Charles Darwin published his revolutionary work, On the Origin of Species.
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.
Charles Blondin became the first person to cross Niagara Falls by walking across a tightrope.
The First Zoological Society in the US was formed in Philadelphia.
Oregon became the 33rd state to join the United States of America.
The Codex Sinaiticus – one of the oldest known copies of the bible – was discovered in Egypt.
Hawaii was shaken by an eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano that lasted 300 days and destroyed a coastal village.
