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History in the 1850s
 The following events occurred in the decade beginning in 1850. These are the events that shaped the world during the lives of your ancestors, both here in the United States and throughout the world. If you've ever wondered who your ancestors voted for, what their primary mode of transportation was, and how they received the news of their day — this may give you a clue.
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We update historical events on a regular basis, so check back on future visits!
- American Express is founded by Henry Wells & William Fargo (19 Mar 1850)
- President Zachary Taylor dies while in office and Vice President Millard Fillmore becomes the 13th President of the United States (he is inaugurated the next day) (9 July 1850)
- California is admitted as the 31st U.S. state (9 Sep 1850)
- The New York Times is founded (18 Sep 1851)
- The first YMCA in North America is established in Montreal, Quebec (9 Dec 1851)
- Studebaker Brothers wagon company, precursor of the automobile manufacturer, is established (16 Feb 1852)
- Inauguration of United States President Franklin Pierce (4 March 1853)
- The Great Train Wreck of 1856 was the worst railroad calamity in the world to date, occurring near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (17 July 1856)
- End of term for President of the United States Franklin Pierce. He is succeeded by James Buchanan (4 March 1857)
- United States President James Buchanan inaugurates the new trans-Atlantic telegraph cable by exchanging greetings with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (16 Aug 1858)
- Ground is broken for the Suez Canal (25 April 1859)
- First intercollegiate baseball game is played, between Amherst and Williams Colleges (1 July 1859)
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