Category Archives: 1840s

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends Mexican–American War 170 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 2 1848)


Video: 'Documentary_The Mexican - American War' (Feb. 2, 1848 at 1:21:08)

(Wednesday, February 2, 1848) — The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed today at the main altar of the old Basilica of Guadalupe at Villa Hidalgo, now a neighborhood in northern Mexico City, ending the Mexican-American War after nearly two years of fighting. Continue reading Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends Mexican–American War 170 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Feb 2 1848)

James W. Marshall discovers gold in California 170 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 24 1848)


Video: 'The Start of the California Gold Rush (1849)'

(Monday, January 24, 1848)James W. Marshall, a foreman working for Sacramento pioneer John Sutter, found shiny metal today in the tailrace of a lumber mill Marshall was building for Sutter on the American River, near Coloma in northern California — a discovery that led to the California Gold Rush. Continue reading James W. Marshall discovers gold in California 170 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jan 24 1848)

Iowa admitted to Union as 29th state 170 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 28 1846)


Video: 'Iowa - 50 States - US Geography'

(Monday, December 28, 1846)Iowa, located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by the Mississippi River on the east and the Missouri River and the Big Sioux River on the west, became the 29th state in the Union today when President James K. Polk signed Iowa’s admission bill into law. Continue reading Iowa admitted to Union as 29th state 170 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 28 1846)

William T.G. Morton demonstrates surgical anesthesia 170 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Oct 16 1846)


Video: 'William T.G. Morton Biography'

(Friday, October 16, 1846, just after midnight local time) — Dentist William T. G. Morton demonstrated the effectiveness of ether as an anesthetic today by administering it to a patient undergoing jaw surgery before an audience of doctors at the operating theater of the Massachusetts General Hospital, or MGH.

President Polk signs measure establishing Smithsonian Institution 170 years ago today (Aug 10 1846)


Video: 'Ben Stiller Gives you Introduction To The Smithsonian'

(Monday, August 10, 1846) — U.S. President James K. Polk signed the legislation today that established the Smithsonian Institution, a group of museums and research centers administered by the government of the United States “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Continue reading President Polk signs measure establishing Smithsonian Institution 170 years ago today (Aug 10 1846)