What Happened in 1890 — Events, Births & Deaths

The United Mine Workers of America is founded in Columbus, Ohio.

Chancellor of the German Empire Otto von Bismarck is dismissed by Emperor Wilhelm II.

The Pan-American Union is founded by the First International Conference of American States in Washington, D.C.

The United States Census Bureau begins using Herman Hollerith's tabulating machine to count census returns.

The U.S. Congress passes the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Idaho is admitted as the 43rd U.S. state.

Vincent van Gogh shoots himself and dies two days later.

At Auburn Prison in New York, murderer William Kemmler becomes the first person to be executed by electric chair.

Anna Månsdotter, found guilty of the 1889 Yngsjö murder, becomes the last woman to be executed in Sweden.[better source needed]

The strongest storm in Finnish history kills at least three people.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounces polygamy.

The United States Congress establishes Sequoia National Park.

In Washington, D.C., the Daughters of the American Revolution is founded.

Malleco Viaduct in Chile, at the time "the highest railroad bridge in the world", is inaugurated by President José Manuel Balmaceda.

City and South London Railway: London's first deep-level tube railway opens between King William Street and Stockwell.

The Meiji Constitution goes into effect in Japan, and the first Diet convenes.

Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull is killed on Standing Rock Indian Reservation, leading to the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Wounded Knee Massacre: On Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, 300 Lakota are killed by the United States 7th Cavalry Regiment.

Following the Wounded Knee Massacre, the United States Army and Lakota warriors face off in the Drexel Mission Fight.