WHAT ALL HAPPENED FEBRUARY TO AUGUST 1866
Find out what all happened February to August 1866

Miners in Calaveras County, California, discover what is now called the Calaveras Skull - human remains that supposedly indicated that man, mastodons, and elephants had co-existed. (25. February 1866)

The Spanish Navy bombs the harbor of Valparaíso, Chile. (31. March 1866)

Memorial Day first celebrated in United States at Waterloo, New York. (5. May 1866)

The first permanent transatlantic telegraph cable is successfully completed, stretching from Valentia Island, Ireland, to Heart's Content, Newfoundland. (27. July 1866)

In the Fenian Invasion of Canada, John O'Neill leads 850 Fenian raiders across the Niagara River at Buffalo, New York/Fort Erie, Ontario, as part of an effort to free Ireland from the United Kingdom. Canadian militia and British regulars repulse the invaders in over the next three days, at a cost of 9 dead and 38 wounded to the Fenian's 19 dead and about 17 wounded. (31. May 1866)

Fenian raids: the Fenians are victorious over Canadian forces in both the Battle of Ridgeway and the Battle of Fort Erie. (2. June 1866)

The Grand Army of the Republic, an American patriotic organization composed of Union veterans of the American Civil War, is founded. It lasts until 1956. (6. April 1866)

Austro-Prussian War is decided at the Battle of Königgratz, resulting in Prussia taking over as the prominent German nation from Austria. (3. July 1866)

President Andrew Johnson formally declares the American Civil War over. (20. August 1866)

Peruvian defenders fight off the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Callao. (2. May 1866)

Spencer Compton Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington becomes British Secretary of State for War. (16. February 1866)

The United States Congress passes legislation authorizing the rank of General of the Army. Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant becomes the first to be promoted to this rank. (25. July 1866)

The Fenians are driven out of Fort Erie, Ontario, into the United States. (3. June 1866)

Alexander II of Russia narrowly escapes an assassination attempt by Dmitry Karakozov in the city of Kiev. (4. April 1866)

The Grand Duchy of Baden announces her withdrawal from the German Confederation and signs a treaty of peace and alliance with Prussia. (17. August 1866)

1,800 Fenian raiders were repelled back to the United States after they looted and plundered around Saint-Armand and Frelighsburg, Quebec. (7. June 1866)

Battle of Custoza: an Austrian army defeats the Italian army during the Austro-Prussian War. (24. June 1866)

Austro-Prussian War: Battle of Lissa – The Austrian Navy , led by Admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff, defeats the Italian Navy near the island of Vis in the Adriatic Sea. (20. July 1866)

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is founded in New York City by Henry Bergh. (10. April 1866)

New Orleans, Louisiana's Democratic government orders police to raid an integrated Republican Party meeting, killing 40 people and injuring 150. (30. July 1866)