Category Archives: 1840s

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)

Thornton Affair triggers Mexican–American War 170 years ago today (Apr 25 1846)


Video: 'Mexican American War - 1of6' (Apr. 25, 1846, at 1:51/8:48)

(Saturday, April 25, 1846; during the Mexican-American War) — The Mexican-American War began today when more than 1,000-strong Mexican cavalry detachment attacked a 63-man U.S. patrol under the command of Captain Seth Thornton, which had been sent into the contested territory north of the Rio Grande and south of the Nueces River. Continue reading Thornton Affair triggers Mexican–American War 170 years ago today (Apr 25 1846)