In 1881, many important events occurred:
- Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain.
- Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin was born.
- Alexander II was assassinated.
- Clara Barton formed The American Red Cross.
- Atatürk, the founder of the modern state of Turkey, was born.
- Benjamin Disraeli died.
- Billy the Kid died.
- Rutherford B. Hayes, Chester A. Arthur and James Garfield (assassinated) were all in the White House.