Historical eventNovember 71837

Abolitionism in the United States

American abolitionist Elijah Parish Lovejoy was murdered by a pro-slavery mob in Alton, Illinois, during an attack to destroy his printing press and abolitionist materials.

Everything on November 7Original source

In context

When
Tuesday, November 7 1837189 years ago
Category
Historical eventA dated happening — a battle, treaty, launch, discovery, disaster or decision — recorded on this calendar day.
Era
19th century · 1830s
Recorded from
Wikipedia “On this day” feed

Russia, Greece and some other countries used the Julian calendar into the early 20th century, so local records may show a date up to 13 days earlier.

At a glance

Dates: From 1837.

What happened

American abolitionist Elijah Parish Lovejoy was murdered by a pro-slavery mob in Alton, Illinois, during an attack to destroy his printing press and abolitionist materials.

November 7 through the years

Other entries on the same calendar day, in order.

  1. 1837Abolitionism in the United States
  2. 1996NASA
  3. 2000Drug Enforcement Administration
  4. 20002000 United States presidential election
  5. 2000Hillary Clinton
  6. 2004Iraq War
  7. 2007Jokela school shooting
  8. 20122012 Guatemala earthquake
  9. 2017Shamshad TV
  10. 2020Joe Biden
  11. 2023António Costa

Also in 1837

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  • March 4ChicagoChicago was incorporated as a city.
  • July 4Grand Junction RailwayThe Grand Junction Railway, the world's first long-distance railway with steam traction, opened between Birmingham and Newton Junction.
  • August 16DaagaDaaga and two other African soldiers in the British Army's 1st West India Regiment were executed for their role in the St. Joseph Mutiny…
  • April 241837 Surat fireA fire broke out in Surat, India, which went on to destroy about 75% of the city.
  • February 8Richard Mentor JohnsonRichard Mentor Johnson became the only person ever to be elected Vice President of the United States by the Senate.
  • June 20Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria (pictured) acceded to the British throne, beginning a 63-year reign.
  • June 11YankeeTensions between Yankees and Irish Americans in Boston, Massachusetts, erupted in the Broad Street Riot.

Everything we record for 1837 →

Sources

Cite this page

“Abolitionism in the United States”, What's On This Date, https://whatsonthisdate.com/app/event/abolitionism-in-the-united-states-1837-november-7, accessed October 28, 2026.

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Questions about this entry

When did Abolitionism in the United States happen?

November 7 1837 — 189 years ago, on a Tuesday.

Where does this text come from?

Wikipedia “On this day” feed. Summaries are short adaptations that link back to the source, not reprints.

How do I cite this page?

Use the ready-made citation near the sources at the bottom of the page, and follow the source link to cite the underlying record as well.

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