What happened in 1856
7 entries recorded for 1856, listed by date. That was 170 years ago.
1856 at a glance
- Years ago
- 170 (as of 2026)
- Century
- 19th century
- Decade
- 1850s
- Generation born
- Before the named generations
- Entries here
- 7
- Breakdown
- 7 historical events
January
- January 29
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria introduced the Victoria Cross, originally to recognise acts of valour by British military personnel during the Crimean War.
May
- May 14
Henry C. Wayne
Major Henry C. Wayne arrived in Indianola, Texas, with 34 camels to form the short-lived United States Camel Corps.
- May 21
Sacking of Lawrence
A crowd of about 800 pro-slavery Americans ransacked the town of Lawrence, Kansas.
- May 22
Charles Sumner
Senator Charles Sumner (pictured) was assaulted by Representative Preston Brooks in the United States Senate chamber in retaliation for a speech in which Sumner fiercely criticized slaveholders.
June
- June 9
Mormon handcart pioneers
The first company of Mormon handcart pioneers left Iowa City for Salt Lake City, Utah.
November
- November 6
Scenes of Clerical Life
The first story from the collection Scenes of Clerical Life by the English author George Eliot was submitted for publication.
- November 27
William III of the Netherlands
William III (pictured) unilaterally revised the constitution of Luxembourg, greatly expanding his powers as grand duke.
Questions about 1856
What happened in 1856?
This site records 7 entries for 1856, including Queen Victoria on January 29. They are listed below by date.
How long ago was 1856?
170 years ago, counting from 2026. Anyone born in 1856 turns 170 this year.
Which century is 1856 in?
1856 falls in the 19th century, in the 1850s.
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