May 1879

Wednesday 21:

War of the Pacific: Two Chilean ships blocking the harbor of Iquique, Chile, battle two Peruvian vessels in the Battle of Iquique.

Monday 26:

Russia and the United Kingdom sign the Treaty of Gandamak establishing an Afghan state.

Friday 30:

New York City's Gilmores Garden is renamed Madison Square Garden by William Vanderbilt and is opened to the public at 26th Street and Madison Avenue.