February 1879

Wednesday 12:

At New York City's Madison Square Garden the first artificial ice rink in North America opens.

Friday 14:

The War of the Pacific broke out when Chilean armed forces occupied the Bolivian port city of Antofagasta.

Saturday 15:

Women's rights: American President Rutherford B. Hayes signs a bill allowing female attorneys to argue cases before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Saturday 22:

In Utica, New York, Frank Woolworth opens the first of many of 5 and 10-cent Woolworth stores.