Andrew Pace
The year 1891 was an eventful one, with several notable occurrences across the world. From the introduction of the first game of basketball by James Naismith to the first transmission of alternating current, the year witnessed a range of innovations and milestones. In the political sphere, the Chilean Civil War broke out, while the Lakota chiefs agreed to surrender at Pine Ridge Reservation. The year also saw the births of several notable individuals, including Zora Neale Hurston, a novelist and folklorist, and Emiliano Mercado del Toro, the oldest war veteran. In the United States, the International Copyright Act was passed, and the first American Express traveller's cheque was cashed.
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What You'll Learn
The first game of basketball was introduced by James Naismith
In the late 19th century, James Naismith, a Canadian physical education teacher, invented a game that would revolutionize sports and leisure activities: basketball. The first-ever game of basketball was played in December 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, where Naismith taught at the Springfield College (then known as the International YMCA Training School).
Naismith's invention was a response to the need for an indoor winter activity to keep the young men in the area fit and entertained during the colder months. Outdoor sports like baseball and football were not feasible during New England winters, so an indoor game was necessary. Naismith sought to create a game that was interesting and challenging but not too demanding physically, as the gymnasium where it would be played had balconies and windows which could be damaged by a more rough-and-tumble game.
The first game was played with two teams of nine players each, using a soccer ball and two peach baskets nailed to balconies at either end of the gym. The objective was to throw the ball into the opponent's basket, and after each score, the game was halted so that a ladder could be used to retrieve the ball from the basket. This new game immediately caught on and was quickly adopted by other local schools and YMCA chapters.
Naismith's original rules were published in a local newspaper, and they already included many aspects of the game that are still fundamental today: dribbling, passing, and shooting. However, there were also some key differences from the modern game. For example, players were not allowed to run while dribbling the ball, and goal tending (interfering with the ball when it is on its way to the basket) was actually encouraged as a way to prevent scoring.
Over time, the game evolved, and within a few years, five-player teams became the norm, and the game became more structured and organized. The peach baskets were replaced with metal hoops and backboards, and the retrieval of the ball after each score was streamlined with the introduction of open-bottomed nets. These changes allowed for a faster-paced game and contributed to the sport's growing popularity.
Basketball quickly spread across the United States and beyond, becoming one of the world's most popular sports. James Naismith's invention not only created a new competitive sport but also a cultural phenomenon that has influenced fashion, music, film, and language. The game has produced legendary players, iconic teams, and unforgettable moments, all stemming from that first game played in a Springfield gymnasium over a century ago.
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The first long-distance transmission of alternating current
On June 21, 1891, the first long-distance transmission of alternating current was made from the Ames Hydroelectric Generating Plant, near Telluride, Colorado, by Lucien and Paul Nunn.
The Ames plant, constructed in 1890, was one of the first hydroelectric alternating current power plants. The development of alternating current transformers allowed electricity to be generated at low voltages and transmitted at high voltages over long distances. This reduced the cost of conductors and energy losses.
In 1890, a transmission of single-phase electricity from a hydroelectric generating plant in Oregon at Willamette Falls sent power fourteen miles downriver to Portland for street lighting. The following year, another transmission system was installed in Telluride, Colorado, and the first long-distance transmission of alternating current was made from the Ames plant.
The first three-phase system was established in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1891. The Tivoli-Rome transmission was completed in 1892, and the San Antonio Canyon Generator became the third commercial single-phase hydroelectric AC power plant in the United States to provide long-distance electricity when it was completed on December 31, 1892. It provided power to the city of Pomona, California, which was 14 miles away.
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The first American Express traveller's cheque
In 1891, American Express introduced its first traveller's cheques, revolutionizing the way people travelled and accessed funds abroad. This innovation was a significant development in the company's history and had a lasting impact on the travel industry as a whole. Here's a detailed account of the introduction of the first American Express traveller's cheques:
The concept of traveller's cheques was conceived by American Express as a way to provide travellers with a secure and convenient alternative to carrying large sums of cash on their journeys. Before their introduction, travellers often faced the risky proposition of carrying bulky amounts of cash or dealing with the hassle of negotiating bills of exchange, which were not always honoured abroad. The traveller's cheque was designed as a prepaid instrument that could be easily redeemed by the bearer for goods, services, or cash, offering both safety and peace of mind.
On January 9, 1891, American Express issued its first batch of traveller's cheques, known then as "Express Cheques," with denominations of $10, $20, $50, and $100. These cheques were widely accepted and could be cashed at banks, hotels, and transportation companies that had agreements with American Express. The cheques featured a signature line, where the purchaser would sign their name, and a counter-signature line, where the recipient or merchant would sign to receive payment. This dual-signature system provided an additional layer of security, as it required the bearer to provide identification and sign in the presence of the merchant, matching the signature on the cheque.
American Express took great care in marketing the security and convenience of its traveller's cheques. They were promoted as a safer alternative to cash, as they could be replaced if lost or stolen, a feature that was particularly appealing to travellers venturing into unfamiliar territories. The company also established a worldwide network of agents and locations where the cheques could be cashed, ensuring their widespread acceptance and convenience for travellers.
The introduction of traveller's cheques marked a significant shift in the way people managed their finances while travelling. It offered a sense of security and ease that was previously unavailable. The success of this product led to its widespread adoption, and American Express traveller's cheques became a trusted companion for international travellers throughout the 20th century. The distinctive look and functionality of these cheques became synonymous with global exploration and adventure.
