WHAT ALL HAPPENED JANUARY TO JUNE 1840
Find out what all happened January to June 1840

The transportation of British convicts to the New South Wales colony is abolished. (22. May 1840)

The Great Natchez Tornado strikes Natchez, Mississippi killing 317 people. It is the second deadliest tornado in United States history. (7. May 1840)

Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom marries Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. (10. February 1840)

Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, establishing New Zealand as a British colony. (6. February 1840)

York Minster is badly damaged by fire. (20. May 1840)

The steamship Lexington burns and sinks four miles off the coast of Long Island with the loss of 139 lives. (13. January 1840)

Gaetano Donizetti's opera La fille du régiment receives its first performance in Paris, France. (11. February 1840)

Samuel Morse receives the patent for the telegraph. (20. June 1840)

Jules Dumont d'Urville discovers Adélie Land, Antarctica. (21. January 1840)

Captain Charles Wilkes circumnavigates Antarctica, claiming what became known as Wilkes Land for the United States. (19. January 1840)

Foundation stone for new Palace of Westminster, London, is laid by wife of Sir Charles Barry. (27. April 1840)

The Penny Black, the first official adhesive postage stamp, is issued in the United Kingdom. (1. May 1840)

The Penny Black postage stamp becomes valid for use in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. (6. May 1840)