28 Facts About 1865

The End of the American Civil War

1865 was a pivotal year in American history, marking the end of the Civil War and the beginning of a new era. Here are some key facts about this significant year:

1. The American Civil War ended on April 9, 1865, when General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia.
2. President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, just days after the war ended.
3. Andrew Johnson became the 17th President of the United States following Lincoln's assassination.
4. The Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery, was passed by the Senate on April 8, 1864, and by the House on January 31, 1865. It was ratified on December 6, 1865.
5. The last battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Palmito Ranch, took place on May 12-13, 1865, in Texas, even though the war had officially ended.

Significant Events in 1865

Beyond the Civil War, 1865 was a year of many other important events and milestones. Here are some notable occurrences:

6. The Freedmen's Bureau was established on March 3, 1865, to help former slaves transition to freedom and citizenship.
7. The first train robbery in the United States took place on October 6, 1865, in North Bend, Ohio.
8. The Salvation Army was founded in London by William and Catherine Booth in 1865.
9. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was founded on May 17, 1865, to standardize and regulate international radio and telecommunications.
10. The first edition of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll was published in 1865.

Technological and Scientific Advances

1865 also saw significant advancements in technology and science. These innovations laid the groundwork for future developments:

11. Gregor Mendel's work on the inheritance of traits in pea plants, which laid the foundation for modern genetics, was published in 1865.
12. The first successful oil pipeline was completed in Pennsylvania in 1865, revolutionizing the oil industry.
13. The first speed limit for vehicles was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1865, setting a maximum speed of 2 mph in towns and 4 mph in the countryside.
14. The first patent for a safety match was granted to Swedish chemist Johan Edvard Lundström in 1865.
15. The first transatlantic cable, which allowed for telegraphic communication between Europe and North America, was completed in 1865.

Cultural and Social Changes

The year 1865 also brought about significant cultural and social changes that shaped the future of many societies:

16. The Ku Klux Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, in December 1865, leading to a long history of racial violence and terrorism.
17. The first African American university, Shaw University, was founded in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1865.
18. The first recorded baseball game between two African American teams took place on September 28, 1865, in New York City.
19. The first edition of "The Nation," a weekly magazine covering politics and culture, was published in New York City in 1865.
20. The first recorded use of the term "OK" in print appeared in 1865, popularizing the expression.

International Developments

1865 was not just a year of change in the United States; it also saw significant international developments:

21. The Treaty of Vienna was signed on October 30, 1865, ending the Second Schleswig War between Denmark and the German Confederation.
22. The first Maori members of the New Zealand Parliament were elected in 1865, marking a step towards greater representation for indigenous people.
23. The Meiji Restoration began in Japan in 1865, leading to the modernization and industrialization of the country.
24. The first recorded ascent of the Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks in the Alps, was achieved by Edward Whymper and his team on July 14, 1865.
25. The first edition of "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy was published in 1865, becoming one of the greatest works of literature.

Notable Births and Deaths

1865 also saw the birth and death of several notable individuals who left a lasting impact on history:

26. Rudyard Kipling, the famous British author and poet, was born on December 30, 1865.
27. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a leading figure in the women's rights movement, died on October 26, 1865.
28. Mary Surratt, the first woman executed by the United States federal government, was hanged on July 7, 1865, for her role in the conspiracy to assassinate President Lincoln.

1865: A Year of Change

1865 was a year packed with significant events that shaped history. From the end of the American Civil War to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, these moments left lasting impacts. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, marking a pivotal shift in American society. Across the pond, Lewis Carroll published "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," enchanting readers worldwide. Meanwhile, the Salvation Army began its mission to help those in need. Advances in technology also took place, like the first speed limit law in the UK. Each event from 1865 contributed to the world we know today. Understanding these facts helps us appreciate the progress and challenges of that era. So, next time you think about history, remember how 1865 was a cornerstone year.