WHAT ALL HAPPENED FEBRUARY TO MAY 1866
Find out what all happened February to May 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)

The U.S. Congress eliminates the half dime coin and replaces it with the five cent piece, or nickel. (16. May 1866)

Italy and Prussia ally against the Austrian Empire. (8. April 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)

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

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

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)