What Happened in 1882 — Events, Births & Deaths

Robert Koch announces the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis.

The Knights of Columbus is established.

American Old West: Robert Ford kills Jesse James.

French and Vietnamese troops clash in Tonkin, when Commandant Henri Rivière seizes the citadel of Hanoi with a small force of marine infantry.

The Triple Alliance between the German Empire, Austria-Hungary and the Kingdom of Italy is formed.

The Shewan forces of Menelik II of Ethiopia defeat the Gojjame army in the Battle of Embabo. The Shewans capture Negus Tekle Haymanot of Gojjam, and their victory leads to a Shewan hegemony over the territories south of the Abay River.

Nationalist riots break out in Alexandria directed against foreign domination. More than 50 Europeans are killed, including the British consul.

The Anglo-French Convention of 1882 marks the territorial boundaries between Guinea and Sierra Leone.

The Pearl Street Station in New York City becomes the first power plant to supply electricity to paying customers.

The first United States Labor Day parade is held in New York City.

Anglo-Egyptian War: English forces defeat the Egyptian army in the battle of Tel el-Kebir.

Thomas Edison's first commercial hydroelectric power plant, the Vulcan Street Plant, begins operation.

The Nickel Plate Railroad opens for business.

The great fire destroys a large part of Oulu's city center in Oulu Province, Finland.

Transit of Venus, second and last of the 19th century.

Wales and England contest the first Home Nations (now Six Nations) rugby union match.