Tag Archives: 1861

1 October 1861

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Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management is published, going on to sell 60,000 copies in its first year and remaining in print until the present day.

Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management is a comprehensive guide to managing a Victorian household, first published in 1861 by Isabella Beeton. It became one of the most famous and influential domestic guides of its time. The book is renowned for its detailed advice on various aspects of running a home, including cooking, housekeeping, child-rearing, etiquette, and health.

17 September 1861

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Argentine Civil Wars: The State of Buenos Aires defeats the Argentine Confederation at the Battle of Pavón.

The Argentine Civil Wars were a series of conflicts that took place in Argentina from 1814 to 1880, following the country’s independence from Spain. These wars were primarily struggles for political control and involved rival factions with differing visions for the country’s future. The two main groups were:

Unitarians: They sought a centralized government based in Buenos Aires, where power would be concentrated. They generally represented the interests of the city and were often associated with European-style liberalism and a strong central authority.

Federalists: They advocated for a federal system in which the provinces would retain significant autonomy and power. Federalists represented the interests of the rural provinces and favored a more decentralized approach to governance.

13 May 1861

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The Great Comet of 1861 is discovered by John Tebbutt of Windsor, New South Wales, Australia.

The Great Comet of 1861, officially known as C/1861 J1 and informally as the Great Comet, is a famous comet that was first observed by John Tebbutt, an Australian astronomer, on May 13, 1861.

Brightness and Visibility: The Great Comet of 1861 was exceptionally bright, visible to the naked eye, and one of the most spectacular comets of the 19th century. Its appearance was so impressive that it could be seen even during the day close to the sun.

Tail: It had an extraordinarily large and bright tail, which extended across a significant portion of the night sky. At its peak, the tail spread over a great distance in the sky, reportedly up to 90 degrees.

Orbital Characteristics: The comet has a very long orbital period, estimated to be about 409 years, meaning it will not return to the inner solar system until around the year 2270.

Scientific Interest: The appearance of the comet in 1861 provided a unique opportunity for scientists of the time to study the properties of comets more closely. Observations of the comet contributed to the understanding of the nature of comets’ tails, their interactions with the solar wind, and their orbital dynamics.

Cultural Impact: The comet had a significant cultural impact as well, being recorded and described in numerous contemporary accounts and artworks. Its appearance coincided with a period of intense interest in astronomy among the general public.

The Great Comet of 1861 remains a subject of historical interest in the field of astronomy, illustrating the impact such celestial events can have on both scientific inquiry and public imagination.

19 March 1861

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The First Taranaki War ends in New Zealand.

The First Taranaki War was a significant conflict that occurred in New Zealand during the 19th century, specifically from March 1860 to March 1861. It was one of the conflicts collectively known as the New Zealand Wars, which were fought between indigenous M?ori tribes and the colonial government, primarily over issues of land ownership, sovereignty, and the imposition of British rule.

The immediate cause of the First Taranaki War was the dispute over land sales in the Taranaki region on the North Island of New Zealand. The New Zealand Company, a British organization involved in the colonization of New Zealand, had purchased large tracts of land in Taranaki from M?ori tribes. However, many M?ori disputed the legitimacy of these transactions, leading to tensions and conflicts.

The outbreak of violence occurred when the colonial government attempted to survey and sell land near the town of New Plymouth, which had been established by European settlers. M?ori tribes, particularly the Ng?ti Maniapoto and Taranaki tribes led by chiefs such as Wiremu K?ngi Te Rangit?ke (also known as William King), resisted these efforts. They erected a p? (fortified village) called P?k?k? to defend their territory.

The conflict involved skirmishes and battles between M?ori warriors and British troops, as well as local militia forces consisting of European settlers. Both sides suffered casualties during the fighting. The British military, equipped with superior weaponry and technology, initially had the advantage, but they faced challenges in navigating the difficult terrain and the guerilla tactics employed by the M?ori.

The war resulted in significant disruption to the region, with widespread destruction of property and displacement of both M?ori and European settlers. It also strained relations between M?ori and the colonial government, exacerbating existing grievances over land confiscations and breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, which had been signed in 1840 between the British Crown and various M?ori chiefs.

The First Taranaki War ended in a stalemate, with neither side achieving a decisive victory. In March 1861, a ceasefire was agreed upon, but tensions in the region continued, and sporadic violence erupted in the following years. The issues underlying the conflict, particularly land disputes and grievances over colonization, remained unresolved, setting the stage for further conflicts in the years to come.

26 January 1861

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American Civil War: The state of Louisiana secedes from the Union.

