This Day…

1843 – Representatives of the British and French Government sign a joint declaration in London recognizing the independence of Hawaii and agreeing never to try to take possession of the islands.  Although the United States did not go beyond Secretary of State Webster’s letter of December 1842, this serves as official recognition: the first commissioner representing the U.S. Government will soon arrive in Hawaii.

1821 – William Becknell and his trading group arrive at Santa Fe, where they do a brisk trade with the Mexicans.  By mapping their route, they define what will be the Santa Fe Trail.  When they return to Franklin, Missouri, with their new-found riches, the trail will become well traveled.

1832 – The first Asiatic cholera epidemic occurs in the United States.  It appears in New Orleans, where 6,000 people perish in this two-week period.

1805-Alexander Baranof, the governor of Russian Alaska, sends the ship Juno to set up a post at the mouth of the Columbia River.  The attempt is frustrated by storms, and the ship take refuge in San Francisco Bay, thereby missing a possible encounter with the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

1889-Daily railroad service to the Pacific Coast is inaugurated by the Union Pacific railroad between Chicago and Portland, Oregon, and between Chicago and San Francisco.  The Far West is increasingly accessible.

Nine days away from the launch of the new website!

The new website debuts in twelve days!

New website will launch in two weeks.

He’s been gone ten years.  His murderers live on without a care.   

1804-The Lewis and Clark Expedition reaches the Mandan Indian towns on the Missouri River – the explorers have traveled 1600 miles in 23 weeks.  They set up winter quarters near present-day Bismarck, North Dakota.