A Year In History: 1801

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This Year in History:

1801

Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

February 17

Thomas Jefferson is elected third U.S. president

On February 17, 1801, Thomas Jefferson is elected the third president of the United States. The election constitutes the first peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another in the United States.…

U.S. Presidents

December 24

Richard Trevithick introduces his “Puffing Devil”

British inventor Richard Trevithick takes seven of his friends for a test ride on his “Puffing Devil,” or “Puffer,” the first steam‑powered passenger vehicle, on December 24, 1801. Unlike the…

Inventions & Science

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Thomas Jefferson is elected third U.S. president

Richard Trevithick introduces his “Puffing Devil”

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