Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.
Aug
22
On August 22, 1851, the U.S.-built schooner America bests a fleet of Britain’s finest ships in a race around England’s Isle of Wight. The ornate silver trophy won by the America was later donated to the New York Yacht Club on condition that it be forever placed in international competition. Today, the “America’s Cup” is the world’s oldest continually contested sporting trophy and represents the pinnacle of international sailing yacht competition.
Imaginary Regatta of America's Cup Winners, 1889 or after. Artist Unknown. (Photo by Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images).
Heritage Images via Getty Images
Nov
14
On November 14, 1851, Moby-Dick is published. Now considered a great classic of American literature—with one of the most famous opening lines in fiction: “Call me Ishmael”—the book about Captain Ahab and his quest to catch a giant white whale was originally a big flop.
USA: A model for Herman Melville's Moby Dick (1851). 'Capturing a Sperm Whale', coloured engraving by J. Hill, 1835, after William Page (1811-1885). (Photo by: Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Pictures from History/Universal
Dec
24
Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.
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