Timeline October 1858

Events in October 1858 4

• 1858 Donati's Comet dazzles observers worldwide Brightest comet of the 19th century becomes the first comet ever photographed Italian astronomer Giovanni Battista Donati discovered the comet in June 1858, and it grew visible to the naked eye across Europe and North America by autumn. It was the first comet ever photographed and inspired numerous paintings of the era. The comet is not expected to return for roughly two thousand years.
• 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates Seven debates over slavery expansion during the Illinois Senate race Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held seven public debates across Illinois while competing for a US Senate seat, focusing on the expansion of slavery into new territories. Douglas won the election, but the debates gave Lincoln national prominence. Transcripts were widely reprinted in newspapers across the country.
• 1858 Wilhelm becomes regent of Prussia Prince Wilhelm assumes power as King Frederick William IV is incapacitated Prince Wilhelm of Prussia was formally appointed regent after his brother, King Frederick William IV, suffered a series of strokes that left him unable to rule. The change ushered in a more liberal period known as Prussia's New Era and put Wilhelm on the path to becoming German Emperor in 1871. He appointed a more moderate cabinet than his brother's.
• 1858 – 1919 Theodore Roosevelt 26th President — Trust Buster, conservationist Theodore Roosevelt (Oct 27, 1858 – Jan 6, 1919) was the 26th President 1901-1909, youngest ever at age 42. He busted monopolies, built the Panama Canal, won the Nobel Peace Prize, and created the national parks system.