Category Archives: 1840s

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)

Former U.S. President Andrew Jackson dies in Nashville 170 years ago this hour (June 8 1845)


Video: 'Andrew Jackson - Good Evil & The Presidency - PBS Documentary'

(Tuesday, June 8, 1845, 6:00 p.m. local time)Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States (1829-1837), died today at The Hermitage, his plantation in Nashville, Tennessee, of chronic tuberculosis, dropsy, and heart failure. He was 78.

Polk sworn in as 11th U.S. President, Dallas as 11th VP 170 years ago today (Mar 4 1845)


Video: ‘James Polk’

(Tuesday, March 4, 1845) — Former House Speaker James K. Polk of Tennessee was inaugurated today as the 11th President of the United States at the East Portico of the United States Capitol with Chief Justice Roger B. Taney administering oath of office.

Polk replaced John Tyler who had failed in a bid to be elected to a second term. Continue reading Polk sworn in as 11th U.S. President, Dallas as 11th VP 170 years ago today (Mar 4 1845)

President Tyler escapes injury in deadly USS Princeton explosion 170 years ago this hour (Feb 28 1844)

(Wednesday, February 28, 1844, shortly after 4:00 p.m.) — U.S. President John Tyler barely escaped injury today when a 12-inch gun aboard the USS Princeton exploded as the ship was sailing on the Potomac River. Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer and four others were killed.

B’nai B’rith founded in New York City 170 years ago today (1843)


Video: 'Archived Video - The First 160 Years of B'nai B'rith (1843 - 2003)' (Oct. 13, 1843, at 1:30)

(Friday, October 13, 1843) — B’nai B’rith, the oldest Jewish service organization in the world, was founded today in Aaron Sinsheimer’s café in New York City’s Lower East Side by 12 recent German Jewish immigrants to organize Jews of the local community to confront “the deplorable condition of Jews in this, our newly adopted country.”

Abraham Lincoln marries Mary Ann Todd in 170 years ago tonight (1842)


Video: 'AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided Preview (Season 23)'

(Friday, November 4, 1842) — Abraham Lincoln, 33, and Mary Ann Todd, 23, were married this evening at the home of her older sister, Mrs. Ninian Edwards, in Springfield, Illinois. Continue reading Abraham Lincoln marries Mary Ann Todd in 170 years ago tonight (1842)