The American Civil War, which took place from 1861 to 1865, was a major conflict between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). The primary causes of the war were rooted in longstanding issues, with slavery being a central and divisive factor. Here’s an overview of key aspects of the American Civil War:

Causes of the Civil War:

Slavery: The institution of slavery was a deeply contentious issue. The Southern states, whose economy was largely dependent on agriculture, particularly cotton production, relied heavily on slave labor. The Northern states, which had a more industrialized economy, were increasingly opposed to the expansion of slavery into new territories.

States’ Rights: There was a debate over the extent of federal versus state authority. Southern states argued for greater state sovereignty, while Northern states favored a strong federal government.

Economic and Social Differences: The North and South had distinct economic and social structures, leading to divergent interests. This further fueled sectional tensions.

Secession and Formation of the Confederacy:
In 1860 and 1861, Southern states began to secede from the Union in response to the election of Abraham Lincoln, who was perceived as anti-slavery. The Confederacy was formed with the aim of preserving and expanding the institution of slavery.

Fort Sumter and Outbreak of War:
The conflict began on April 12, 1861, with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This event marked the start of hostilities.

Military Strategies:
The Union, led by President Abraham Lincoln, aimed to preserve the Union and eventually sought to end slavery. The Confederacy, led by President Jefferson Davis, fought to maintain its independence.

Key Battles:
Notable battles during the war included the First Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Sherman’s March to the Sea.

Emancipation Proclamation:
In 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. This shifted the focus of the war toward the abolition of slavery.

Gettysburg Address:
In 1863, following the Battle of Gettysburg, President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of equality and democracy.

Union Victory and Reconstruction:
The Union emerged victorious in 1865. Reconstruction followed, during which efforts were made to rebuild the Southern states and address issues related to civil rights and integration.

Casualties and Impact:
The Civil War resulted in a staggering number of casualties, with estimates exceeding 600,000. The war had a profound impact on the nation, reshaping the political, social, and economic landscape.

13th Amendment:
In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, officially abolishing slavery in the United States.

19 March 1861

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The First Taranaki War ends in New Zealand.

The First Taranaki War was a conflict fought between the M?ori people of the Taranaki region in New Zealand and the British colonial government in the early 1860s. The war began in March 1860 and lasted until March 1861.

The immediate cause of the war was a dispute over the sale of land in Waitara, a small town in Taranaki. The M?ori chief, Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitake, claimed that the sale of the land was invalid because he had not given his consent. The British government, on the other hand, argued that the sale was legal and proceeded to establish a military garrison on the land.

The M?ori responded by building fortifications around the town and refusing to allow the British soldiers to leave their garrison. Tensions escalated, and in July 1860, fighting broke out between the two sides. The conflict quickly spread to other parts of Taranaki, with both sides suffering casualties.

The British government eventually sent more troops to the region, and in March 1861, they succeeded in taking control of Waitara. However, the war did not completely end, and sporadic fighting continued in the region for several years.

19 March 1861

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The First Taranaki War ends in New Zealand.

On 19 March 1861, the First Taranaki War, between the New Zealand government and the indigenous Maori, ended in a tense cease-fire.

Some 2.4 square kilometres of land lay at the heart of the war. Ignoring a “solemn contract” by the local Maori not to sell, and rebuffing a similar order by a paramount Maori chief, minor Maori chief Te Atiawa iwi sold a parcel of land known as the Pekapeka block to the British. Knowing the full circumstances of the offer, including the Maoris attempts to stop the sale, British colonial administrator Governor Thomas Gore Browne accepted the purchase, a move that angered the Maori chiefs.

When British surveyors were sent to survey and occupy the land, anticipating conflict, the Maoris threw them out. Furious, Governor Browne demanded an apology and swift removal from the land. The Maori refused. Instead, they built a defensive just inside the block of disputed land. Incensed and determined to impress British sovereignty upon the indigenous Maori, the British Army on New Zealand’s North Island prepared for war.

On 17 March 1860, the British Army marched from New Plymouth to the Maori defensive of Pa at Te Kohia and opened fire, commencing the First Taranaki War. The war lasted one year, with early losses for the British troops, who quickly bolstered their thin forces with troops from Australia. Wielding firepower, including two 10-kilogram howitzers, the British engaged in a series of battles with the Maori, hoping to blitz their way into a decisive victory that would cripple the Maori and assert British sovereignty.

Able warriors, the Maori had built an L-shaped pa, or defensive hill fort, covered trenches, and anti-artillery bunkers that, combined, resisted the British blitz. Through the Battles of Te Kohia, Waireka, and Puketakauere, the hostilities continued. Finally, after one long year of fighting, hundreds of casualties, economic hardship, environmental destruction, and growing doubt on both sides whether the war could be won, the First Taranaki War ended in an uneasy ceasefire on 19 March 1861.