The legacy of the first American Express traveller's cheques extends beyond their practical use. They represented a pivotal moment in the evolution of the travel industry, paving the way for modern travel finances and shaping the experiences of generations of adventurers, businessmen, and explorers. Today, while traveller's cheques may have been largely superseded by modern digital payment methods, their introduction in 1891 remains a testament to American Express's innovative spirit and their commitment to facilitating seamless and secure global travel.
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![The Indians' revenge; or, Days of horror. Some appalling events in the history of the Sioux. By Rev. Alexander Berghold. 1891 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41TPblb3+nL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The British steamship SS Utopia sank off Gibraltar
In 1891, numerous significant events took place around the globe, one of which was the sinking of the British steamship SS Utopia off the coast of Gibraltar. This incident, which occurred on March 17, 1891, in the early morning hours, shocked the maritime world and led to a series of investigations and inquiries that had lasting impacts on naval safety regulations. Here is a detailed account of the tragedy that befell the SS Utopia.
The SS Utopia, a steam-powered passenger ship, was built in 1874 by the renowned shipbuilders John Elder & Company of Glasgow, Scotland. Owned by the Anchor Line, which was later absorbed into the Cunard Line, the Utopia was designed for both cargo and passenger transport, boasting luxurious accommodations for travelers of that era. On March 6, 1891, the Utopia embarked on what would be its final voyage from Trieste, Austria-Hungary (now Italy), bound for London, with scheduled stops at Naples and Gibraltar.
As the Utopia approached Gibraltar in the early morning of March 17, the weather conditions were less than ideal, with strong winds and reduced visibility due to rain and fog. The ship was navigating the Bay of Gibraltar when, around 3:40 a.m., it collided with the SS Anson, a British iron-hulled cargo steamship that was leaving Gibraltar. The Anson had departed from Liverpool and was en route to Bombay, India (now Mumbai). The collision was catastrophic, resulting in significant damage to the Utopia's hull, and it began to sink rapidly.
The exact sequence of events during the collision and the subsequent response has been the subject of much analysis and inquiry. It is believed that the Anson, despite having sighted the Utopia's lights, misjudged the distance and speed of the approaching ship due to the adverse weather conditions. The Utopia, unable to maneuver effectively in the strong winds, was struck on its port side by the Anson's bow, causing extensive damage below the waterline. The rapid flooding of the Utopia's lower decks meant that the ship's pumps were unable to keep up with the incoming water, and the ship listed to port, making the launching of lifeboats difficult.
The aftermath of the collision was tragic, with a significant loss of life. Of the 69 passengers and 126 crew members aboard the Utopia, only 38 passengers and 60 crew survived. The majority of the casualties were passengers, many of whom were asleep in their cabins when the collision occurred and were unable to escape the rapidly sinking ship. The inquiry that followed the disaster resulted in recommendations for improved safety measures, including the mandatory carrying of sufficient lifeboats for all passengers and crew, as well as stricter regulations regarding watch-keeping and navigation in congested waters.
The sinking of the SS Utopia off the coast of Gibraltar stands as a somber reminder of the perils of maritime travel during the late 19th century and prompted a reevaluation of naval safety protocols, contributing to safer seas for future generations of seafarers and passengers alike. This tragedy, along with other maritime disasters of that era, has left an indelible mark on the history of shipbuilding and navigation.
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The Chilean Civil War of 1891 ends
On January 16, 1891, the Chilean Civil War broke out. The conflict, which lasted until September 18, 1891, was a result of political disagreements between the President of Chile, José Manuel Balmaceda, and the Chilean Congress.
The war saw a confrontation between the Chilean Army, which supported the President, and the Chilean Navy, which backed Congress. Despite President Balmaceda's confidence in his army's loyalty, the Congressional forces had an early advantage with the support of the navy and the people. In April 1891, the Revolutionary Junta prosecuted the war, and by the end of the month, the "rebels" controlled the area from the Peruvian border to the outposts of the Balmacedists at Coquimbo and La Serena.
In June 1891, President Balmaceda ordered a presidential election, and Claudio Vicuña was declared the winner for the term starting in September 1891. However, the Congressionalist Army continued to gain momentum, and on August 24, they approached the capital from the southeast, surprising the Balmacedists, who had expected a demoralized force.
The war ended with the defeat of the Chilean Army and the presidential forces, and the suicide of President Balmaceda on September 18, 1891, the same day his term ended. This marked the end of the Liberal Republic and the beginning of the Parliamentary Era in Chile. The civil war was a violent reaction to Balmaceda's economic policies and resulted in more than 10,000 deaths and significant military expenditures.
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Frequently asked questions
Notable people born in 1891 include:
- Zora Neale Hurston, novelist and folklorist
- Emiliano Mercado del Toro, Puerto Rican supercentenarian and war veteran
- Minna Craucher, Finnish socialite and spy
- Michael Chekhov, Russian-American actor and theatre director
Notable deaths in 1891 include:
- Preston B. Plumb, U.S. Senator from Kansas
- Marion McKinley Bovard, first president of the University of Southern California
- George Hearst, U.S. Senator from California
- P. T. Barnum, showman, businessman, and politician
Some significant events of 1891 include:
- The first official game in the Argentine Association football league was held in Buenos Aires.
- The first American Express traveller's cheque was cashed.
- The British steamship SS Utopia sank in the inner harbour of Gibraltar, killing 564.
- The first working escalator was invented by Jesse W. Reno and installed as an attraction at the Old Iron Pier, Coney Island, New York City.
