What happened in 1842

23 events　World 3, North America 9, Europe 7, Asia 1, Middle East 1, Africa 1, Oceania 1

Highlights of 1842

Feb 1North AmericaThe modern-day Willamette University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the western United States, is established in Salem, Oregon as "The Oregon Institute". The first students begin classes begin on August 13, 1844.
Feb 7AfricaBattle of Debre Tabor: Ras Ali Alula, Regent of the Emperor of Ethiopia, defeats warlord Wube Haile Maryam of Semien.
Apr 13Middle EastFirst Anglo-Afghan War: Battle of Jellalabad – British troops are victorious.
Aug 29AsiaThe Treaty of Nanking, an unequal treaty between the United Kingdom and Qing dynasty China, ends the First Opium War, and establishes Hong Kong as a British colony (later a British dependent territory until 1997).
Sep 16WorldThe Treaty of Chushul ends the Dogra–Tibetan war (Sino-Sikh War).
EuropeThe Polynesian islands of Tahiti and Tahuata are declared a protectorate of France.

May 5The Great fire of Hamburg in Germany destroys around one-third of the city centre and kills 51.
Jul 8The total solar eclipse of July 8, 1842 is visible from Asia.
Sep 16The Treaty of Chushul ends the Dogra–Tibetan war (Sino-Sikh War).

Feb 1The modern-day Willamette University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the western United States, is established in Salem, Oregon as "The Oregon Institute". The first students begin classes begin on August 13, 1844.
Mar 17The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, forerunner to the philanthropic and educational women's organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is formally organized.
May 19Dorr Rebellion: Militiamen supporting Thomas Wilson Dorr attack the arsenal in Providence, Rhode Island, but are repulsed.
Aug 9The Webster–Ashburton Treaty is signed between the United States and United Kingdom, establishing the United States–Canada border east of the Rocky Mountains.
SepWesleyan University is established in Ohio.
Nov 26The University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana (United States) is established by Father Edward Sorin, of the Roman Catholic Congregation of Holy Cross.
Dec 7The New York Philharmonic, founded by Ureli Corelli Hill, performs its first concert.
Dec 20The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, is established.
Villanova University (in Villanova, Pennsylvania by the Augustinian order).

Jan 8Delft University of Technology is established by William II of the Netherlands, as a 'Royal Academy for the education of civilian engineers'.
Mar 9Giuseppe Verdi's third opera Nabucco premieres at La Scala in Milan; its success establishes Verdi as one of Italy's foremost operatic composers.
Mar 28The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, founded by Otto Nicolai, performs its first concert.
May 8Versailles rail accident: A train traveling between Versailles and Paris, France derails, due to a broken locomotive axle, and catches fire, killing at least 55 passengers in the locked carriages.
Aug 10The Mines and Collieries Act 1842 in the United Kingdom makes it illegal for women and girls of any age, and boys under ten years, to work underground.
OctNovember 10 & 19 – London debtor's prisons the Fleet Prison and Marshalsea are closed and inmates transferred to Queen's Bench Prison. Pentonville Prison for criminals is completed in north London this year.
The Polynesian islands of Tahiti and Tahuata are declared a protectorate of France.

Aug 29The Treaty of Nanking, an unequal treaty between the United Kingdom and Qing dynasty China, ends the First Opium War, and establishes Hong Kong as a British colony (later a British dependent territory until 1997).

Apr 13First Anglo-Afghan War: Battle of Jellalabad – British troops are victorious.

Feb 7Battle of Debre Tabor: Ras Ali Alula, Regent of the Emperor of Ethiopia, defeats warlord Wube Haile Maryam of Semien.