On the British side, some 238 of the army’s 3,500 troops had died. Maori casualties reached some 200, though the proportion of dead was much higher. Though the British claimed they had won the war, it was widely viewed as a humiliating defeat for the great colonial force whose aim was to crush and impose sovereignty over the Maori. Eventually, the uneasy truce would lead to the invasion of Waikato and subsequent Taranaki Wars.

Today, the Taranaki Wars are viewed as a sad and exploitative chapter in New Zealand’s history. In 1996, a Waitangi Tribunal found that the war was started by the British colonial government, which was deemed an aggressor that launched an unlawful attack. Long after their homelands were confiscated, the Waikato Tainui people received a compensation of some $171 million NZD from the New Zealand government in 1995, along with the return of some land.

7 November 1861

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The first Melbourne Cup horse race is held in Melbourne, Australia.

The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most well known annual Thoroughbred horse race. It is a 3,200 metre race for three-year-olds and over, conducted by the Victoria Racing Club on the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria as part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. It is the richest “two-mile” handicap in the world, and one of the richest turf races. The event starts at 3pm on the first Tuesday in November and is known locally as “the race that stops a nation”.

The Melbourne Cup has a long tradition, with the first race held in 1861. It was originally over two miles but was shortened to 3,200 metres in 1972 when Australia adopted the metric system. This reduced the distance by 18.688 metres, and Rain Lover’s 1968 race record of 3:19.1 was accordingly adjusted to 3:17.9. The present record holder is the 1990 winner Kingston Rule with a time of 3:16.3.

The race is a quality handicap for horses 3 years old and over, run over a distance of 3,200 metres, on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington Racecourse. The minimum handicap weight is 50 kg. There is no maximum weight, but the top allocated weight must not be less than 57 kg. The weight allocated to each horse is declared by the VRC Handicapper in early September.

The Melbourne Cup race is a handicap contest in which the weight of the jockey and riding gear is adjusted with ballast to a nominated figure. Older horses carry more weight than younger ones, and weights are adjusted further according to the horse’s previous results.

Weights were theoretically calculated to give each horse an equal winning chance in the past, but in recent years the rules were adjusted to a “quality handicap” formula where superior horses are given less severe weight penalties than under pure handicap rules.

29 January 1861

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Kansas is admitted as the 34th state of the USA.


On this day in 1861, Kansas is admitted to the Union as free state. It was the 34th state tojoin the Union. The struggle between pro- and anti-slave forces in Kansas was a major factor in the eruption of the Civil War.

In 1854, Kansas and Nebraska were organized as territories with popular sovereignty (popular vote) to decide the issue of slavery. There was really no debate over the issue in Nebraska, as the territory was filled with settlers from the Midwest, where there was no slavery. In Kansas, the situation was much different. Although most of the settlers were anti-slave or abolitionists, there were many pro-slave Missourians lurking just over the border. When residents in the territory voted on the issue, many fraudulent votes were cast from Missouri. This triggered the massive violence that earned the area the name “Bleeding Kansas.” Both sides committed atrocities, and the fighting over the issue of slavery was a preview of the Civil War.

Kansas remained one of the most important political questions throughout the 1850s. Each side drafted constitutions, but the anti-slave faction eventually gained the upper hand. Kansas entered the Union as a free state; however,the conflict over slaveryinthe statecontinued into the Civil War. Kansas was the scene of some of the most brutal acts of violence during the war. One extreme example was the sacking of Lawrence in 1863, when pro-slave forces murdered nearly 200 men and burned the anti-slave town.

10 January 1861

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During the American Civil War, Florida secedes from the Union.

Florida joined the Confederate States of America at the beginning of the Civil War, as third of the original seven states to secede from the Union, following Lincoln’s 1860 election. With the smallest population, nearly half of them slaves, Florida could only send 15,000 troops to the Confederate States Army. Its chief importance was in food-supply to the south, and support for blockade-runners, with its long coastline full of inlets, hard to patrol.

On the outbreak of war, the Confederates seized many of the state’s army camps, though the Union retained control of the main seaports. But there was little fighting in Florida, the only major conflict being the Battle of Olustee near Lake City in February 1864. However, wartime conditions made it easier for slaves to escape, and many of them became useful informers to Union commanders. As southern morale suffered, deserters from both sides took refuge in Florida, often attacking Confederate units and looting farms. Tallahassee became the second-last Confederate state capital to fall to the Union army. In May 1865, Federal control was re-established, slavery abolished, and the state governor John Milton shot himself, rather than submit to Union occupation.