Births on June 1

Henry Faulds, Scottish physician and missionary, developed fingerprinting (d. 1930)

Henry Faulds (1 June 1843 – 24 March 1930) was a Scottish doctor, missionary and scientist who is noted for the development of fingerprinting.

11 Feb

I Lombardi alla prima crociata
Giuseppe Verdi's opera I Lombardi alla prima crociata receives its first performance in Milan, Italy.
16 May

Oregon Trail
The first major wagon train heading for the Pacific Northwest sets out on the Oregon Trail with one thousand pioneers from Elm Grove, Missouri.
17 Jun

New Zealand Wars
The Wairau Affray, the first serious clash of arms between Māori and British settlers in the New Zealand Wars, takes place.
19 Jul

SS Great Britain
Brunel's steamship the SS Great Britain is launched, becoming the first ocean-going craft with an iron hull and screw propeller, becoming the largest vessel afloat in the world.
21 Sep

Strait of Magellan
John Williams Wilson takes possession of the Strait of Magellan on behalf of the newly independent Chilean government.