1818Dec, 24
The first performance of "Silent Night" takes place in the church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria.
"Silent Night" (German: "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht") is a popular Christmas carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. It was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011. The song has been recorded by many singers across many music genres. The version sung by Bing Crosby in 1935 has sold 10 million copies as a single.
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Events on 1818
- 12Feb
Chilean Declaration of Independence
Bernardo O'Higgins formally approves the Chilean Declaration of Independence near Concepción, Chile. - 4Apr
Flag of the United States
The United States Congress adopts the flag of the United States with 13 red and white stripes and one star for each state (then 20). - 16Apr
Rush-Bagot Treaty
The United States Senate ratifies the Rush-Bagot Treaty, establishing the border with Canada. - 20Apr
Trial by battle
The case of Ashford v Thornton ends, with Abraham Thornton allowed to go free rather than face a retrial for murder, after his demand for trial by battle is upheld.