The largest known solar storm occurred, causing electrical problems to telegraph services.
American driller Edwin Laurentine Drake successfully drilled the first oil well in Pennsylvania, US.
Balloonist John Wise started the world's first airmail service by balloon from Lafayette to Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Inventor Otis Tufts patented the first elevator in the US.
The American Dental Association was founded in Niagara Falls, New York.