On this day in 1847, the Choctaw Native American tribe collected money to help starving victims of the Irish potato famine. Several years before, in 1831, President Andrew Jackson seized Choctaw territory in what is now southeastern Mississippi and parts of Alabama, forcing the Choctaw to travel five hundred miles along the "Trail of Tears" to reserved Indian Territory in … [Read more...] about March 23, 1847
Today In History
January 15, 1844
On this day, The University of Notre Dame received an official college charter from the state of Indiana. The Bishop of Vincennes offered land to Father Edward Sorin for the University in 1842 on the condition that he build a college within a two year period. The school began as a primary and secondary school, after acquiring two students, and was housed in the original log … [Read more...] about January 15, 1844
August 7, 1843
Irish artist Sarah Purser, who was most well known for her portraits, died on this day in 1843. Some of her finest work such as, "Le Petit Dejeuner" resides in the National Gallery of Ireland. In 1923, Purser became the first female member of the Royal Hibernian Academy. … [Read more...] about August 7, 1843
May 13, 1842
The composer Arthur Sullivan was born in London to an Irish Italian mother, Mary Coughan and Irish-born father, Thomas Sullivan. Sullivan composed his first anthem at age 8. At age 14, he was awarded a scholarship to the London Academy of Music. Sullivan began a collaboration with W.S. Gilbert to create the comic opera "Thespis." He would work with Giblert on fourteen light … [Read more...] about May 13, 1842
January 6, 1839
What would become known as The Night of the Big Wind in Ireland. A hurricane force wind swept across Ireland killing hundreds and destroying thousands of homes, reached wind speeds of 115mph. It was Ireland’s greatest natural disaster leaving nearly 300 dead and thousands homeless. … [Read more...] about January 6, 1839