1850-1860 1850 The Plague: Pandemic strikes the world. Millions die. 1850 Taylor dies: Millard Fillmore becomes 13th President on Jul 9. 1850 The Compromise of 1850; on the slave debate for the territories. 1850 California admitted as 31st state on Sep 9. 1850 Fugitive Slave Act, Sep 18, requires return to owners. 1851 Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin published. Adds to slavery tensions. 1851 Isaac Singer granted a patent for his sewing machine. 1852 Death of Daniel Webster, October 24. Did he really say, "... have I ... said anything unworthy of Daniel Webster?" 1853 Franklin Pierce becomes 14th President on Mar 4. 1853 Jefferson Davis appointed Secretary of War by President Pierce. 1853 Gadsden Purchase brings some Mexican territory into U.S.A. 1853 Commodore Matthew Perry opens trade routes with Japan, July 14. 1854 Kansas - Nebraska Act. Provides springboard for Abe Lincoln. 1854 Republican Party formed under John Fremont in Ripon, WI, 28 February. 1855 Soo Canal opens upper Great Lakes to commercial navigation. 1855 Longfellow uses name of Six Nation's heroine, Hiawatha, in mythical poem. 1856 Western Union Telegraph Co. established in Cleveland. 1856 Cocaine extracted from cocoa leaves, but has no legitimate use. 1857 James Buchanan becomes 15th President on Mar 4. 1857 Dred Scott decision handed down by Supreme Court, March 6. 1857 Transatlantic cable begins; used briefly in 1858. Replaced in 1866. 1858 Minnesota admitted as 32nd state on May 11. 1858 Abraham Lincoln warns that "A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand." 1859 Oregon admitted as 33rd state on Feb 14. 1859 Harpers Ferry armory raided by abolitionist John Brown. Colonel Robert E. Lee commands U.S. Army troops in response. 1859 Drake puts down first oil well in U.S.A., Titusville, PA.