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Missouri Compromise
In an effort to maintain the balance between free and slave states, Maine is admitted as a free state so that Missouri can be admitted as a slave state; except for Missouri, slavery is prohibited in the Louisiana Purchase lands north of latitude 36°30°. -
Creation of Harmonica
The harmonica was invented by Friedrich Buschmann. -
Beethoven Death
Beethoven died during a thunderstorm, the cause of his death was most likely from liver and kidney failure, peritonitis, abdominal ascites, and encephalopathy, an autopsy revealed severe cirrhosis and dilatation of the auditory and other related nerves in the ear. -
First New York Congress Meeting
The U.S. Congress meets for the first time at Federal Hall in New York City -
Louis-Hector Berlioz
Louis-Hector Berlioz completed his "Symphonie Fantastique." -
Indian Removal Act
President Jackson signs the Indian Removal Act, which authorizes the forced removal of Native Americans living in the eastern part of the country to lands west of the Mississippi River. -
Adolphe Sax
Adolphe Sax patented his first saxophone. -
Mexican War
U.S. declares war on Mexico in effort to gain California and other territory in Southwest. -
First Opera House New Orleans, Louisiana
The French Opera House, or Théâtre de l'Opéra, was the first opera house in New Orleans. It was one of the city's landmarks, until it was destroyed by fire in 1919. -
South Carolina Secedes
South Carolina secedes from the Union and creates more conflict. -
Richard Strauss
The German composer, Richard Strauss was born. -
Assassination
Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in Washington, DC, and is succeeded by his vice president, Andrew Johnson.