What Happened in 1872 — Events, Births & Deaths

Yohannes IV is crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in Axum, the first imperial coronation in that city in over 200 years.

First issue of the Bulletin de la Fédération jurassienne, the first or one of the first anarchist newspapers.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art opens in New York City.

The Prohibition Party holds its first national convention in Columbus, Ohio, nominating James Black as its presidential nominee.

George Westinghouse patents the air brake.

Construction of the Seven Sisters Colliery, South Wales, begins; it is located on one of the richest coal sources in Britain.

The first Arbor Day is celebrated in Nebraska.

Victoria Woodhull becomes the first woman nominated for President of the United States.

Trade unions are legalized in Canada.

The Ballot Act 1872 in the United Kingdom introduced the requirement that parliamentary and local government elections be held by secret ballot.

Women's suffrage in the United States: In defiance of the law, suffragist Susan B. Anthony votes for the first time, and is later fined $100.

Susan B. Anthony and 14 other women are arrested for voting illegally in the United States presidential election of 1872.

The Modoc War begins with the Battle of Lost River.

The first-ever international football match takes place at Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow, between Scotland and England.

Challenger expedition: HMS Challenger, commanded by Captain George Nares, sails from Portsmouth, England.