This Week in History: May 22-28, 2017
for human events ever resemble those of preceding times.”
Machiavelli
May 22
1807 – Former Vice President Aaron Burr is tried for treason in Richmond, Virginia. It is alleged that Burr plotted to annex Spanish territories in Louisiana and part of Mexico to establish an independent territory. Burr is acquitted for lack of evidence that he acted on his plot.
1819 – The first steam-propelled vessel to cross Atlantic leaves Savannah, Georgia.
1842 – Farmers Lester Howe and Henry Wetsel discover Howe Caverns in Schoharie County, New York, when they stumble upon a large hole in the ground. Howe opens the cave to tours in 1843.