1855 - What happened in 1855 ?

January 1855

Tuesday 23:

The first bridge over the Mississippi River opens in what is now Minneapolis, Minnesota, a crossing made today by the Father Louis Hennepin Bridge.

Sunday 28:

The first locomotive runs from the Atlantic to the Pacific on the Panama Railway.

February 1855

Thursday 08:

The Devil's Footprints mysteriously appear in southern Devon.

Sunday 11:

Kassa Hailu is crowned Tewodros II, Emperor of Ethiopia, by Abuna Salama III in a ceremony at the church of Derasge Maryam.

Thursday 22:

The Pennsylvania State University is founded.

March 1855

Friday 02:

Alexander II becomes Tsar of Russia.

Friday 30:

"Border Ruffians" from Missouri invade Kansas and force election of a pro-slavery legislature.

May 1855

Friday 04:

American adventurer William Walker departs from San Francisco with about 60 men to conquer Nicaragua.

June 1855

Friday 01:

American adventurer William Walker conquers Nicaragua and reinstates slavery.

Saturday 02:

the Portland Rum Riot occurs in Portland, Maine

July 1855

Wednesday 04:

In Brooklyn, New York, the first edition of Walt Whitman's book of poems titled Leaves of Grass is published.

September 1855

Monday 03:

Indian Wars: In Nebraska, 700 soldiers under American General William Harney avenge the Grattan Massacre by attacking a Sioux village, killing 100 men, women, and children.

October 1855

Tuesday 23:

Kansas Free State forces set up a competing government under their Topeka, Kansas constitution, which outlaws slavery in the United States territory.