A Christmas Carol by English author Charles Dickens was published.
England and France formally recognized Hawaii's independence.
The world's second oldest theme park, Tivoli Gardens, opened in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Brunel's SS Great Britain ship was launched after taking four years to build.
During a thunderstorm in Charleston, South Carolina, the National Weather Service reported an alligator falling from the sky.
Anti Slavery activist Isabella Baumfree became a Methodist and changed her name to Sojourner Truth.
