi, forcing King Cetshwayo to flee and marking the end of the war.

1879 In 1879, the sailing ship USS Jeannette embarked on an ill-fated expedition from San Francisco, beginning a treacherous journey to the North Pole that would capture the world's imagination.

1879 The apparition of Our Lady of Knock in County Mayo, Ireland, transformed a rural spot into a Catholic pilgrimage site, becoming a source of spiritual significance.

1879 The Anglo-Zulu War reaches a pivotal juncture as Cetshwayo, the last king of the Zulus, is captured by the British, reshaping the dynamics of the conflict.

1879 : In a heroic and tragic stand, British envoy Sir Louis Cavagnari and 72 men of the Guides were massacred by Afghan troops while defending the British Residency in Kabul. Their bravery became legendary in the British Empire.

1879 The Blackpool Illuminations dazzle for the first time, illuminating the British seaside town and becoming a cherished annual tradition.

1879 The signing of the "Twofold Covenant" between Germany and Austria-Hungary solidifies the Dual Alliance, shaping European geopolitics.

1879 The Battle of Angamos witnessed the Chilean Navy's triumph over the Peruvian Navy in the War of the Pacific.

1879 Thomas Edison takes a pivotal step toward illuminating the world, applying for a patent for his groundbreaking design of the incandescent light bulb.

1879 Thomas Edison's groundbreaking experiment sees the first practical electric incandescent light bulb illuminate the world for 13 ½ hours.

1879 Henrik Ibsen's iconic play, "A Doll's House," captivates audiences as it premieres at Copenhagen's Royal Theatre in Denmark.

1879 The tragic Tay Bridge disaster unfolds in Dundee, Scotland, as the central part of the Tay Rail Bridge collapses, claiming the lives of 75 individuals.

1879 Thomas Edison captivated the world as he unveiled incandescent lighting to the public for the first time in Menlo Park, New Jersey, illuminating the path to modern illumination.

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