Florence Academy is established.

Kentucky's fourth constitution goes into effect. It retains all the slave provisions from the previous constitution, and now requires emancipated slaves to leave the state.

President Zachary Taylor dies. He is succeeded by Millard Fillmore.

The Fugitive Slave Law, part of Henry Clay's Compromise of 1850, is passed. Assistance by government officials in capturing runaway slaves is now required.

P.T. Barnum brings Swedish soprano Jenny Lind to the U.S. Enormous crowds turn out to hear the “Swedish Nightingale.”