What happened in 1855

4 entries recorded for 1855, listed by date. That was 171 years ago.

1855 at a glance

Years ago
171 (as of 2026)
Century
19th century
Decade
1850s
Generation born
Before the named generations
Entries here
4
Breakdown
4 historical events

February

  • February 9

    Devil's Footprints

    Historical event

    A series of hoof-like marks in the snow continuing through the countryside for some 40 to 100 miles (60 to 160 km) were discovered in Devon, England.

  • February 12

    Michigan State University

    Historical event

    The precursor of Michigan State University in East Lansing was founded as the United States' first agricultural college.

May

  • May 3

    Mercenary

    Historical event

    A group of American mercenaries led by William Walker set sail from San Francisco to conquer Nicaragua.

July

  • July 13

    Province of Canada

    Historical event

    Firefighters in Toronto, Canada, destroyed the infrastructure of a visiting circus; police refusal to identify rioters caused widespread protest and a complete redesign of the city's police service.

Questions about 1855

What happened in 1855?

This site records 4 entries for 1855, including Devil's Footprints on February 9. They are listed below by date.

How long ago was 1855?

171 years ago, counting from 2026. Anyone born in 1855 turns 171 this year.

Which century is 1855 in?

1855 falls in the 19th century, in the 1850s.

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