Timeline January 1877

Events in January 1877 3

• 1794 – 1877 Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) Died 4 January 1877, aged 82 Cornelius Vanderbilt built a fortune in steamships and railroads, controlling the New York Central Railroad and much of the rail traffic into New York City. At his death he was among the wealthiest men in American history and left the bulk of his estate to his son William. He endowed Vanderbilt University with a founding gift in 1873.
• 1877 Queen Victoria proclaimed Empress of India Delhi Durbar marks new imperial title At a ceremonial assembly in Delhi on 1 January 1877, Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India, a title created under the Royal Titles Act of 1876. Viceroy Lord Lytton presided over the durbar before an assembly of Indian princes and British officials. The title underscored direct Crown rule over India following the end of East India Company administration.
• 1877 Satsuma Rebellion Samurai uprising against the Meiji government Disaffected samurai in southwestern Japan, led by Saigo Takamori, rose against the modernizing Meiji government's abolition of samurai privileges. Imperial conscript forces defeated the rebels after months of fighting, culminating in the Battle of Shiroyama. The rebellion was the last major armed challenge to the new Japanese state and ended the samurai class as a military force.