What happened in 1838

5 entries recorded for 1838, listed by date. That was 188 years ago.

1838 at a glance

Years ago
188 (as of 2026)
Century
19th century
Decade
1830s
Generation born
Before the named generations
Entries here
5
Breakdown
5 historical events

February

  • February 17

    Great Trek

    Historical event

    Great Trek: Zulu impis massacred about 532 Voortrekkers, Khoekhoe, and Basuto near present-day Weenen, South Africa.

March

  • March 18

    John Wood (explorer)

    Historical event

    The British soldier-explorer John Wood came close to rediscovering the ancient Greco-Bactrian city of Ai-Khanoum in modern Afghanistan.

June

  • June 10

    Indigenous Australians

    Historical event

    At least 28 unarmed Indigenous Australians were massacred at Myall Creek, New South Wales.

  • June 19

    Maryland

    Historical event

    The Maryland province of the Jesuits contracted to sell 272 slaves to buyers in Louisiana in one of the largest slave sales in American history.

October

  • October 5

    Cherokee

    Historical event

    A Cherokee band attacked settlers near Larissa, Texas, killing or abducting 18 people.

Questions about 1838

What happened in 1838?

This site records 5 entries for 1838, including Great Trek on February 17. They are listed below by date.

How long ago was 1838?

188 years ago, counting from 2026. Anyone born in 1838 turns 188 this year.

Which century is 1838 in?

1838 falls in the 19th century, in the 1830s.

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