Owen Fairclough

Written by Owen Fairclough

Modified & Updated: 29 Sep 2024

29-facts-about-1890
Source: Familysearch.org

What happened in 1890? This year marked significant events that shaped history. The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred, a tragic clash between the U.S. Army and Lakota Sioux. Yosemite National Park was established, preserving stunning natural beauty. Vincent van Gogh passed away, leaving behind a legacy of art. The Sherman Antitrust Act was signed into law, aiming to curb monopolies. Idaho and Wyoming became states, expanding the United States. The first electric chair execution took place, introducing a new method of capital punishment. Ellis Island opened as an immigration station, welcoming millions. These events and more made 1890 a year of profound change and development.

Table of Contents

A Year of Change and Innovation

1890 was a year filled with significant events, groundbreaking inventions, and notable figures. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this pivotal year.

  1. The Sherman Antitrust Act was signed into law in the United States, aiming to curb monopolies and promote fair competition.

  2. Idaho and Wyoming became the 43rd and 44th states to join the Union, respectively.

  3. Vincent van Gogh passed away in July 1890, leaving behind a legacy of influential art.

  4. The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred in December, marking a tragic end to the Indian Wars in the United States.

  5. The first electric chair execution took place in New York, introducing a new method of capital punishment.

Technological Advancements

The year 1890 saw remarkable technological progress that would shape the future.

  1. The first moving picture camera was patented by Thomas Edison, paving the way for the film industry.

  2. Herman Hollerith developed the tabulating machine, an early precursor to the computer, to process census data.

  3. The first electric underground railway opened in London, revolutionizing urban transportation.

  4. The pneumatic tire was patented by John Boyd Dunlop, improving the efficiency and comfort of bicycles and automobiles.

  5. The first jukebox was installed in San Francisco, allowing people to play music on demand.

Cultural Milestones

Cultural shifts and achievements in 1890 left a lasting impact on society.

  1. The United States Census revealed that the American frontier was officially closed, signaling the end of westward expansion.

  2. The National American Woman Suffrage Association was formed, advocating for women's voting rights.

  3. The first Sherlock Holmes story by Arthur Conan Doyle, "A Study in Scarlet," was published in book form.

  4. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, completed in 1889, became a symbol of modern engineering and a major tourist attraction.

  5. The first official basketball game was played in Springfield, Massachusetts, marking the birth of a new sport.

Scientific Discoveries

Scientific breakthroughs in 1890 laid the groundwork for future innovations.

  1. The discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Röntgen, although not fully understood, hinted at future medical advancements.

  2. The first successful blood transfusion using human blood was performed, opening new possibilities in medicine.

  3. The concept of radioactivity was introduced by Henri Becquerel, leading to significant discoveries in physics.

  4. The first use of fingerprinting for identification in a criminal case occurred in Argentina, revolutionizing forensic science.

  5. The study of genetics advanced with Gregor Mendel's work on inheritance being rediscovered and recognized.

Notable Figures

Several influential individuals made their mark in 1890.

  1. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the future 34th President of the United States, was born in October.

  2. Agatha Christie, the famous mystery writer, was born in September.

  3. Vincent van Gogh created some of his most famous works, including "Wheatfield with Crows," before his death.

  4. Oscar Wilde published "The Picture of Dorian Gray," a novel that would become a classic of English literature.

  5. Nellie Bly, a pioneering female journalist, completed her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days.

Global Events

Events around the world in 1890 had far-reaching consequences.

  1. The Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty was signed between the United Kingdom and Germany, affecting colonial territories in Africa.

  2. The Meiji Constitution was promulgated in Japan, establishing a constitutional monarchy and modernizing the country.

  3. The Forth Bridge in Scotland, one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world, was completed.

  4. The first modern Olympic Games were proposed by Pierre de Coubertin, leading to their revival in 1896.

The Last Glimpse of 1890

1890 was a year packed with remarkable events and innovations. From the birth of the Yosemite National Park to the Wounded Knee Massacre, each event left a lasting impact. The Sherman Antitrust Act began shaping business practices, while the first electric chair execution marked a grim milestone. Vincent van Gogh painted his final masterpieces, and Idaho and Wyoming joined the Union.

These facts offer a snapshot of a transformative year. They remind us how far we've come and how history shapes our present. Whether it's scientific breakthroughs, cultural shifts, or political changes, 1890 was a year that set the stage for the future.

Understanding these moments helps us appreciate the complexities of our past and the progress we've made. Here's to learning from history and using those lessons to build a better tomorrow.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.