Major Events
- Jan 4 Samuel Colt sells his first revolver pistol to the United States government
- Mar 1 Michigan becomes 1st English-speaking jurisdiction to abolish the death penalty (except for treason against the state)
- Apr 5 Birkenhead Park, the first civic public park, opens in Birkenhead, England, designed by Joseph Paxton
- Sep 13 Battle of Chapultepec: American forces capture Chapultepec Castle during the Mexican–American War allowing US General Winfield Scott to go on to take Mexico City
- More 1847 Events
Thomas Edison
Alexander Graham Bell
James Anthony Bailey
Jesse James
Paul von Hindenburg
Bram StokerMore People Born in 1847
Archduke Charles
Felix MendelssohnMore 1847 Deaths
Articles About 1847
Thomas Edison, The ‘Invention Factory’ Wizard
Thomas Edison, hailed by many as America’s greatest practical genius, was born on this day. He went on to become the holder of a world record 1,093 patents.February 11
First Photo of Lightning?
Cabinet card photo of a daguerreotype by Thomas Martin Easterly, showing streaks of lightningJune 18
First Faltering Steps of Jane Eyre
With hope, pride – and some subterfuge – Charlotte Brontë sent her hefty manuscript of Jane Eyre to publishers in London on this day, then crossed her fingers.August 15
Jesse James – Hero or Cold Killer?
Hailed by some as a folk hero and by others as a cold-bloodied killer, Jesse James, one of America’s most infamous outlaws, was born on this day.September 5
Famous Weddings in 1847
- Jul 28 Future German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck (32) weds noblewoman Johanna von Puttkamer (23) in Kolczyglowy, Poland
- Aug 4 Author of Moby-Dick, American novelist Herman Melville (28) marries Elizabeth Shaw, daughter of Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
- Dec 23 Prime Minister of Canada Mackenzie Bowell (24) weds Harriet Moore
Charles Dickens
Giuseppe Verdi
James Knox Polk
John Russell