Births on March 20

Theodor von Heuglin, German explorer and ornithologist (d. 1876)

Martin Theodor von Heuglin (20 March 1824, Hirschlanden, Württemberg – 5 November 1876), was a German explorer and ornithologist.

22 Jan

Gold Coast (British colony)
The Ashantis defeat British forces in the Gold Coast.
7 May

Symphony No. 9 (Beethoven)
World premiere of Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Vienna, Austria. The performance is conducted by Michael Umlauf under the composer's supervision.
15 Aug

Visit of the Marquis de Lafayette to the United States
The Marquis de Lafayette, the last surviving French general of the American Revolutionary War, arrives in New York and begins a tour of 24 states.
9 Oct

Costa Rica
Slavery is abolished in Costa Rica.
9 Dec

Battle of Ayacucho
Patriot forces led by General Antonio José de Sucre defeat a Royalist army in the Battle of Ayacucho, putting an end to the Peruvian War of Independence.