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1861 - First public schoolhouse opens at Washington and Mason Street, San Francisco.

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1861 - Birth of Samuel D Riddle horse owner (Man 'o War).

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1862 - US Congress outlaws polygamy (first time); bad news for Utah.

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1862 - Lincoln appoints Isaac Newton sec of agriculture.

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1862 - Day 7 of the 7 Days - Battle of Malvern Hill.

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1863 - The Battle of Gettysburg begins in Pennsylvania, as a Confederate division under General Henry Heth clashes with three brigades of Union cavalry.

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1863 - Free city delivery of mail begins in 49 US cities; postage 3 cents per ounce.

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1867 - Dominion of Canada formed (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Québec).

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1869 - US mint at Carson City, Nevada opens.

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1872 - Birth of Louis Blériot first man to fly an airplane across English Channel.

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